Life, 1923-10-04 · page 39 of 44
Life — October 4, 1923 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines advertisements with a racist cartoon. The main comic depicts two figures in dialect, with one claiming a razor wound during "the melee" — using exaggerated African American vernacular ("Bress de Lawd," "WiF"). The humor relies on minstrel-show stereotypes: depicting Black Americans as violent, uneducated, and prone to razor fights. The page otherwise features luxury advertising: a Crichton & Co. silver tea service reproduction and a Holland-America Line Mediterranean cruise advertisement. These upscale ads contrast sharply with the demeaning racial caricature above them. This 1920s content reflects the casual racism endemic to mainstream American publications of the era, where such stereotypes appeared alongside polished consumer marketing without apparent contradiction to editors or intended audiences.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Distinguished Reproductions are made by the Crichton craftsmen in the manner of the early English master silversmiths. The Crichton collection of originals includes rare old English, Irish and Scottish silver. CRICHTON tz: Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Chicago~ 622 So. Michigan Avenue New York~636 Fifth Avenue 5 Crichton reproduction of a_ Silver Tea and Coffee Service, made from an old Irish model. “WERE YOU WOUNDED IN THE MELE! BRESS DE LAWD; NO, SAH! DE RAZOR DONE CONNECT WiF ‘A HAID ’BOUT TWO INCHES EAST OF DE ’FO’SAID MELEE.” LUXURY cruise 2 TO THE ME DITERRANEAN' PALESTINE ~ EGYPT by the famous “ROTTERDAM” Leaving New York, February 6, 1924 Under personal management of the HOLLAND-AMERICA LINE. Outstanding Cruise of the coming Winter Season, of absorbing interest to those who value luxurious comfort at sea, refined environment and pleasing personal service. (SIXTY-FIVE DAYS OF DELIGHTFUL DIVERSION) ITINERARY includes Madeira, Portugal, Spain, Algiers, Greece, Constantinop'e, the Holy Land and Egypt, Italy and the Riviera. Carefully planned Shore Excursions. Stopover in Europe. Cruise limited to 500 guests Mlustrated folder “B” on request The ROTTERDAM 24,170 tons reg., 37,190 tons displt. Has a world-wide repptation for the magnificence and comfort of her ap: pointments, the surpassing pie ham of her cuisine and the high standard of service and management on board HOLLAND-AMERICA LINE 21-24 State Street, New York Boston Detrott Philadephia Chicago Atlanta, Ga. New Orleans St. Louis Seattle ‘San Francisco Or any authorized Steamship Agent comicbooks.com