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

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine, December 1933 This page satirizes **Prohibition enforcement** during its final year (repealed in December 1933). The "Wheels of Industry" cartoon depicts **Santa's sleigh pulled by reindeer labeled "NAA"** (likely representing the National Association Against the Prohibition Amendment). The satirical point: Prohibition enforcement had become an absurd industrial operation, grinding away pointlessly. The text mocks Prohibition's failures—newsreels showing confiscated alcohol, theatrical productions about it, and the futile attempt to prevent drinking. References to Fox Newsreel's coverage and a Broadway play about "Mrs. Harris Armor" indicate Prohibition had become entertainment fodder. The "Natural Oils" advertisement parody suggests Prohibition hypocrites were buying cosmetics containing alcohol under the guise of "natural oils." The overall message: Prohibition is dying and ridiculous.