Life — August 5, 1920 — page 27: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Life magazine cartoon satirizes the perceived dishonesty of Wall Street financiers during the early 20th century. The joke hinges on ironic contrast: a woman expresses surprise that a man "looks so perfectly honest" upon learning he's a Wall Street businessman—implying that Wall Street men are typically *dishonest*. The cartoon reflects public skepticism toward financial markets and investment practices of the era. The woman's astonishment suggests that honest appearance and Wall Street involvement are seen as mutually exclusive—a pointed commentary on the reputation financiers had earned, likely following various market scandals or manipulations. The sketch style is characteristic of Life's satirical approach to contemporary social and economic criticism.