Life, 1920-01-08 · page 39 of 44
Life — January 8, 1920 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines a satirical cartoon (left) with a Detroit Electric automobile advertisement (right). **The Cartoon:** A zookeeper discovers animals have escaped their enclosure. The sign reads "Notice: Do Not Feed Animals." The keeper exclaims, "Hey, you up there! Why don't you read this sign?" The satire appears to mock people—possibly politicians or public figures—who ignore explicit warnings or rules, treating them as irrelevant. The "animals" metaphor suggests the targets are behaving irrationally or dangerously by disregarding clear instructions. **The Advertisement:** Promotes the Detroit Electric enclosed automobile as the finest city car, emphasizing its comfort, design, and pioneering status. It claims the electric car "was the pioneer enclosed car—and it is still the best." **Context:** Early 1900s automobiles were novel; electric cars competed with gasoline models. The juxtaposition of a "rule-breaking animals" cartoon with aspirational consumer advertising is typical of *Life* magazine's satirical approach—mixing social commentary with contemporary commerce.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
An Even Finer Detroit Electric The discriminating public looks naturally) to the Detroit Electric for the latest ideas in enclosed car design and construction. This year’s model is a worthy successor to the long line of cars which have maintained Detroit Electric dominance. A perfect harmony of line — graceful, distinctive, yet dignified; an exceptional riding comfort, attained by the use of specially- designed three-quarter elliptic springs, long, wide and flat; an artistic selection in upholstery and interior fittings which combines beaut), luxury and comfort. Already those who have seen this new model are acclaiming it the finest car of any type yet produced for city and suburban use. You, too, will be delighted with it. ZHE On Exhibition at the Shows At the automobile shows in New York, Chicago and elsewhere this new Detroit Electric will be shown. At the same time, it will be exhibited in the shows rooms of leading distributors the countr) over. See it and give jouself the pleasure of a thorough test of its riding qualities. The electric was the pioneer enclosed car—and it is still the best he Keeper: wey, you ur There! WHY DON'T You READ ean? 38] — DETROIT ELECTRIC CAR COMPANY 4 DETROIT, MICHIGAN IF a man is a pessimist before forty, he knows too much; if an optimist after forty, he knows too little. comicbooks.com