Life — March 15, 1923 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation of "So Human" Page This satirical article mocks the obsession with proving one's humanity and credentials. The text argues that in early 20th-century America, everyone claims to be "human"—from politicians to businessmen to hotel clerks—using it as a marketing tool. The article suggests absurdly that even an electric chair operator might claim to be "the most human sort of man." The cartoon at bottom depicts a courtroom scene where an ex-prize fighter (boxer) is being jury-challenged. He dismissively tells the judge he doesn't mind fighting "a couple rounds" with "that fat gemmun in the co'ner," suggesting crude physicality as proof of his humanity. The overall satire critiques how meaningless the word "human" has become as a commercial and social claim.