Life — May 15, 1919 — page 31: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine depicts a grotesque figure with an exaggerated moon-shaped face wearing a top hat and holding a magnifying glass, examining tiny human figures below. The caption reads "PARLOR PARASITES." The illustration appears to be social commentary about parasitic behavior in domestic or social settings—the magnifying glass suggests scrutiny or inspection of small, insignificant people. The "parlor" reference indicates drawing-room society. Without additional context about the specific date or historical event referenced, the exact target of satire is unclear. However, the caricature style and exaggerated features typical of early 20th-century *Life* magazine suggest this critiques some form of social pretension or exploitation within polite society, with the large figure representing someone who exploits or preys upon smaller, weaker individuals in social contexts.