Life — May 13, 1915 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes wealthy or elite social clubs by depicting "The Occult Club" — a darkly humorous visual pun. The image shows a demonic or supernatural figure hovering above a group of well-dressed men seated in what appears to be an exclusive club setting. The satire works on multiple levels: the title suggests these clubs operate with secrecy and hidden agendas (the "occult" meaning hidden knowledge), while the supernatural imagery implies their true nature or activities are sinister or otherworldly. The well-dressed attendees appear indifferent to the demonic presence, suggesting hypocrisy — that respectable society ignores or tolerates morally questionable behavior within exclusive institutions. The caption "Clubs We Do Not Care to Join" positions this as social commentary on exclusionary elite institutions.