Life, 1920-07-15 · page 36 of 40
Life — July 15, 1920 — page 36: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine (early 20th century) contains mostly **advertisements and editorial commentary** rather than political cartoons. **Content breakdown:** The poem "Life" by Mary Carolyn Davies humorously depicts Thanksgiving dinner disappointment—receiving unwanted dark meat instead of desired white meat, a relatable domestic frustration. **Main satirical essay:** "Who Are We?" addresses Latin American resentment of U.S. monopolization of the term "American." The piece argues that citizens of Central and South America have equal claim to the name, and that American arrogance has alienated these neighbors, diverting their trade to Europe. The author suggests U.S. citizens need a new national identity—humorously noting that obvious alternatives like "Republican," "Democrat," or "Prohibitionist" don't encompass everyone. **The surrounding advertisements** (Boston Garter, "Mum" deodorant, Evans's Depilatory, Bellans) reflect period consumer culture. The essay reflects genuine early-20th-century geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Latin America, framed with gentle satirical humor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Life is an old man, carving at a table, Twinkling, asking what you wish to cat You, who hope to get all the white meat you are able, Find yourself given only dark meat! A wing all bones, Or a leg too tough to chew. Someone gets the wishbone— But—it isn’t you! Mary Carolyn Da: D ER: Have any trouble keeping up with your expenses ? Ryex: IT can't get away from them. id Over For more than forty years Boston Garter has been a friend to men the world over. It not only keeps the old but makes many new ones each year. Most men ask for Boston Garter as a matter of course— the two words go so well together. GEORGE FROST CO., Makers, BOSTON Cae 66 9 prevents the odor of perspiration “Mum”? takes all the oaor out of perspiration—does it without stopping perspiration and without harming tender skins and dainty clothes. Use alittle “Mum” every morning and retain all day long the sweet freshness which the bath imparts. You can get “Mum” everywhere at drug- and department-stores, or from us hy mail, postpaid, 25 cents. Evans’s Depilatory removes hair from face, arms or under arms. Works quickly and effectively, without injuring the skin. Complete Evans’s Depilatory Outfit 75 cents at drug-and department-stores, or from us, postpaid, on receipt of price. ipans's Cucumber Jelly takes the sting out of sunburn and windburn—25 cents. George B. Evans 1108 Chestnut Street Philadelphia Who Are We? T has been suggested that the citizens of the United States adopt a new national name to supplant the term “American.” We have attempted to monopolize the appellation to ourselves, with the result that we have aroused the righteous jealousy of our Latin neighbors between Tierra De! Fuego and the Rio Grande, who claim—and with no little 6 BELLANS reason—that they are just as much Ameri- H ot water. cans as we. In fact, our bigoted attitude has had the tendency to prejudice them to = BELEANS LL ; the extent of diverting their valuable wrorkheh sche fefrtnng K trade to European channels. Let us act quickly before the situation jae, Atal HZ Ze liecomes serious. Let us get together and think up a good, appropriate and applic- able name for ourselves. We cannot call AAA neo 4y7 20+ atbroheZe nt4ihes ourselves“ Republicans,” because there ALy, . y : oo “ Democrats,” “ Reactionaries” and “ Bol- y Yrrthey aud afirthy shevists"” may be rejected for the same oe reason. “ Prohibitionists” would be near- are so many of us who aren't; the terms 1 er the mark, but there are possibly a few frecte Commerce av a wert irreconcilables left. It might be a good idea for some en- terprising publication to print a portrait of a typical—whatever that is—American and offer a large cash prize for the best one-word title to the picture. PETER J. CAREY, PRINTER comicbooks.connm