Life, 1912-10-24 · page 9 of 48
Life — October 24, 1912 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a *Life* magazine article on "Dignity" featuring an illustration titled "Journeys end—" showing a diverse cross-section of American society: politicians, socialites, working-class people, and children. The article critiques the lack of dignity in American public life. It argues that while historical figures like Emerson and J. Pierpont Morgan possessed dignity, contemporary politicians and society lack it. The text specifically ridicules yellow journalism in religious contexts and compares unfavorably American politicians to European royalty (King George, King Manuel of Portugal). The cartoon illustrates this theme: various social types are presented without clear hierarchy or distinction, suggesting modern America has democratized dignity away—everyone looks equally undignified.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Voter Y choice of a party depends On substantial advice from my friends, And I frequently find, A pliable mind, Productive of excellent ends. Dignity Is dignity any longer necessary? Once upon a time, when they had real pageants and real ambassadors, dignity was quite common. Now that we have political bosses and Presi- dential candidates, it is rapidly going out. A sense of humor without dignity is almost as bad as dignity without a sense of humor. On the other hand, “Journeys end—” it seems as though dignity was neces- sary to head waiters, floor walkers and Senators. It is about their only stock in trade. Presidents—as we have in- timated—can get along without it Magnates at one time preserved a show of dignity; and then Carnegie came. There is a dignity in books which is interesting. Gibbon’s “Rome” is probably the most dignified book on record. It contains, however, no humor. Burton's “Anatomy of Mel- ancholy” is not only humorous, but dignified, In America our most dignified au- thors have been Emerson and J. Pier- pont Morgan. There are no others. Possibly one of the reasons for the lack of dignity is the church. The in- troduction of brass bands on Sunday and the habit of preaching yellow jour- nalism from the pulpit have probably had their effect We do, however, see occasionally dignified children who shame us by their attitude—but they soon ourgrow at Among kings dignity is not so pro- nounced as of yore. King George tries to be dignified, but it is hard with Mary around. Czar Nicholas has tried to create a bomb proof dignity, but it is largely a sham. Alphonso of Spain plays polo, but not in a really dignified manner. And as for King Manuel of Portugal, he is almost as undignified as some of our politicians. comicbooks.com