Life — September 2, 1915 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Josephus" - A Satirical Allegory This page presents a satirical story illustrated with two cartoons. "The National Bird" (top) depicts a cowboy confronting a long-legged bird—likely representing American expansionism or imperialism meeting resistance. The main text tells an allegory: Josephus, a satisfied man content with grape-juice, is tested by the Lord through an Adversary (representing critics/press). Despite pressure to change, Josephus refuses self-improvement and instead appoints a "Board of Experts" to shame his critics rather than reform himself. The Lord, disappointed, allows his decline. The bottom cartoon ("Does He Drink? Not Yet") shows three men in a vineyard, illustrating the story's moral about stubborn resistance to legitimate criticism. The satire likely targets American complacency, stubbornness regarding social reform, or specific contemporary political figures unwilling to address public concerns.