Life — August 2, 1929 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a camping scene with a family of migrants or traveling workers. The caption's phrase "Roughin' it, Mister?" appears sarcastic—the figure asking seems to be commenting on the contrast between leisure camping and the harsh reality of the family's situation. The scene shows a makeshift tent, a broken-down automobile, children playing in dirt, and adults engaged in basic survival activities. The rural farm setting with a house and other families visible in the background suggests this depicts Depression-era migrant workers rather than recreational campers. The satire likely critiques the euphemistic language used to describe the desperate conditions faced by displaced agricultural workers during this period, treating survival hardship as casual "roughing it."