Life — January 12, 1928 — page 20: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration showing a railroad flagman at a crossing warning sign. The sign reads "WARNING FLAGMAN ON DUTY 8 AM TO 4 PM ONLY," establishing the joke's premise. The cartoon appears to satirize railroad safety regulations or labor practices, likely from the early 20th century. The flagman is depicted waving a warning flag toward an approaching train, but the humor lies in the irony suggested by the sign—the implication that railroad crossing safety is only maintained during limited business hours, leaving trains and travelers vulnerable outside those times. The caption begins "The Flagman: Come on—" but is cut off, preventing complete interpretation of the punchline. The satire critiques inadequate or absurdly limited safety protocols.