Life — February 7, 1918 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This is a satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine (page 211) depicting a large military or naval officer labeled "MRS" confronting a small child riding a toy. The child's toys are labeled "PETTY JEALOUSIES" and "POLITICS," positioned on what appears to be a platform labeled "BROWNING CLUB." The officer says: "AND WHO ARE YOU?" and "I AM THE UNITED STATES ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. CONGRATULATIONS! YOU LOOK IT!" The satire appears to mock either excessive militarism or government overspending on weapons/ordnance, contrasting the massive military establishment with trivial civilian concerns (petty jealousies, politics). The cartoon criticizes disproportionate military resources or the military's dominance in American policy, suggesting the vast defense apparatus dwarfs more modest civilian pursuits. The specific historical context and target remain unclear without additional dating information.