Life — September 6, 1917 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a satirical cartoon from Life magazine depicting a military scene. The caption reads: "Of course we'll fire if you say so, Colonel, but it seems a shame, after the bear girls have just got it all clean." The cartoon shows mounted cavalry officers on horses, with what appears to be artillery or cannon equipment. The humor derives from a domestic/cleaning reference ("bear girls...got it all clean") being absurdly applied to military weaponry and combat preparation. The "bear girls" likely refers to a specific contemporary reference—possibly a musical act, sports team, or entertainment group popular at the time—though the exact reference is unclear without additional context. The satire appears to mock the disconnect between military readiness and civilian domestic concerns, or perhaps critiques unnecessary military expenditure or action.