Life — July 31, 1931 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis The top cartoon depicts seven babies labeled with major American cities (Columbus, St. Louis, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Toledo). The caption reads: "Sure he'll win! He's got a drag with the judges." This appears to be satirizing a baby contest or competition—likely a real event from this era where cities competed for publicity. The humor suggests that winning depends on having "a drag" (influence or connections) with judges rather than actual merit. The cartoon mocks how American civic pride and competition could be determined through favoritism rather than fair judgment. The page also contains "The Letters of a Modern Father," advice columns, and bridge-playing commentary. The overall issue uses humor to critique American social customs, business practices, and leisure activities of the period.