Life — March 10, 1921 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily a **product advertisement** rather than political satire or commentary. The ad promotes **Raybestos**, an asbestos brake lining product, marketed as the "original asbestos brake lining." The visual metaphor shows a large hand gripping a brake lever, emphasizing brake reliability and control. The messaging appeals to automobile owners' safety concerns: the ad argues that buying quality brake lining is a matter of life-and-death judgment, not mere cost-cutting. It claims Raybestos offers superior wear durability ("guaranteed to WEAR one year"). The dramatic cityscape and street scene below reinforce the urban driving context and danger implied by inadequate brakes. The Raybestos Company lists multiple North American factory and branch locations, suggesting nationwide distribution during this early automotive era.