Life — August 23, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "On the American Plan" Cartoon Analysis This satirical cartoon depicts a restaurant scene where an impatient customer complains to a waiter about delayed service. The humor targets American restaurant management's inefficiency during what appears to be wartime rationing. The customer demands his "aeroplane soup," but the cook won't begin cooking until next month. When asked about grilled rifles, the cook claims they're "too old." The waiter then suggests ordering "canned ships" instead—none of which are available. The establishment's sign reads: "Our Corned Beef is Extremely Fresh" and denies responsibility for "hats, coats, umbrellas and statements from the Creel Board of Censors." The joke satirizes food shortages, military procurement confusion, and government censorship during what appears to be World War I era America.