Life — May 3, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Page Analysis This page contains two satirical pieces: **Top cartoon:** Shows mounted riders (appearing to be wealthy or upper-class women) on horseback passing pedestrians. The caption mocks discussion of "birth control" at a Waldorf (an elite venue), with commentary that such talk makes the speaker "shudder"—satirizing conservative outrage over contraception discussion among the wealthy. **Bottom article "A Wicked Word":** Argues against the term "servant," proposing "help" assistants instead. The piece critiques how the word "servant" carries negative connotations, yet paradoxically argues housework deserves respect as skilled labor. It questions why employers control household spending and policy while servants (or "help") execute work without corresponding authority—a commentary on class hierarchy and labor relations in early 20th-century America. The small cartoon "A Rumor Has Reached Europe" appears unrelated satirical commentary.