Life — October 16, 1913 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Buildings to Burn" — Life Magazine Satire This page satirizes American excess and destructiveness, comparing men's and women's extravagance. The article argues that while female extravagance has been criticized by sociologists, American men—particularly New Yorkers—are equally culpable: they appear "extraordinarily fond of burning buildings." The satire is darkly humorous. The author presents building fires as a "luxury" and "absolute necessity" for American men, citing 1911 London fire statistics to mock American carelessness. The implication: Americans are so wasteful they practically *enjoy* destructive fires, treating property loss as entertainment rather than tragedy. The accompanying illustrations ("The Convert" and "The Captive") appear to visualize this absurdist commentary on American male behavior and consumption patterns.