Life, 1917-04-12 · page 34 of 42
Life — April 12, 1917 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several racist humor pieces typical of early 20th-century American publications: **"How the Disaster Occurred"** mocks Black workers through dialect humor, presenting a story where a Black man's wife overhears his threat to beat her and acts first—treating domestic violence as comedic material. **"Not Depraved"** uses similar racial caricature ("'Rastus Robbins," "Ah"), making light of a Black man's malapropism ("depravity" for "deprivation") in a street-car encounter. The page also includes period advertisements (Egyptian Deities cigarettes, "Mum" deodorant, Cortez cigars) and hotel/hotel promotion typical of Life's commercial content. **Modern context**: These pieces reflect deeply offensive racial stereotypes—exaggerated dialect, intellectual inferiority, and violence—that were normalized in mainstream American humor of this era. They're historically significant as evidence of institutionalized racism in popular media, not as entertainment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
UR_~ TO oO CONTEM OLISH FoR ARIES How the Disaster Occurred A gentleman in Cincinnati employs two negroes to work on his rather extensive gardens, which he personally oversees. One morning Sam did not appear. “Where is Sam, George?” he asked. “In de hospital, sab.” “In thé hospital? Why, how in the world did that happen?” “Well, Sam he been a-tellin’ me ev'y mo'nin’ foh ten yeahs, he gwine to lick his wife ‘cause o’ her naggin’, “Well?” “Well, yestiddy, she done ovahheah him. Da’s all.” —Ladies' Home Journal. Wine Jelly when flavored with Abbott's, Bitters is made more delightful and healthful. Sample of bitters by mail, Bets. in stampa. C. W. Abbott & Co, Baltimore, Md. Taking No Chances Bismarck one evening attended a gathering of prominent men at the house of a Russian nobleman. During all the conversation he was particularly sarcas- tic, cutting friends and opponents un- sparingly. When he rose to take his leave and walked downstairs, the host called a pet dog that was frisking about and led him to one side. “Are you afraid the dog will bite me?” asked Bismarck. “Oh, no,” replied the host; “I'm afraid you'll bite the dog."—Argonaut, Epitita was admiri frock. “Isn't it wonderful,” she said, “that all this silk comes from an insignificant worm! “Editha, is it necessary to refer to your father in that way?” her mother inquired reproachfully. her new summer w York Times. DEITIES a rehab | Pole fale rene | a Lone | PREFER Deities ing 12 Ypres Makers of the Highest Grade Turkish | and Egyptian Cigarettes in the World | (as easy to use as to say) takes all the odor out of perspiration and keeps skin and clothing fresh and sweet despite the natural effects of overheating. A snow-white, disappearing cream—will not harm nor stain. 25e—at drug: and department-stores. “Mum"" is a Trade Mark registered in the Patent Office in Washington, D. C. “MUM” MFG CO __1106 Chestnut St__Philad Zp voR 23 AGARS “MADE AT KEY WEST — MO The finest product of American cre the profitabl expenditure of more t! list Here congregate the distinguished representatives of the worlds of Fashion, Art, Literature, Science, Commerce and Statesmanship AMERICAN-EUROPEAN PLANS. cs OSEP WALTON MOTT, Gen. Not Depraved Miranda Miller took the seat in a strect car which 'Rastus Robbins had of- fered her with a great flourish. “Thank you evah so much, Mistah Robbins,” she said; “but Ah don't like to deprive you of youah seat.” “Oh,” said ‘Rastus with a greater flourish, “no depravity at all, Miss Mil- lah, none at all.” —Ladies’ Home Journal. English as She Is Spoke Knicker: Funny thing about food. Boc Yes, a shortage and a longing always exist at the same time. . —The Sun. comicbooks.com