Life, 1919-11-06 · page 21 of 36
Life — November 6, 1919 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical page contains multiple humor pieces targeting post-WWI American society: **Top cartoon**: An ex-serviceman (World War I veteran) dismisses a Native American, suggesting the veteran looks impoverished rather than "ritzy" (wealthy/fashionable). This satirizes the poor treatment of returning soldiers. **"Query"**: Mocks post-war inflation and cost-of-living crisis—a person can afford individual luxuries ($3.50 dinner, $3.50 theater ticket) but feels financially depleted afterward, suggesting wages haven't kept pace with rising prices. **"The New Hygiene"**: Jokes about Prohibition-era alcohol restrictions. A patient refusing doctor-ordered alcohol rub suggests alternative "soft drinks" instead, satirizing the absurdity of Prohibition enforcement (1920-1933). **"Men of Letters"**: Social commentary on authors and lecturing (unclear specific reference). **Bottom cartoon**: A Puritan preaches "religious freedom" to a Native American while eyeing land—a sardonic historical critique of colonial hypocrisy, suggesting early settlers used religious rhetoric to justify seizing Native American territory.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ex-Service Man: WHAT'S THE USE! RUN ALONG, BROTHER—YOU DON'T LOOK A BIT LIKE A PRITZY Query OU can dine in New York for $3.50. You can buy a theater ticket for $3.50. You can hire a taxi for $1.00. You can buy a late supper for $4.00. You can get a room and a bath for $7.00. And the next morning how do you feel? Like nineteen dollars, or like thirty cents? The New Hygiene Nurse: The doctor ordered an alcohol rub, sir. ANTI-EVERYTHING Patient: Impossible! But you might try a soft-drink rub—root beer or grape juice say, with—er—just a slice of lemon. MEN OF LETTERS Supreme Test Tep: Is Bestseller still your favorite author? Nep: Yes, I admire him even though I've heard him lecture. Puritan: 1 BRING YOU A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, WHICH YOU HAD BETTER LOOK INTO BEFORF YOU PUT A PRICE ON YOUR LAND comicbooks.com