Judge — October 9, 1926 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "So This Is Chicago!" This satirical cartoon depicts Chicago experiencing violent chaos—explosions, gunfire, crashed vehicles, and destruction throughout an urban landscape. The title suggests the image represents a visitor's or newcomer's shocked reaction to the city. The cartoon likely references Chicago's notorious reputation during Prohibition (1920s-1930s) for organized crime, gang violence, and police corruption. The abundance of weapons, explosions, and emergency vehicles suggests the cartoon criticizes the city's inability to maintain public safety and order. The exaggerated, chaotic scene functions as social commentary on Chicago's crime problem. The artist (signed "Forbell") appears to be mocking the city's lawlessness and presenting it as so extreme and widespread that violence and destruction have become the city's defining characteristic—presented ironically as a tourist attraction or defining feature.