Life — May 1935 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The American Scene" - "Boganism in Kansas" This is a satirical illustration from *Life* magazine showing a scene titled "Boganism in Kansas," created by artist John Sloan Curry. The cartoon depicts what appears to be a rural American scene with a windmill on the left and a building on the right surrounded by figures. The term "boganism" suggests mockery of rural, unsophisticated behavior or culture (likely from "bog" — a derogatory reference to rural areas). The satire targets Kansas rural life during this period, presenting it as backwards or crude compared to urban American culture. John Sloan Curry was known for depicting American regional scenes, often with social commentary embedded in his imagery. The illustration uses exaggeration and dark imagery to reinforce the satirical critique of rural Midwestern life and values.