Life, 1919-03-06 · page 27 of 42
Life — March 6, 1919 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon by Albert Sterner mocks excessive government regulation and control. The fake "Federal Board of Human Conduct" issues absurd rules: shooting dissenters in Madison Square; punishing joy; enforcing celibacy; controlling food, marriage timing, and reproduction through eugenics; and boiling critics in oil. The illustration shows women in a domestic space labeled "Forbidden," surrounded by government-approved products, emphasizing how intrusive regulations would penetrate private life. This likely responds to **Prohibition** (alcohol bans), **food rationing** from WWI, and growing **eugenics advocacy**—policies that expanded federal power into personal choices. The extreme punishments parody authoritarian government. Sterner critiques how well-intentioned regulations can become tyrannical overreach into fundamental freedoms: thought, emotion, bodily autonomy, and family planning.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
er United States Rules for Living issued by the United States Federal Board of Human Conduct. 1 Any A desiring to act 0 : think his own way owill be shet + ae ie ee in Madison Square — Shootings ily. 2 Any act accompanied by Joy o 7 Individuals differing in any wa any lund will Subject the Bedgeds from the Sec uri — to’ indictment Bemg Model N* 12345678 (exhibited on all street” Corners ) Any interference with the aspira— Mil be deported te democratic ctions of women of whatever kind . forbidden. Penalty - Enforced celibacy 4 Only Food Pills made by the US Food Administration may be used— tn the home 8 Propositions of marriage may be made lelween I* of Julyand 1% August each year Oy chimneys and garbage ‘ Pe 9 The question. of children will be piles allowed smoke. regulated by the Federal Board of Eugenics . 10 Any criticisin of the Federal Board punishalle by boiling inoil | | Albert Sterner 1q6, comicbooks.com