In this 1890 Judge cover by Grant E. Hamilton, “La Grippe” — the flu epidemic then sweeping the country — is illustrated as a smug, cloaked visitor paying a call on a bedridden Uncle Sam. Bottles of patent “cures,” useless pills, and a wrecked sickroom complete the scene. It’s medical satire, yes, but also a criticism of how America responds when crisis walks in the door: too little preparation, too much bravado, and a nation left holding the bill. A century later, the image feels uncomfortably familiar.
As modern political movements deny science, sabotage public health, and treat national illness as a culture-war prop, this cartoon reminds us that epidemics don’t care about slogans — and that ignoring reality has always come with a cost.
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In this 1890 Judge cover by Grant E. Hamilton, “La Grippe” — the flu epidemic then sweeping the country — is illustrated as a smug, cloaked visitor paying a call on a bedridden Uncle Sam. Bottles of patent “cures,” useless pills, and a wrecked sickroom complete the scene. It’s medical satire, yes, but also a criticism of how America responds when crisis walks in the door: too little preparation, too much bravado, and a nation left holding the bill. A century later, the image feels uncomfortably familiar.
As modern political movements deny science, sabotage public health, and treat national illness as a culture-war prop, this cartoon reminds us that epidemics don’t care about slogans — and that ignoring reality has always come with a cost.
Add two mugs to your cart to receive an automatic bundle discount.
