Life — July 28, 1927 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis: "Those Things Have to Work Themselves Out" This satirical dialogue criticizes the younger generation's drinking habits. The cartoon depicts a social scene where a man and woman discuss whether youth drink more than previous generations. **The satire's point:** The woman defends young people, suggesting heavy drinking is inevitable and will "work itself out." The man counters that previous generations didn't drink as much. The humor lies in her resigned acceptance of alcohol abuse as an unavoidable social problem rather than something requiring intervention. **Context:** This reflects Prohibition-era concerns (pre-1920s) about youth morality and drinking. The "Incredible" sidebar mocks a man named Fred for wearing lipstick, suggesting anxieties about changing gender norms alongside concerns about moral decay. The overall message satirizes permissive attitudes toward youth vice.