Life, 1919-01-23 · page 41 of 42
Life — January 23, 1919 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This brief comic story satirizes how soldiers are treated as heroes upon returning from World War I. A reporter seeks out a dramatic war story from a disembarking Yank, but a modest lieutenant deflects, directing him instead to a decorated major. The major then points to "Rastus," a Black soldier, claiming *he's* the real hero. The punchline reveals the satire's sting: when asked what heroic deed he performed, Rastus replies he "drove a mule team plumb thoo dis wah"—ordinary, unglamorous work. The joke operates on multiple levels: it mocks the public's hunger for heroic narratives, the arbitrary nature of military recognition, and implicitly critiques how Black soldiers were relegated to non-combat roles (supply and transport) despite equal danger and sacrifice. The dialect representation reflects period conventions but underscores the racial hierarchy of WWI service.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Real One wharf where the Yanks disembarking a reporter rsy-cheeked C. of the heroes?” the nan asked, with notebook ord a stirring tale of hero- was the blushing reply. “I'm vmon doughboy But the only a ce J Feuter ver there, is one Tot er indicated went the re- porter you're a hero, sir,” he said. ughed the lieutenant. “I ened to he on the job when needed to be done, avever, T can refer And he p. ant with three wound stripes re article.” "FER" PUTTEES NON-FRAY SPIRAL (Patented) Puttees aie popular everywhere. The war has ssands of people how convenient,com- rable and smart looking they are. Ideal for xing, walking, climbing, tobogganing, camp- Fg, golf, otc., for men, women and children. For Outdoor Sports and Outdoor Work workers, too, will find FOX'S Spiral aluable. They mean comfort and con- Great for the hunter and chauffeur. nore comfortable and durable than canvas. The Puttee of the World "S Spiral Puttees, for men, women and pave long been the finest made in Eng- have a world wide reputation. They They possess great durability. They easy to put on in flat, neat spirals. Two ights quality through and through. If your ler hasn't them, write us. MANLEY & JOHNSON W. Broadway New York City She National Cough Everywhere you'll find peaple dsing, Luden's. ritation, soreness, dryne ‘Sw Look for the fomitior Luxden yellow, sanitary package WM. H. LUDEN Drop “Not guilty,” declared the serge when questioned. Then, his eyes kin- dling with admiration, he waved toward a figure standing somewhat aside from the throng. “Talk to the major. You couldn't string on a fat man’s bay win- dow the medals he’s got, and ought to hay Nonsense!” amusedly *s what you all say “Is hero-ing a ejaculated the major, !” cried the reporter, in desp: criminal career? Chuckling, the major beckoned to an ebony-hued stalwart. Rastus,” the major said, when the Senegambian saluted and stepped for- ward, “this gentleman is looking for a hero. 1 think you are one.” Pious Aunt: aS We EXPECT TO HE FO GIVEN OUR TRESPASSES, SO MUST WE FOR- GIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US. “STILL, AUNT, I FIND IT HAKD To FOR- GIVE YOU FoR PERSUA MY PARENTS To CURISTEN ME TWINKLES.” “You might wasn’t a wusser, dangerouser job in de army dan mine.” “What was it reporter. Mistah,” Rastus solemnly informed him, “I drove a mule team plumb thoo dis wah.” y inquired the Terrell Love Holliday. HE reat reason Sir Joseph Porter degraded Captain Corcoran to the rank of scaman was that when he cam aboard H. M.S. Pi that the captain had» nual subscription to Live for the room mess. ‘Chloroformed at 60....?" A famous surgeon, Dr. Osler, shocked the world when he was misquoted as having re- commended chloroform for every one of GO and over. His actual remark meant simply that any people let their body machin= ery run down—and that such people, the lack of care, make their ars hardly worth living. More than 90% of human illness has its origin in the intestinal ea —in constipation; and, in advanced years, constipation is especially dan- gerous. A booklet on this subject, based on the best medical opinion the world over, has been prepared especially for elderly pe It is called ‘*As The Shadows Lengthen,’? and will be mailed to you free on request. Nujol Laboratories STANDARD OIL CO. (NE W JERSEY) 30 Broadway 2 Wri efor: fres boaklet, As The Shadows Lengthen’? to Nujol Lubsratoriex, Standard Oil Co. (New Jersey), 50 Broadway, New York City. Name BEANE ..nn enn cn meena qennensnemnnenennm comicbooks.com