Life — October 31, 1918 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine (October 7, 1918) contains political commentary and satirical cartoons about post-WWI America. **"Call it Macadoo!"** argues that America should be renamed "Macadoo" instead of "America," as a tribute to William Gibbs McAdoo (Treasury Secretary and prominent Democrat). The piece dismisses Americus Vespucius's historical claim and humorously suggests this would distinguish Americans from "Macadoors." **"Public Apology as a Science"** mocks government officials who make mistakes then offer weak explanations, arguing high standards of accountability are needed. **"In a Washington Drawing-Room"** is a brief satirical dialogue about Washington society's pretensions. **"The New and Improved Kitchen"** discusses tax policy changes under Chairman Claude Kitchin, praising his patriotic stance on war revenue measures. The cartoons use visual humor to support these political commentaries typical of *Life*'s satirical approach.