Life — September 8, 1927 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This Life magazine page satirizes the A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Forces) in post-WWI France. The central illustration depicts American soldiers observing European culture—labeled locations include "Estaminet" (French tavern) and "Brasserie"—with French and American flags. The caption "Welcome to Armentieres" references a famous WWI song. The satire mocks soldiers discovering Parisian entertainment and vices. "Hinky-Dinky-Parlay-Voo" (corrupted French slang from the song) emphasizes cultural confusion. The bottom section, "Breaking the News," contains a joke about a wife's infidelity—suggesting soldiers' absent minds wandered to home troubles. The "Condensed Guide to Paris" listing bars implies the A.E.F.'s "real objective" was leisure rather than military purpose—satirizing post-war occupation priorities and soldiers' focus on drinking establishments.