Life — August 31, 1922 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Bolshevik Bugs" This political cartoon from *Life* magazine uses a woman as an allegorical figure—likely representing either America or Western civilization—infested with insects labeled "Bolshevik Bugs." The insects swarming around her body represent Bolshevism (Soviet communism) portrayed as a literal plague or infestation. This reflects the anti-communist "Red Scare" sentiment prevalent in America during the early 1920s, when Bolshevism was widely feared as a dangerous, spreading ideology threatening American society. The cartoon equates communist ideology with disease and parasites—dehumanizing propaganda meant to stoke public anxiety about Bolshevik influence infiltrating the country. The satirical message warns of communism as an existential threat requiring urgent action.