Life — October 27, 1921 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Sanctum Talk: We Interview Morality" This satirical piece personifies "Morality" as a woman being interviewed. The text reveals the satire's target: she's being exploited for advertising purposes by those claiming moral authority while engaging in the very behaviors they condemn. Key social critiques include: - **Hypocrisy about women**: A Congressman from Oklahoma (likely referencing real political figures) promoted young women for stage work while advertising "poetic" ideals - **Double standards**: Writers defend "perverted sex stuff" in books as morally educational while attacking others as immoral - **Selective outrage**: The wealthy and powerful hide behind morality rhetoric while profiting from exploitation The cartoon shows a poor child outside a "For Sale" house—illustrating economic hardship contrasting with the wealthy's moral posturing. The satire attacks how "Morality" becomes a convenient mask for self-interest and exploitation.