Life — June 29, 1911 — page 29: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes women's adoption of polo, a sport traditionally associated with wealthy men and international competition. The central illustration shows a woman on horseback attempting polo while chaos erupts around her—figures tumble from horses, equipment flies everywhere. The labeled vignettes mock specific scenarios: "When Aunt Prupella Gets the Fever" depicts an older woman's wild riding mishap; "Begin Early" shows aggressive training; "A Test of Proficiency" displays poor horsemanship; and "The Next International Challengers in Action" sarcastically suggests women could compete internationally. The cartoon ridicules women entering this elite male sport, emphasizing their supposed incompetence through exaggerated physical comedy. The title "The Polo Girl" treats the phenomenon as a social trend worthy of ridicule, reflecting early 20th-century anxieties about women's expanding athletic and social participation.