Life, 1927-02-17 · page 12 of 34
Life — February 17, 1927 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces mocking everyday social situations: **"A Problem in Etiquette"** shows a waiter and diner in an awkward moment—likely depicting uncertainty about who should pick up dropped items, a commentary on class distinctions and formal dining rules. **"What She Was Getting At"** is a dialogue between He and She about a woman named Sylvia, satirizing how men misunderstand women's compliments and backhanded observations about beauty and behavior. **"The Masterful Type"** and the truck driver cartoon mock working-class masculine posturing and incompetence. **"Your Co-operation Is Sought"** mocks census-takers and survey respondents with humorous complaints about intrusive questionnaires. **"Mental Processes of a Man Reading Mr. Marcosson"** satirizes readers mentally drifting through economic and political jargon while reading serious articles. The page reflects 1920s-era humor about etiquette, gender dynamics, and bureaucratic annoyances.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Problem in Etiquette SHOULD HE PICK THEM UP OR LET THE WAITER DO IT? ‘“What She Was Getting At’”’ GHE: Sylvia looks awfully pretty to-night—don't you think she You bet—she’s stunning. Of course she looks prettier at some times than at others, don’t you think? Oh, of course. * : how chang Sur: Fum girls are, isn’t it? Yes, it is funny. I suppose the real test of to look pretty all the time, don’t you? He (fatuously): You do. Sue: Don’t be absurd—I don’t at all! He: I think you do, really. Vase CAa ner ee Truck Driver (to stalled motorist): wuat’s THE MATTER, BUDDY? Sue: Well, it’s perfectly sweet of you to say so. He: Well, it’s the truth. Sur: Gosh, Sylvia looks pretty to- night! He: But you look prettier. Su Don't be absurd—but awfully sweet of you to think so. it’s Lloyd Mayer. The Masterful Type DOWN-AND-OUT: How arry getting on? Np Down-anv-Out: Oh, he’ gettin’ fifteen bucks a week posin’ for pictures o’ the man who's now earnin’ $17,000 a year. <— FERGIT TA WIND IT UP THIS MORNING? **Your Co-operation Is Sought—” THE postman’s step is tired and slow, His brow is lined with cares; His laden back is bending low, Weighed down with questionnaires, He tucks my mail inside the door, And there it lies in ranks— A bill, ten circulars or more, And _ several qtestion blanks, “Dear Sir: closed And help the cause of science.” “Are you pro-Volstead or opposed?” “What do you charge your cli- ents?” “Here mention any childhood fears.” “What do you give to missions? pu read the last few Please answer the en- “How are your inhibitions?” They know T am a busy man; st that’s what they say; But “trust you'll aid us all The postage we will ; And so I let my business slide And answer every query, Though bill collectors fume outside, And hand and brain are weary. ou can— “What is your favorite cigaret Use postcard for your an “What would you do with debt?” “Have you a budget plan, sir?” I'll answer them in threes and pairs Until I am requested To state my views on questionnaires, And then I'll be arrested. Richard L. Greene. nee’s Mental Processes of a Man Reading Mr. Marcosson ;CONOMIC functioning. . .indus- trialization. . that’s a good word ...Freparations commission. . . peace- ful invasion. ..yes, dear, I’m coming to bed in a few minutes... where was 1?...footsteps of Woodrow Wilson ...Ruhr...steady — penetration of American resourcefulness. ..g 0 sh, what big words...swift march of events preceding demobilization. .. that foot’s asleep again. .. where was 1?...narrowly averted panic on the Bourse...the Cabinet resigned... industrialization. ..next time I find that word I’m going to bed. . .indus- trialization. .. Thank God! Jack Morton. comicbooks.com