Life — May 25, 1899 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This satirical cartoon depicts a scene at what appears to be a customs inspection ("CELLS FOR SEARCHING WOMEN" visible on the sign). A woman in a long dress is being searched by female customs officials while male officials and other passengers observe. Items scattered on the ground suggest contraband being confiscated. The satire likely targets the invasive nature of customs searches, particularly the indignity imposed on women travelers. The title "LIFE" and the phrase "AMERICAN CUSTOMS" (partially visible) suggest this critiques U.S. border procedures as overly aggressive or embarrassing. The exaggerated expressions and theatrical positioning emphasize the humiliation aspect. The cartoon appears to mock both the excessive zeal of customs enforcement and the uncomfortable position it places female travelers in—a commentary on privacy invasion justified by security protocols.