Life — November 22, 1917 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Pied Piper of Prohibition" This satirical piece critiques **Hearst** (likely William Randolph Hearst, the powerful newspaper magnate), depicted as a pied piper leading a group of men away—presumably his editorial staff or journalists. The caption indicates these are "Good Fellowes" corrupted by his influence. The accompanying play script mocks Hearst's control over his employees and sensationalist journalism. References to "yellow-hued Hearsteria," "fake news reportorial," and his staff's blind loyalty suggest the satirist viewed Hearst's media empire as manipulative and corrosive to truth. The final section shifts to attacking American patriotism as commercialized hypocrisy—suggesting Hearst weaponized patriotic rhetoric while actually serving commercial interests rather than the nation's welfare.