Life, 1919-07-17 · page 25 of 40
Life — July 17, 1919 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct anti-radical satirical pieces from the Red Scare era (likely early 1920s): **"The Anarchist in His Home"** presents ironic contrast: a devoted family man who—the mother casually reveals—plans to "blow up a capitalist's home" that evening. The joke mocks radicals as hypocrites: domesticated, educated, loving fathers who nonetheless commit violence. **"Great Bolshevist Victory"** parodies Soviet propaganda bulletins, claiming a "bombing raid" destroyed minor property (railings, steps, a baby carriage, a servant girl's nerves, a dog). The absurdist humor ridicules both Bolshevik boasting and their actual destructive capacity. **"Wealth Beyond Compare"** and **"A Labor Problem"** are brief gags mocking labor radicals and Bolshevism more generally. The page's underlying message: anarchists and Bolshevists are portrayed as simultaneously dangerous terrorists and ridiculous, incompetent extremists. This reflects American anxiety following actual bombing campaigns by anarchists and the 1917 Russian Revolution.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LIFE: 121 Both Ladies: Now, THAT'S WHAT 1 CALL DISGUSTING! The Anarchist in His Home HE Anarchist let himself into the front door of the pleasant apart- ment and turned to the living-room. There was a shout of welcome from \ those in the room. “O John, I am so glad you have re- turned!" cried his wife, clinging to him, “ For some reason I was worried about you to-day.” “Were you, darling?” said the Anarchist, who was a small, pleasant-looking man with soft brown eyes, and he kissed her reassuringly. “ You must try to be brave. know I do it only for your sake. insured.” He turned to the pretty young girl clinging to his other hand. ‘ “And how is my little Clarice to-night? Still with her head full of frocks and parties and dances, I'll wager,” and he pinched her ear playfully. “Ah, well, youth must be served! Well, Jack?” The manly young fellow in front of him drew himself up in military fashion and saluted. “TL have the honor to report, sir, that I received honors in French, Latin and mathematics, < in history and physics.” Besides, my life is well nd honorable mention The father’s face glowed with pride “My bo: knowledge is power rise in the world.” * he cried. “ Remember, Without education, you can never I'm proud of you Still smiling he turned to the baby Ah! it was a happy family that gathered round the plain but plentiful and nourishing supper that evening. Smiles were on all the faces, and affection reigned supreme. With a sigh, the father finally rose to tear himself away “ Be careful not to expose yourself to a draught, Clarice,” he cautioned. “And you, Jack, don’t strain your eyes. Good night, my darling,” and he kissed his wife tenderly. “What has father on hand to-night?” demanded the young girl, as they turned sadly back to the deserted room “Oh, just a little job up in Fifth Avenue,” replied the mother carelessly. “He's going to blow up a capitalist’s home, I believe Wowow IT, MA! 1 DON’T BELIEVE I WANT CHICKEN FER DINNER” Great Bolshevist Victory Official Petrograd Bulletin N the New York sector our brave scouts executed a bombing raid with pronounced success. They penetrated well within the capitalistic lines and inflicted the following casualties : One area railing completely demolished One pair brown-stone steps badly chipped. One baby-carriage blown to bits One servant girl given hysterics One lap dog badly shell-shocked. The above blows at the plutocratic fabric will be re- ceived with great joy h Anyone not present at the Victory Riot in the Nevsky Prospekt will forfeit his boots. Wealth Beyond Compare MITH: Jones certainly ought to be supremely happy. Brows: Why so? Situ: He buys milk for the baby, gasoline for his wife, and has the basement full for himself! A Labor Problem OW hard will the laborless laborer of the futurs. have all lovers of freedom. to labor, to convince the bourgeois who support him that he is laboring and is entitled to the privileges, powers and perquisites of the laborer? comicbooks.com