Life — February 13, 1908 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page The page features an article titled "Race Prejudice?" by William H. Corbin from the Chenango County Society at the Hotel Astor. Corbin argues that prejudice against Jewish immigrants in New York cities isn't actually prejudice but rather justified criticism of their behavior—describing them as "ignorant and dirty" but possessing "cunning" and "wicked" practices. The accompanying photograph shows a couple in formal dress labeled "The Boy I Left Behind Me." The article represents early 20th-century antisemitic rhetoric, presenting ethnic stereotyping as rational observation rather than prejudice. This reflects the period's widespread anti-immigrant and antisemitic attitudes in American publications, even those claiming satire.