Life — July 22, 1920 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Empty Pleasure" Cartoon Analysis This cartoon satirizes Prohibition-era drinking. Two men dine while a waiter serves cocktails despite the alcohol ban. The dialogue mocks the situation: one man insists he can't get cocktails, while his friend replies "it's nice to order them"—highlighting the absurdity of speakeasies where illegal drinks were openly served despite federal law. The second illustration, captioned "Why, Fiends! I am surprised that you would even notice such a common cur! Shame on you!" appears unrelated—showing children noticing a stray dog. The page also discusses a female missionary in the Philippines, referencing contemporary women's activism and international mission work. Together, these elements reflect early 1920s American social debates around Prohibition enforcement, gender roles, and religious missions.