Life — August 19, 1920 — page 27: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon by W.J. Enright depicts a crowd of well-dressed figures actively avoiding or shunning a solitary man labeled "ECONOMY." The title "The Leper" reinforces this comparison—the figure representing economic concerns is treated as a social pariah, cast out and untouchable by the crowd. The satire appears to comment on public indifference or hostility toward economic responsibility during a period of prosperity or spending. The stark contrast between the isolated, rejected "Economy" figure and the throng of fashionably dressed people suggests commentary on how society neglected fiscal restraint, treating economic prudence as something diseased or unwelcome rather than necessary and valued.