Life — March 9, 1922 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily a **Kelly automobile advertisement** from 1922, not political satire. The cartoon depicts two men beside damaged cars after an accident. The "bumper" (the man who caused the collision) apologizes, and the other driver responds that Kelly-Springfield Kant-Slip Cords on his vehicle would have prevented the skid. The joke is straightforward product marketing: the ad demonstrates how Kelly tire cords provide safety advantages. The text below emphasizes that while Kellys maintain their traditional quality and long mileage, improved manufacturing has reduced prices to match competitors—making them cost-effective. This represents typical early-20th-century magazine advertising that used humor and relatable scenarios to promote automotive safety features to middle-class consumers.