Life — March 22, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Page 472 of Life Magazine - Content Analysis This page contains three distinct pieces: 1. **"Onward, Christian Soldier"** (top illustration): Shows a figure climbing a ladder while others below celebrate. The caption's religious military reference appears satirical about American patriotism and national service. 2. **"Humanity"** (middle): Earl Simonson's essay-poem critiques vague calls for "saving the nation" through humanitarian action, arguing that abstract idealism is meaningless without concrete definition. He suggests choosing practical good (a ham) over undefined noble causes. 3. **"Things We Shrink from Knowing"** (left column): Lists uncomfortable social truths—Delaware's whipping-post, suffragette treatment, Mexican disrespect, and governmental incompetence—suggesting Americans avoid acknowledging these uncomfortable realities. 4. **Fashion illustration** (right): Two women's clothing styles captioned "If You Had Your Choice, Which Would You Take?" - likely satirizing women's fashion choices or constraints. The page reflects progressive-era social criticism typical of Life magazine.