Life, 1929-02-15 · page 29 of 44
Life — February 15, 1929 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes 1920s American concerns through multiple pieces: **"Who's Who in Verse: Benito Mussolini"** — A mocking poem by Arthur Guiterman about Italy's fascist leader. It ridicules Mussolini's authoritarian control, his black-shirted followers (Fascisti), his self-aggrandizement as a modern Caesar, and his nationalist ideology forcing Italians to see themselves as ancient Romans. The reference to "She-Wolf's Milk" evokes the Roman she-wolf legend, suggesting Mussolini feeds on propaganda. **"How to Live Through the Winter"** — Humorous medical advice satirizing hypochondria and newspaper health columns, mocking readers' obsession with diagnosing themselves from newspaper articles. **"Humane Inventions"** — Cartoon jokes on modern absurdities, including persimmon lipsticks and a stutter-joke about a stammering husband's marital conflict. **"Tragedy Among the Freudians"** — A cartoon mocking Freudian psychology's popularity in the 1920s, showing someone's dream analysis creating domestic chaos—satirizing both the dream-interpretation fad and psychoanalysis's cultural influence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Who’s Who in Verse Benito Mussolini Tue creat Benito Mussolini Will do what Tunney did to Heeney To any discontented Cit Who fails to grasp that He is It. He organized the Fierce Fascisti Whose Principles, though somewhat misty, Indorse their Chief for running Things, Induding Senators and Kings. Since Blackness is not quickly dirtied, He keeps his Liegemen Sable-shirted And thus this True Economist Has minimized the Laundry List. He spends his Days in Useful Labors, In building Cities, rattling Sabers And telling People what to do And Which is Which and Who is Who. He bids cach brave Italian Yeoman Account himself an Ancient Roman, A quaint Idea, but quite all right Unless it makes him want to fight. As he alone can save the Nation, He holds that any Poor Relation Who says he ought to abdicate Should either die or emigrate. A most romantic Fancy-teaser, He sees himself as Julius Caesar And other Worthies of that Ilk.— I think he’s full of She-Wolf’s Milk. Arthur Guiterman. How to Live Through the Winter Tus is the time of year when a com- mon cold may suddenly develop into pneumonia in the Health Columns of the Newspapers so it behooves us to watch ourselves carefully until July 4, better known as All Fools’ Day. If you feel that you have in some way contracted a broken arm, consult a reputable physician at once, for, if neglected, it may lead to anything. Recently a man broke his arm in two places (Toronto and Rochester, N.Y.) and five weeks later it led to a gold watch in someone else’s vest pocket. Never neglect Nature’s warning. If, during the evening, a lady asks you what's the matter, have you broken your arm? don't laugh it off. Take your arm into the nearest lighted room and look over. At the same time, feel for your wallet. Concussion of the brain is another common ailment that should not be ueated lightly at this time of year. Chil- dren, after being dropped on their heads, have been known to Eeete child evan- gelists, Heman Fay. Humane INVENTIONS Persimmon lipsticks for those who feel a desire for a roguish expression. “When the ssss stammerer’s wa-wife ga-€-§-fot to neglecting her huh-home he ¢-f-¢ot mu mad and ppp-ppp-put his foot down. Tracepy AMONG THE FREUDIANS. comicbooks.com