Life — January 6, 1916 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 12 This page contains three distinct satirical pieces: 1. **"Pedigreed Babies"** mocks a new trend among wealthy American women adopting babies as fashionable accessories, similar to how they previously adopted dogs. The text credits Mrs. Finley Shepard with starting this fad. The satire suggests women's superficial desire to "pet something" drives this behavior. 2. **"Progress"** and **"Fair Game"** are brief humorous dialogues about social attitudes—one about pride, one about Peace season (appearing to reference hunting season for women, a dark joke about violence). 3. **"Willie Willis"** defines "condemned building" as one where owners employ excessive workers before demolition to maximize profits—a critique of labor exploitation and safety violations in construction. The cartoons use exaggerated illustration to amplify the satire's bite.