Life — February 15, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Life" Magazine Page: "If Men Did Things as Women Do" This satirical piece presents a telephone conversation between "Hubert" and "Elmer," humorously reversing gender roles. The satire mocks stereotypical female behavior by depicting a man (Hubert) exhibiting exaggerated traits traditionally associated with women: gossiping extensively about acquaintances, obsessing over fashion details, emotional dramatics, and constant social preoccupation. The humor relies on early 20th-century gender stereotypes—the implication being that such behavior would be ridiculous if men engaged in it. The comic sketch satirizes women's perceived frivolousness while simultaneously critiquing men's social pretensions when adopting these behaviors. References to contemporary figures (Mary Jones, Chauncey Waxing, Rupert Railbird) and social activities (horse shows, tea-dances) ground the satire in the magazine's contemporary upper-class milieu.