Life — July 2, 1925 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a collision between two forces: "Science" (lying wounded or defeated on the ground) and "Bigotry" (a figure holding a "STOP" sign). Armed figures with weapons surround the scene, while a person on the right appears to be fleeing or protesting. The satire critiques how bigotry and anti-intellectual forces actively obstruct scientific progress. The "STOP" signs and violent imagery suggest organized resistance to scientific advancement, possibly referencing early 20th-century conflicts over evolution, medicine, or other scientific topics that faced religious or prejudicial opposition. The title's casual tone ("By Heck!") underscores the cartoon's ironic commentary—presenting destructive bigotry as earnest dedication to duty.