Life — September 18, 1913 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This single-panel cartoon depicts an elegantly dressed couple in an interior setting. A woman in an elaborate gown sits while a man in formal evening wear (tuxedo) stands nearby. The caption reads: "For goodness sake, Albert, don't begin complaining of hard times. You know very well that, in our position, we can't afford to economize." The satire targets wealthy upper-class hypocrisy during economic hardship. The woman's statement is paradoxical—she claims they cannot afford to cut expenses *because* of their high social status, suggesting that maintaining appearances and luxury is more important than actual financial prudence. This mocks the wealthy's self-serving rationalizations for continued extravagance while ordinary citizens struggle economically.