Life — November 7, 1930 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Origin of the expression 'Hurrah for our side'" This satirical cartoon depicts a medieval or fantasy town scene where a dragon appears to be attacking or terrorizing the inhabitants. Citizens are shown fleeing, watching from windows, and reacting from various vantage points throughout the fortified buildings. The caption explains the "origin" of the phrase "Hurrah for our side" — suggesting the expression emerged from situations where people cheer for their own group regardless of objective circumstances. The cartoon satirizes blind partisan loyalty: townspeople are apparently cheering their "side" (their town/faction) despite facing a clear, immediate threat (the dragon). The joke critiques how people support their group reflexively, without rational evaluation of actual dangers or merits. It's commentary on tribalism and mindless allegiance to one's in-group.