Life — December 15, 1927 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers **Top Cartoon:** Two men chat by a pig pen during winter. The hunter complains to a "Backwoods Farmer" about isolation; the farmer replies he wouldn't survive without his pigs. This is a gentle rural humor about self-sufficiency and animal companionship in isolated farming communities. **Bottom Cartoon:** Two caricatured figures in military/combat gear appear to be Chinese soldiers or celestial beings (the text references "First Chinaman" and "Second Celestial"), engaged in violent combat. The caption suggests starting an offensive to "wipe you out." This reflects early 20th-century stereotyping of Asian conflicts, likely referencing tensions or wars involving China during this period (Life was published 1919-23 according to visible dates).