Life, 1912-04-18 · page 36 of 54
Life — April 18, 1912 — page 36: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks New England's reputation for pessimism by reporting on an "Anti-Pessimist Society" formed to counteract a "Pessimists' Club." The humor lies in the absurdity of organizing to deny pessimism exists—the very act of creating such a society proves the opposite. The letter from the society's Boston secretary ironically attempts to demonstrate New England's joy by referencing figures like Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science founder) and Harvard's School of Philosophy, while dismissing earlier Puritan tradition as outdated. The satire suggests New Englanders' relentless self-promotion of cheerfulness actually confirms their dour reputation. The cartoons above show two women competing in genealogical boasting—one claiming Mayflower ancestry, the other one-upping with a great-granddaughter who married a duke. This satirizes New England's obsession with pedigree and social status as markers of superiority, further mocking the region's self-congratulatory nature.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
828 Opposition in New England The Anli-Pessimists’ Society Has Been Started to Counteract the Pessimists’ Clus—No More Pessimists Now in New England! Alas! and Alackaday ! E have received word that Pessimist Society has been start- ed in New England to counteract the reputation which the Pessimists’ Club has been giving that region. The fol- lowing letter from the society's Bos- ton secretary will explain: Dear Sir: It was bad enough that New land should have a reputation for pes- simism (which, by the way, is entirely unwarranted), but since your Pessi- mists’ Club was started this reputation has naturally been augmented, and we therefore beg leave to inform you that we shall fight you in every way possi le. We wish it distinct understood that there are no pessimists in New England. Your reflections upon C ton Mather and Roger Williams and r other Puritans and Pilgrims convey the idea that the spirit of these old- timers has persisted. You evidently forget Mrs, Eddy. Also the Harvard School of Philosophy. Also the An- cient and Honorable Artiller: We might mention many others, but this is enough. The spirit of joy pervades New England, from Mount Tom to Penob- and we propose to confine th tivities of the Pessimists’ Club to other regions and to have it understood that We are not a party to your dismal pro- ceedings. Secretary Other reports from various localities in New England indicate that the an pessimist society has been augmented daily and is now on a_ substantial basis. The headquarters is in Boston. and there are branches at Memphrema- gog, Casco Bay, East Hartford and Concord, Among other organizations may be mentioned the following : The Massachusetts Knights of “HOME, SWEET HOME!” Cheer. First Shade: 1, six, CAME OVER IN THE “ MAYFLC Second Shade: G'tLonc wiv you! THAT's NOTHING. GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER JUST MARRIED A DUKE. T Connceticut’ Valley Nutmeg Kevelers. The Vermont Joy Riders. At a recent convention of the Anti- Pessimist. Society the subject of the England village was taken up, with an idea of dispelling the popular impression that it is necessarily of gloom, Among other amu which are indulged in by all New Eng d villages, the following were tabi lated and officially recognized : May Houstcuessixe,—This is the most concentratedly joyful period of the year, during which every woman in the village is so absorbed in the tre- mendons joy of turning things upside down that every man can indulge him- self in any amusement that he likes without fear. Gone T0 4 Fire,—This is a sporadic amusement, and because of its unex- pectedness furnishes all the more spon- taneous pleasure. The progress of the i ne of the confla- ers to put the fire out before the (Continued on page $31)