Life — December 27, 1888 — page 30: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration depicting the Pilgrims/Puritans (identifiable by their characteristic colonial dress and bonnets) encountering Native Americans. The cartoon appears to criticize Puritan hypocrisy regarding their neighbors—likely referencing the contradiction between Puritan moral self-righteousness and their actual treatment of Native peoples. The OCR'd text (heavily corrupted) appears to discuss Puritan conduct and morality, though specific details are illegible. The illustration's title and composition suggest this is social commentary on how the Puritans presented themselves versus their actions, a common satirical theme in Life magazine's treatment of American historical mythology. Without clearer text, the precise satirical point remains somewhat unclear, but the juxtaposition of pious Puritans with indigenous people suggests commentary on colonial-era injustice masked by religious piety.