Life — May 28, 1914 — page 23: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration depicting early automobile chaos in an urban industrial setting. A motorist in an early automobile honks and makes noise ("HONK!", "Z-R-R-R-R!", "B-R-R-R BANG!") while pedestrians, cyclists, and factory workers scatter in alarm. The cartoon mocks the dangerous, loud intrusion of automobiles into city streets populated by traditional transportation (bicycles) and workers. The rubber factory sign and "Met. Elevated R.R." reference suggest a working-class urban environment. The dog's frightened reaction ("YOW-O!") emphasizes the vehicle's terrifying effect on street life. The satire critiques how automobiles disrupted established city traffic patterns and endangered pedestrians—a common concern during the automobile's early adoption period. The cartoon is signed by what appears to be "Cesare" or similar.