Life — July 17, 1919 — page 14: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page appears to be from an early aviation-era publication of *Life* magazine. The image shows an aircraft in flight against a dramatic cloudy sky, with the caption "EXCUSE PROFANITY" positioned vertically on the right side. The cartoon's humor likely plays on early aviation fears and the unpredictability of flight. The phrase "excuse profanity" suggests the aircraft pilot (or perhaps passengers) are swearing—either due to mechanical trouble, dangerous weather conditions, or simply the terror of flying in this primitive aviation era. The joke assumes readers would find it understandable that someone in such a perilous situation would resort to cursing, while politely requesting forgiveness for doing so. This reflects early-20th-century attitudes toward both aviation danger and social propriety.