Life, 1923-09-20 · page 34 of 36
Life — September 20, 1923 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a satirical dialogue between a visiting Martian and "Earthworm," a cynical human character. The cartoon mocks complacent citizens who tolerate exploitation by landlords, unions, coal owners, and corrupt politicians—accepting these as inevitable conditions of life. The satire's target is clear: ordinary people who dismiss social reformers as naive cranks, idealists, and "parlor socialists" for believing conditions *could* improve. Earthworm represents the defeatist attitude that "you can't change human nature," while the Visitor—an outsider perspective—highlights the absurdity of accepting such obvious injustices passively. The cartoon is vintage 1920s progressive critique, attacking both the wealthy exploiters *and* the working people who enable them through resigned acceptance rather than demanding reform. The humor lies in the Martian's bewildered observation of this illogical passivity. The remainder of the page consists of period advertisements (luxury cruises, hair products, tire flaps).
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
9, HR s Second Annual ~~ Mediterranean (Limited to 450 Guests—about Half Capacity) By Magnificent New Cunard S. S. Twin-Screw Oil-Burner. 1924—67_ days—Repeating the comp! the 1923. similar Cruise, same EGY PT—PALEST Madeira, Spain. Algiers, Constantinople, Greec 1 Monte Carlo, Frane The “Scythia” is a veritable floating palace, lounges, ve rooms with running water s with private baths. v (Onl with nd large wardrobes; ‘one sitting for meals.) Ston-over: privilege in Europe, without, extra cost, “Aquitania”, “Mauretania”. “‘Berengaria” Rates, deck plans, itiner quest. Early res or any Cun; y and full informa’ Also De Luxe Tours to Europe ~ FRANK TOURIST CO. J (Established 1875) 542 Fifth Ave., New York Paris London Unruly Hair STACOMB keeps any kind of hair in place—just as it’s combed. Dry and brittle, soft and fluffy, stiff and wiry hair—all kinds controlled by STACOMB. Leaves hair soft and lustrous. Excellentaftera shampoo, oraswim. Insist on STACOMB—the orginal —in black and yellow package. all drug counters. Tubes—35c Jars —75c Send coupon for Free Trial Tube. STANDARD LABORATORIES, | eeantera Ave. Loe Angeles, California, Dept. 11. Please send me free trial tube. | Name— l ‘Adérees—__ “SCYTHIA” 20,000 Tons, Sai Steamer, “England. ‘ators, gymnasium, commodious state: famous Cunard cuisine and ser- returning via S. S. eof 219 So. 15th St, Philadelphia ( commor the we hooks. iling Jan. 30, success visiting INE Tunis, Riviera, spacious decks, bedrooms and ard Line steamer. tion on, re- location. Co footwear rer’s cor Your retailer cz Insist on -sense De La acing Hoc with lacing having what you want! Those Funny Reformers Visitor FRoM Mars: Who are these people who submit to the ex- tortions of landlords, profiteers, trades unions and coal-mine owners; are jammed and jostled in subways; are governed either by cheap ans or by crooked financial in- terests that exploit them; who pay a large part of their earnings as taxes; who toil endlessly, getting in return only a bare existence? who EartuworM: These are our hard- headed practical men of affairs, who pay no attention to abstract theories of better government, or schemes for a wiser social order. They make no protest because they know that these are the natural conditions under which mankind must work and live. Tue Visitor: And who are these people one occasionally meets, who seem to have the curious notion that it might be possible to get rid of the parasites, taxeaters, incompetents in office, and other nuisances that afflict society? EartHworM: Oh, they are unfor- tunates who happened to be born without a sense of humor ; cranks, up- lifters, singletaxers, parlor socialists, idealists and visionaries. We laugh at them, for we know that you can’t change human nature. W. G. WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD COMPANY, NEW YORK SOCSO | Tive-flaps prevent blowouts, \ HE give and take between Tate and shoe wears the unprotected tube. That’swhy aDouble-D Tire Flap prevents blow-outs. It forms a soft, pliable cushion between tube and shoe which absorbs the friction. Add to the life of yur tubes by having your garage or tire dealer put in a new Double-D Flap when you have a tire repaired or buy a new tube. Mabe and guaranteed by the largest ezclusive lire Slap producer in the world. DEXTER RUBBER M'F'G, CO. Goshen, New York. comicbooks.com