Life — March 9, 1916 — page 22: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a well-fed figure in formal dress (top hat and suit) riding in an automobile, while a ragged, impoverished person stands beside the vehicle. The subtitle clarifies the satire: "Especially if he fattens on the misfortunes of others." The cartoon criticizes wealthy individuals—likely businessmen or profiteers—who accumulate riches while ordinary people suffer hardship. The contrast between the portly, well-dressed driver and the desperate figure outside suggests exploitation: the rich grow fat (literally depicted) through others' economic misery. References to "war" and "stocks" visible on papers scattered around suggest this targets wartime profiteering or financial speculation that harms the poor. The satire condemns the moral bankruptcy of those who prosper from others' suffering.