Judge — April 30, 1927 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Cut-In" - A Judge Magazine Satire This cartoon satirizes the era's moral panic about modern leisure activities and their perceived dangers to proper social conduct. The title "Why Limit the Curfew to Dancing?" sarcastically proposes extending curfew restrictions beyond dancing to other recreational activities: motoring, diving, and canoeing. The cartoon shows disapproving authority figures (appearing to be judges or moralists) flanking scenes of young people enjoying these activities. The satire critiques overprotective regulation—suggesting that if society fears dancing corrupts youth, shouldn't they also ban cars, water sports, and other pastimes? The phrase "cut-in" refers to a dancing move considered scandalous at the time. The cartoon mocks the inconsistency of selective moral crusades against youth recreation, advocating either regulating everything or allowing more freedom.