Life, 1916-02-17 · page 23 of 52
Life — February 17, 1916 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces from the early 20th century. **The Main Cartoon** depicts a social gathering where a man is asked about educating Black Americans. His response—that he believes in "higher education of society women"—is a dismissive joke equating women's intellectual capacity with that of Black people, mocking both groups simultaneously. The cartoon satirizes the prejudices of educated society. **"Some Expert Opinions on Preparedness"** parodies prominent political figures (identifiable by initials: W.J.B. likely William Jennings Bryan, T.R. likely Theodore Roosevelt) offering absurd commentary on military preparedness. Their responses mix boastful political ambition with military readiness, satirizing politicians' posturing around national defense—a relevant issue during the pre-WWI era. **"From a Diary"** offers brief sardonic observations about weather and politics, typical of Life's humorous filler content. The page's humor relies on readers recognizing contemporary political figures and understanding debates about race, gender, and military policy circa 1910-1915.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
wisteeyde. “DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO?” “WHY NOT? I EVEN BELIEVE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF SOCIETY WOMEN.” fellow,” she whispered, and fled down- stairs. . . * . * Kincaid came in at 6:10. “Supper ready?” he asked. She threw down the magazine she was reading. “I guess you won't starve !— It’s nothing but cook, cook all the time, anyway. I'm getting tired of it.” Kincaid saidnothing. His fingers were resting on the dining-table. When he took them away, there were little patches of varnish showing through the dust. She went out into the kitchen and wearily put on a torn apron. The sink was full of unwashed dishes. He saw them and was unwise enough to com- ment upon what he saw. She turned upon him like a flash. “Tf you don’t like to see them, wash them yourself,” she said. “I’m sick of housework, anyway.” Some Expert Opinions on Preparedness _ 'HERE is nothing in preparedness. I was quite prepared, on two dif- ferent occasions, to be President of the United States. Nothing doing. W. J.B. Be prepared—I am. I am ready to act as understudy for Will Hohenzol- lern, Joffre, Ferdinand or Villa at short notice. My stick is in my hand. I am also’ ready to lead the United States into war against anyone, at any time. T.R. I was ready to march into Paris, but the French weren't ready to have me. In a successful preparedness program everyone must be ready. Wituiam THE MaRTIAL, To prepare for peace, fill one boat with nuts, cranks and wheels; tie to dock and Ford stream. Henry THE PEACEMAKER. I am prepared to jump or run any way and always. I have to be. Duma, Boy. et al. If I hadn't been prepared for rain, where would you all be now? Noan. Anna Jane Harnwell. From a Diary Ten above zero. cold! If we got more weather from the South and not so many statesmen this would be a happier country. N. 18TH. Too HE flatterer makes believe to see us as we see ourselves,