Life — March 1933 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This cartoon depicts a military officer directing civilians toward a fortification, holding a sign reading "TELL IT TO THA MAREENS" (a play on the phrase "tell it to the Marines"). The joke references the common American expression dismissing someone's complaint or excuse—implying Marines won't believe you either. The dialogue below reinforces this: one figure wants others to "take that fort" no matter the cost, comparing soldiers to "lions," while another refuses to participate, saying he'll "stay here an' outwait 'em." The cartoon appears to satirize military recruitment propaganda or draft resistance during wartime, mocking both the appeal to martial heroism and the civilian reluctance to fight. The specific historical context—likely WWI or WWII era—remains unclear without additional dating information.