Life — January 18, 1917 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine, Page 92: "Life's Contest in Criticism" This page presents reader submissions critiquing *Life* magazine itself. The cartoon (top right) shows a hot air balloon labeled "Life" with a gun shooting at it, captioned "Look out, Sam! They are getting your range." The visual joke depicts *Life* as a high-flying target under attack—a self-aware commentary on the magazine receiving critical letters from readers. The submissions discuss *Life*'s satirical approach, its class-based humor, and editorial standards. One letter praises *Life*'s "keen sense of the ridiculous" and non-partisan stance. Another criticizes editorial word choices and requests focus on "real life" topics. A third commends *Life*'s optimistic outlook. The page reflects *Life*'s role as a satirical publication inviting public feedback about its own editorial voice and social commentary approach.