Judge — September 22, 1928 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Judge" Page Analysis: "Solving the Tunney Problem" This cartoon satirizes efforts to promote boxer Gene Tunney (likely after his 1926 victory over Jack Dempsey) as a wholesome public figure. The four panels mock the absurdity of various schemes to build Tunney's image: 1. **"Punk Outdoor Advertising"** – a long-court official attempts demonstrating Tunney's sophistication 2. **Central message** – "I hate the man who smokes" – positioning Tunney as a moral exemplar 3. **Kiddies' Book promotion** – trying to appeal to youth through anti-smoking messaging 4. **Final panel** – suggesting Tunney could become "the greatest British heavyweight champ" The satire ridicules the over-engineered, artificial nature of celebrity image-making and the desperation of handlers trying to transform a boxer into a morally upstanding public idol. The humor lies in the increasingly absurd promotional tactics.