Judge — February 20, 1932 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Our Own Olympics: The Pedestrian High Jump" This satirical cartoon from *Judge* magazine mocks ordinary urban life by framing it as Olympic competition. The scene depicts everyday pedestrians navigating city obstacles as if they were track-and-field events. The central figure performs a comedic "high jump" over a structural pole or barrier, while other figures engage in various pedestrian activities—some climbing, others interacting with urban infrastructure like lampposts and construction materials. The humor derives from treating mundane city navigation as legitimate athletic achievement. This satire likely critiques either the commercialization of the Olympics themselves, or the absurdity of modern urban existence where navigating crowded streets and obstacles becomes an unintentional athletic feat. The title suggests *Judge*'s characteristic blend of social observation and visual wit.