Life — October 14, 1926 — page 37: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a **Gillette Safety Razor advertisement**, not political satire. The page uses a marketing claim that "76 out of 100 Government Executives" use Gillette razors to establish product credibility. The illustration shows a group of formally dressed men (appearing to be government officials based on the context) walking together, establishing visual authority. The accompanying text argues that government leaders' need for perfect grooming makes their choice of Gillette significant endorsement. The ad includes product pricing ($5-$75) and promotes "The Bostonian" model, plus a free shaving booklet offer. For modern readers, the notable element is the **advertising strategy itself**: using vague statistical claims ("76 out of 100") and appeals to authority rather than actual product specifications—a technique now heavily regulated by the FTC. The assumption that government officials' shaving habits should influence consumer choices reflects early 20th-century marketing practices now considered questionable.