Life — November 4, 1920 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page combines an editorial article with advertising. **The Article's Message:** The text argues that modern automobiles have replaced sailing ships as targets for criminals. Where pirates once attacked merchant vessels, highway robbers now prey on motorists. The piece advocates that citizens carry Colt firearms for self-defense, positioning the revolver as essential protection—just as it was during the pirate era. **The Cartoon:** The left illustration depicts a pirate ship under attack, establishing the historical comparison. **The Advertisement:** A full Colt Fire Arms ad dominates the lower portion, directly supporting the article's argument by promoting pistols and revolvers as "the world's right arm." **Purpose:** This is essentially advertorial content using nostalgia for historical dangers to market modern weapons to concerned middle-class readers worried about automobile travel safety.