Life — September 28, 1916 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is **primarily an advertisement** for Reo Motor Car Company of Lansing, Michigan, not political satire. The large engraving shows an ornate letter "R" in decorative serif style—a common typographic element in early 20th-century advertising design. The accompanying text emphasizes Reo's business philosophy, claiming adherence to the "Golden Rule" in manufacturing and customer relations. The ad's message targets middle-class consumers: Reo promises quality products ("The Gold Standard of Values"), honest business practices, and consistency of values over time. This reflects early automotive-era marketing that appealed to consumer trust and ethical business conduct rather than purely technical specifications. There is **no political cartoon or satire present** on this page.