Life — August 1934 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page This page contains three satirical pieces about American social customs and entertainment. **"Wheels of Industry"** mocks labor strikes through the story of a Fifth Avenue shop girl who picketed wearing a new coat—appearing fashionable rather than genuinely protesting. **"A Few Months Ago"** satirizes survey respondents claiming they'd refuse to patronize establishments with poor service, yet when actually facing minor inconveniences (like an unpaid bill or rude proprietor), they accept them passively rather than following through on their stated principles. The joke targets the gap between what Americans claim they believe and how they actually behave. **"Entertainment"** criticizes movie studios' desperation in titling films, noting they've produced 13,905 titles in 15 years. The cartoons mock both the absurdity of film titles and the movie industry's cynical approach to marketing. The overall theme: American hypocrisy and commercialism.