Is that casual cruelty or is Harper’s making the same point as you did (for which thank you)?
It is hard for me to say what point Harper's is making, as that would be trying to divine their intention after 150 years. My guess is they did not think too hard about this, and went with humorizing what they saw as an inevitable part of life, with no more pathos associated with it than any other brutalities of life. But that is just a guess.
Anyway, I always appreciate what you post and it is a joy to read Harper's. Thank you.