Life, 1918-10-17 · page 11 of 38
Life — October 17, 1918 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes two distinct topics: **"To Domesticate the Bolshevik"** (top): A humorous guide treating Bolsheviks like wild animals to be tamed. The cartoon shows a "hunter" using tricks (repeating "Tovarish," offering food and tea) to lure a dangerous, armed Bolshevik into captivity. Once domesticated, he'll be groomed, bathed, and made "useful" — comparing political adversaries to animals requiring civilizing. This reflects post-Russian Revolution anti-communist sentiment prevalent in 1920s America. **"Pointers on Being Loved by a Middle-Aged Man"** (bottom): Advice for women courting older men — treat him as an equal, don't flaunt wealth, keep him surprised, avoid jealousy, call him "Boy." The cartoon illustrates a doctor's house visit, suggesting wealth and respectability. This offers cynical relationship guidance for navigating romance with established middle-aged suitors.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LIFE: To Domesticate the Bolshevik LTHOUGH the Bolshevik utilitarian purpose in his wild or native state and, when wandering about in large herds, even constitutes a menace, he may be domesticated and taught to perform many tasks, To trap a Bolshevik requires but little in- genuity. He usually is found in < groups, roaming aimlessly over his native heath, these groups being Z\ L easily located by the immense vol- umes of sound emanating from them. Having discovered such a group, stand quietly at s edge and single out a likely-looking Bolshevik. frequently repeating the word “ Tovarish” the inter will be able to work his way into the herd thout creating a panic, Reaching his game, he should attract its attention a gentle plucking of the beard, and then whisper, cuardedly: “Come with me; I know where there is unplucked millionaire.” Great caution must be exercised lest this phrase he overheard by others of the herd, who, in that cvent, will immediately follow the hunter and his prize. Having successfully serves no enticed the Bolshevik from his companions, he should be kept in a quiet place or several days, being fed plentifully and served opiously with tea. At the end of this period he will have forgotten many Bolshevik customs, so that even the word “ Tovarish” will no longer convey any meaning to Friend: WHAT YOU NEED IS AN OPERATION, REMOVED “ WAVE YOUR DOCTOR AP, WOULD YOU TRUNK FOR MF MIND PUTTING THESE SOUVENIRS IN YOUR UNTIL AFTER THE WAR?” him, At this stage of the taming process convey the Bolshevik toa barber shop, where his beard should be removed and his hair cut short (not forgetting to shave the neck). A hot bath and new clean clothing complete domestics tion and the Bolshevik then is ready to perform man of the simpler tasks, his degree of usefulness being somewhere between that of a Philippine water- buffalo and a rheumatic Kaftir boy Pointers On Being Loved by a Middle-Aged Man act that all the men between eighteen and ve are being away at war need not neces- sarily be disheartening. Much can be done with those who are left The more frivolous you are the better he will like it. Always treat him like an equal. Pay no attention to his intellectual attainments, whatever they are. Do not convey the idea that you are extravagant. He may love you madly, but he is not going to marry you if you are a spendthrift, Keep him waiting occasionally. It will do him good to surprise and annoy him by upsetting his settled convictions and habits. Don't make him too jealous. pay. Call him “ Boy,” no matter how old he is. At his age it doesn’t comicbooks.com