Life — October 17, 1918 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon's caption reads "People Time—Unless They're Germans," suggesting anti-German sentiment. The sketch shows a military or authority figure (center) displaying what appears to be a caricatured German face in a window or frame to a young uniformed soldier. The exaggerated facial features suggest ethnic stereotyping common to wartime propaganda. The cartoon likely dates from World War I or II era, when Life magazine frequently published satirical content mocking enemy nations. The joke appears to contrast "civilized" treatment of time/punctuality with Germans as exceptions—reinforcing dehumanizing propaganda stereotypes typical of the period. The young soldier's presence suggests targeting military or youth audiences with nationalist messaging.