le Pèlerin

Magazine Overview

Title: le Pèlerin
Issue Date: November 21, 1954
Issue Number: 3758
Pages: 32
Price: 18 francs

This issue of *le Pèlerin* offers a diverse collection of articles, ranging from the sensational to the mundane, with a touch of social commentary and political satire.

Les Martiens à Paris

The cover story, "Les Martiens à Paris," reports on the Salon de l'enfance held at the Grand Palais from November 3rd to 21st. Among the attractions, visitors were reportedly able to see "Martians" disembarking from a flying saucer. The article humorously suggests that if these Martians had been real, they would likely not have wanted to leave Earth after witnessing the event, implying a sense of childlike wonder or perhaps a commentary on the nature of the exhibition.

Lapins malins

An unusual phenomenon is reported from Antwerp, Belgium, where a metal recovery company noticed a peculiar influx of rabbits into their premises. These rabbits were observed licking iron oxide from discarded metal. The article notes that this behavior is occurring while wild rabbits in the surrounding areas are falling victim to myxomatosis, suggesting a potential link or adaptation by these "clever rabbits."

Toujours à l'Eure

This section details a hunting incident in the Eure region of France. A deer, pursued by hunters and their dogs, sought refuge in the cellar of a café. The pursuit continued into the cellar, resulting in broken bottles. In a subsequent incident at the same location, the patron had secured the cellar, and the deer was ultimately killed by the master of the hunt on the cellar stairs.

Poupées qu'on offre aux petites filles

This article, written by Dubalai, delves into the psychological impact of dolls on young girls. The author questions whether the prevalent offering of dolls with idealized features and perfect attire might negatively affect children's self-esteem, particularly those who do not possess conventional beauty. Dubalai expresses a hypothetical jealousy of such dolls if he were a young girl and invites mothers to write in with their opinions, anticipating a defense of their children's emotional well-being.

Political Satire: Mendès-France and Milk

A satirical piece, attributed to "LE PHILOSOPHE" and illustrated by "LASSALVY," humorously comments on the political actions of Pierre Mendès-France, then President of the Council and deputy for Eure. The article notes his decision to promote milk consumption, even among soldiers, and satirically suggests nicknames like "M. Pis M. F." (a play on P.T.T. - Post, Telegraph, and Telephone, and milk) and jokes about a future Chief of Staff named General Yaourt. The piece concludes with a pun, "C'est vache !" (That's cow-like/unfair!).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine touches upon themes of the unusual (Martians, peculiar animal behavior), rural life and traditions (hunting), social commentary on childhood and consumerism (dolls), and political satire. The editorial stance appears to be one that engages with contemporary events, offers light-hearted or critical observations on society, and uses humor to address political figures and policies. The inclusion of a philosophical column and an investigative piece by Dubalai suggests a commitment to varied content and reader engagement.