Life — July 5, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page **Top Cartoon - "The New Uniform":** Two military officers in new uniforms show a woman and children a portrait, saying "We're beginning to see the awful side of war now, aren't we, Mother?" The satire appears to mock soldiers who, despite witnessing war's horrors, still romanticize military service or fail to grasp its brutality. The "new uniform" likely refers to updated military dress that masks the grim realities of combat. **Bottom Cartoon - "Come On, You Slackers, Lend a Hand!":** Depicts dogs attempting to help struggling soldiers or refugees. This satirizes those avoiding military service ("slackers") during wartime, shaming them for not contributing while even animals appear willing to help. Both cartoons use WWI-era themes about patriotic duty and public participation in the war effort.