Life — December 14, 1916 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Is Kansas Ordinary?" - Life Magazine Satire This page debates whether Kansas deserves its reputation as an "ordinary" state. President Wilson apparently called Kansas "a country exclusively populated by ordinary people" — meant as an insult. The text defends Kansas by listing notable citizens: John Brown (abolitionist), various editors and writers. It argues Kansas produced extraordinary people despite Wilson's dismissal. The cartoon titled "Nightmare of a Man Who Never Gives Tips" depicts a man tormented by angry spirits labeled with Kansas river names (Piker River, Stingy, Tightwad, Skinflint, Cimarron). The imagery suggests Kansas residents are miserly or cheap — playing on regional stereotypes. The satire works both ways: defending Kansas's actual contributions while poking fun at Kansans' supposed stinginess.