Life, 1928-09-14 · page 13 of 40
Life — September 14, 1928 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains a single-panel cartoon about social dynamics and popularity. The illustration shows three figures at what appears to be a formal event (indicated by the chandelier and evening wear): two women in stylish dresses flanking a man in a tuxedo. The caption reveals the joke: a man explains he's been "sitting out three dances with that girl" to "help her find out why she isn't popular." The humor satirizes male social maneuvering—the man is publicly ignoring the woman, ostensibly doing her a favor by making her unpopularity obvious to others, when he's actually humiliating her. It mocks both male condescension and the superficial social hierarchies governing 1920s courtship and popularity contests among the wealthy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
pression right away that everything is jake. The General is telling his yes-man what a smart guy he is. “Well, Colonel Glibbett’s brave men have just captured six regiments and a Provision train at Crécy.” “This means that they cannot hold out another week,” chirps the yes-man. “I pay to God that this cruel war may soon be over,” gurgles the old hypocrite. Again a common soldier, also wounded, tagged and exhausted, busts in on the conference. “Well, my poor fellow, what news have you for me?” “I come from General Slump, sire. “What do you mean, sitting out three dances with that girl?” “Qh, she just wanted me to help her find out why she isn’t popular. Our army is outnumbered four to one and the men are fighting on half rations.”” “And what do you seck?” “Peace.” “Peace on what terms?” “Unconditional surrender.” “Thank God this cruel war is over. Tell General Slump he may keep his sword and horse.” “You are a gallant enemy as well as a brave one.” “Captain Clink, see that this poor man is given clothing and warm food.” “And so, ladies and gentlemen, the Battle of Wiscasset was brought to a close and Swabia won its hard-fought inde- pendence from Lithuania. Next Friday night at half-past eight you will hear the story of the Battle of Waterloo broadcast through the courtesy of the makers of La Beauté face powder, the powder that wins the battles for Milady.” Agnes Smith. THE PETRIC SYSTEM Director: How long can you hold your breath, Miss Woopey? Miss Woopey: Six kisses. Unver some administrations the Ship of State is a well-trimmed craft. comicbooks.com