Life — February 27, 1919 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This Life magazine page contains two satirical pieces about World War I heroism and sacrifice. **"Modern Ladies in Waiting"** (top): Shows women eagerly awaiting military heroes, satirizing romanticized attitudes toward war and soldiers. **"My Hero"** (middle): A poem praising an unnamed soldier ("Arch") for various martial abilities—boxing, wrestling, football—suggesting blind admiration for combat prowess without questioning war itself. **"The Seven Wonders of the World"** (bottom): Lists national characteristics of warring nations (France's glory, Belgium's pluck, Italy's enthusiasm, Germany's "helplessness"), using bitter irony. Germany's listing as "helpless" is particularly pointed—likely mocking German military capacity or sarcastically commenting on post-war defeat. The lower illustration shows soldiers, possibly depicting the reality versus the romanticized "hero" worship above—contrasting propaganda with ground truth.