Life — October 7, 1920 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a traveling salesman examining his hotel room mirror, where he sees a reflection showing what appears to be a vaudeville or comedy performance. The cartoon critiques the behavior of traveling businessmen during what appears to be the Prohibition era (suggested by the "liquor interests" label on his clothing). The scattered papers on the floor and packed luggage suggest the transient lifestyle. The inset image in the upper left labeled "cop and the liquor interests at war" reinforces the Prohibition theme. The satire suggests that traveling salesmen engaged in questionable activities—likely bootlegging, illicit alcohol dealings, or other moral lapses—during their time away from home, presenting themselves respectably while actually participating in illegal or unethical conduct.