Life — August 21, 1919 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is primarily a **Michelin Tire advertisement**, not political satire. The page features a large illustration of a hand holding a tire cross-section, with measurement markings visible on a ruler the hand is using. The ad's message is straightforward commercial persuasion: consumers should ask their tire dealers to show cross-sections of different tire brands so they can compare the thickness of rubber and fabric materials. Michelin claims their tires contain more wear-resistant materials than competitors—specifically noting their 34x4 Universal model has "a solid though flexible mass of wear-resisting rubber and fabric almost an inch thick." The appeal emphasizes quality materials and reasonable pricing. The Michelin Man mascot appears in a small logo at bottom right. This represents typical early 20th-century tire advertising strategy.