Life — May 12, 1904 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 457 This page satirizes American xenophobia following World War I. The headline "Exodus Number Two" references Biblical expulsion, comparing forced deportation of immigrants to the Exodus narrative. The dialogue mocks anti-immigrant sentiment: German and Irish characters speak broken English while discussing how to "get rid of" remaining Americans, suggesting they're "interferin' in politics." The bitter irony—foreigners planning to expel native Americans—inverts nativist fears about immigrant takeover. The small cartoon "Jumping at a Conclusion" reinforces the theme through caricature and physical comedy. The satirical point: American nativists' deportation schemes are absurd and morally equivalent to authoritarian expulsion. The piece criticizes post-WWI anti-immigrant hysteria by exposing its logical contradictions and cruelty.