Life, 1912-09-26 · page 42 of 48
Life — September 26, 1912 — page 42: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines a 1913 automobile advertisement with a satirical cartoon about ethnic stereotyping. **The Advertisement (left):** Gray & Davis markets an electric car starter, emphasizing it makes driving accessible to women—a progressive feature for the era, though the ad's framing reveals gender assumptions of the period. **The Cartoon (right):** Titled "Lend a Hand," it depicts what appears to be an employment or social interaction scene. The dialogue satirizes ethnic prejudice: a man is offended at being called various slurs (Irish, Dutch/German, and "slob"). The judge or authority figure questions the man's own identity and character, suggesting the cartoon mocks how people hurl ethnic insults while being equally offensive themselves. The satire targets casual bigotry and name-calling prevalent in early 20th-century America, where Irish, German, and other immigrant groups faced discrimination. By showing someone indignant at being stereotyped while embodying similar flaws, the cartoon critiques hypocrisy in ethnic prejudice.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
GRAY & DAVIS ELECTRIC STARTER (6 VOLTS) THE MOST POWERFUL MOTOR CAR STARTER The GRAY & DAVIS Electric Starter is absolutely positive in operation. Pressure on a pedal starts the engine. It makes every car an ideal car for a lady to drive. Requires but a 6 volt bat- tery. This is one of the big features. No annoyances or expense for charging—the Dynamo does it automatically. Will start an en- gine that has stopped on “dead center.” No complicated controls —only a simple switch. Will spin heaviest type of “Six” one and a half hours—propel it two miles. If car is stalled in traffic, this Starter instantly moves the car until engine “picks up” without having to throw out clutch, change gears or manipulate throttle. Without question, superior to any other Starter. Used by manu- facturers of America’s foremost automobiles, 1913 Peerless Cars are equipped with our Electric Lamps, Dynamo and Electric Starter. Demand the GRAY & DAVIS Electric Starter on the automobile you buy. GRAY & DAVIS Electric Lamps and Lighting Dynamo System offer maximum lighting efficiency. Any automobile equip- ped with GRAY & DAVIS QUALITY equipment is a good car to buy. Remember this when purchasing a car. Write for complete information GRAY & DAVIS, Inc., 55 Lansdowne St., Boston, Mass. Manufacturers of Automobile Lamps, Dynamos and Electric Starters LEND A MAND Reproduced in full color and attractively mounted on white stock, 12 x 16 inches, Sent prepaid upon receipt of 50 cents, LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY 17 West 31st St., New York MAN LIKE THAT. Pat: suppose Mk CALLED you OT AN IRISIE ME CALLED You A buTCHt sion?" “put VM NoT A DUTCHMAN.” «w SUPPOSE HE CALLED YOU THE KIND OF A SLOB THAT YOU ARi AN 1RISIC SLOB? = S65 53)