Life — October 22, 1914 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 705 This page satirizes wealthy American tourists abroad, particularly those who behave arrogantly. The main article, "I Own the Earth," quotes a Chicago Tribune piece criticizing Americans traveling overseas who act as though they own the world. The text argues such tourists lack "thoroughly used" money—they've recently acquired wealth without proper refinement, leading to poor manners. The accompanying illustrations mock this behavior: one shows well-dressed men on a ship, likely depicting the stereotypical "ugly American" traveler; another sketch titled "Steerage" (right) contrasts wealthy tourists with poorer passengers. The critique reflects early 20th-century anxiety about newly wealthy Americans embarrassing their nation through crude behavior and entitlement while traveling internationally, a common satirical target during the era of American economic expansion.