Life — March 1, 1929 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page contains two cartoon panels satirizing reckless driving behavior. **Top panel:** Shows a car accident with passengers thrown about violently. The caption reads: "Onward, you yellow curs! Think of the poor devils riding in rumble seats!" This mocks drivers who speed recklessly while passengers—particularly those in the exposed rumble seats (rear-mounted seating popular in 1920s-30s cars)—face danger. The "yellow curs" insult suggests cowardice disguised as bravado. **Bottom panel:** Titled "Would be rescuer: 'Aw, pshaw!'" depicts someone attempting to help a person in water, apparently during a flooding or drowning scenario. The rescuer's dismissive attitude ("Aw, pshaw!") contrasts with the desperate situation. Both cartoons mock indifference to danger and suffering—one through reckless driving, the other through halfhearted rescue attempts. The satire targets callousness and false bravado.