Life, 1920-03-18 · page 33 of 54
Life — March 18, 1920 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate satirical pieces typical of Life magazine's social commentary: **"The Good Old Dyspeptic"** mocks wartime food rationing by suggesting that having digestive problems has become advantageous—dyspeptics require minimal food (crackers, hot water) at dinner parties, making them ideal guests during times of "short food and long prices." The satire suggests hosts can entertain cheaply by inviting stomach-troubled guests. **"Futile?"** offers philosophical commentary questioning whether hatred between people is worthwhile, given life's brevity and inevitable equality in death. **"Dulled"** satirizes civic apathy, showing two voters discussing how citizens have become indifferent to civic duty. One expresses concern that people are "losing their sense of civic righteousness," with the other remarking it's been nearly a week since the Constitution was amended—implying casual, frequent constitutional changes reflect public disengagement. The top cartoon depicts a hotel scene warning against flirting with house detectives, likely a humorous domestic/relationship commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“ NEXT TIME, YOUNG MAN, DON’T PICK THE HOUSE DETECTIVE TO FLIRT WITH” The Good Old Dyspeptic (CONSIDER now that jolly good fellow, the dyspeptic. Time was when he was about as welcome at a dinner party as a bottle of milk, but nowadays he is the best bet on the invitation list. Any man with a stomach that de- mands careful eating should preserve the disorder, should encourage each little ache. Dyspepsia is the one sure road to popularity. In these times of short food and long prices the dyspeptic s the ideal dinner guest. Any host will welcome him with open arms and a cup of hot water. What man can but feel kindly toward one who waves aside tenderloin steak, French fried potatoes and little peas, to ask a cracker? Poor bankers who crave company, but cannot afford to put on a spread for healthy friends, will find solace in the dyspeptic. Why, a kettle of water and a box of wafers vill satisfy the needs of a whole crowd of dyspeptics over an entire week-end! Futile? IFE is like a theatre in this respect—that, although dur- ing the performance we hold higher and lower places, ve all mix in one common stream when the play is over, ind go home. At best, it is short. A few more smiles, a few more tears, some pleasure, much pain, sunshine and ong, clouds and darkness, hasty greetings, abrupt fare- vells—then our little play will close, and injured and in- jurer shall pass away. Is it worth while to hate each other? Dulled Fisst VOTER (in the near future): people are beginning to lose their sense of civic right- I'm afraid our cousness. Seconp Voter: How so? been nearly a week since we've amended the we elias HOW TO SUCCEED AS A BILL COLLECTOR comicbooks.com