I feel like a fugitive from the law of averages

I feel like a fugitive from the law of averages

Bill Mauldin was an American cartoonist and author best known for his work during World War II. His most famous creations were the characters Willie and Joe, two weary and bedraggled infantrymen who represented the average American soldier's experience during the war. Mauldin's cartoons were beloved by soldiers and civilians alike for their humor, honesty, and humanity.

In the context of Mauldin's work, the phrase "I feel like a fugitive from the law of averages" takes on a deeper meaning. Mauldin's cartoons often depicted the everyday struggles and triumphs of the average soldier, highlighting the absurdity and chaos of war. In this context, the "law of averages" could be seen as the statistical likelihood of a soldier facing danger, hardship, or even death in combat.

For Mauldin, who served as an infantryman in the 45th Infantry Division during the war, the idea of being a "fugitive from the law of averages" could be interpreted as a feeling of disbelief or incredulity at having survived the horrors of war. In his cartoons, Mauldin often portrayed Willie and Joe as scrappy underdogs who managed to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. They were not heroes in the traditional sense, but rather ordinary men who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Mauldin's work resonated with audiences because it captured the universal experience of feeling like an outsider or a misfit in a world that often seemed arbitrary and unfair. The phrase "I feel like a fugitive from the law of averages" could be seen as a reflection of the existential angst and uncertainty that many soldiers faced during the war. Mauldin's cartoons provided a voice for those who felt lost or disillusioned, offering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity in the face of adversity.