Life, 1925-09-03 · page 5 of 36
Life — September 3, 1925 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct satirical pieces about gender relations and social conventions, likely from the early 20th century. **"Myrtle on the Sexes"** critiques women's social constraints through character "Myrtle," arguing women sometimes wish they were men to escape restrictions. The piece humorously notes men's loyalty to each other and suggests marriage should be a "business arrangement." **"Yes, Sir!"** (poem by Berton Braley) satirizes the "Yes Man"—a person who mindlessly agrees with everyone regardless of conviction. This references a widespread social criticism of conformity and lack of independent thought. **"Easy for Her"** presents a brief joke about wives managing household finances efficiently. The illustrations and overall tone mock both gender dynamics and social conformity of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“IF YOU DON'T COME OUT, I'M COMING RIGHT IN TO GFT You.” Myrtle on the Sexes YRTLE says that sometimes she thinks if she hadn't been born a woman she'd like to have been a man. They can do so many more things, if you get what she means, And she thinks men’s loyalty to each other is just splendid. Of course, sometimes they carry that sort of thing too far. Look at Carrie Thatcher's husband.... Really, though, there are advantages in being a woman. They call women the mysterious sex. Well, it's funny, but honestly, there are times when Myrtle feels just as nysterious as—well, as anything. If you see what she’s driving at. There are times when she’s almost certain she’s a reincarnation of Cleopatra. Why, she was looking at some drawings of ancient Egypt one night, and everything scemed to come back so, if you get what she means. Myrtle knows that she has what they call “appeal.” Well, she can't help it. Why, one night when Andy Freeman was taking her home from a dance, he looked right into her eyes in the thrillingest way and said: “God, little girl!" just like that, and then clapped his hand over his forehead and ab- solutely stalked off. Well, Myrtle can’t help it if she affects m that way. She likes them to like her. Most all men are gentlemen at heart....Except, of course, when they've been drinking. And when she gets married she’s going to insist that her husband spend one evening in the week with the “boys.” It will be perfectly all right with her. She isn’t jealous. Be- cause, Heaven knows, if she felt her husband didn’t want her, she'd be the first person in the world to let him go. Myrtle has lots of pride. Maybe it's silly, but she has. Anyway, marriage is just a business arrangement, don’t you think? Or do you? And besides, thank God, Myrtle hasn't any foolish ideas in her head about men....Like some persons she could mention... . Tip Bliss. Easy for Her “D&S your wife economize?” “Yes: she does without practically everything I need!” Yes, Sir! N every bunch, or high or low, You're absolutely sure to find him, Though lots of people, even so, Don’t mind him. Wherever conversation swerves, No matter how you turn or head it, This silly smiling sap observes, “You said it!” Say Prohibition is a curse And that its rules and laws oppress you, Or say exactly the reverse— He'll “Yes” you. You'll meet in all your walks and ways, Until you learn to hate and dread it, The Yes Man's never-changing phrase, “You said it!” His brain is made of woody pith; He roams throughout the world’s dominions Consistently agreeing with Opinions. He is, no doubt, a kindly chap, Who means right well, to give him credit— But would I like to slay the sap? c Qe Berton Braley. “to wHo, To wHo!” “HOW OFTEN MUST I TELL YOU TO SAY, TO WHOM?” comicbooks.com