Life — July 21, 1921 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon by W.J. Enright depicts a dangerous tourist attraction at Niagara Falls' rapids. The title "See America First" appears to mock the contemporary "See America First" travel movement, which encouraged Americans to visit domestic destinations rather than Europe. The cartoon shows tourists in barrels being sent through treacherous rapids—a literal death-trap presented as entertainment. This is likely referencing the actual phenomenon of daredevils going over Niagara Falls in barrels, a real stunt that occurred in this era. The satire criticizes both the recklessness of such dangerous attractions and the absurdity of promoting them as patriotic tourism. The image suggests that domestic "attractions" can be as perilous as they are thrilling, mocking the enthusiasm of the "See America First" campaign.