Life — March 21, 1918 — page 33: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a single cartoon from *Life* magazine (page 473) showing three well-dressed figures in what appears to be a formal social setting. Two men in suits flank a woman in an elaborate dress. The dialogue reads: "You must be very proud of your son, Mr. Scadds. What is he doing?" "Nothing; but he does it so well that you can't help admiring him." **The satire**: This is a social comedy mocking wealthy idleness. Mr. Scadds is portrayed as a father proud of his son despite—or because of—the boy's complete lack of accomplishment or employment. The joke satirizes the upper class's ability to maintain respectability and even admiration while doing nothing productive, suggesting that wealth and social polish can substitute for actual achievement or merit.