Life — May 12, 1887 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This satirical illustration mocks "distinguished foreigners" visiting America, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The central figure is an exaggerated caricature of a European tourist—marked by an absurdly oversized hat laden with luggage and ornate accessories. The figure's theatrical costume and affected posture embody the stereotype of pretentious, overly-formal European travelers. The caption's wit—"Those who dispense with scenery and costumes, of course, are not affected"—suggests the cartoon ridicules foreigners who prioritize superficial appearances and theatrical display over authentic experience. The inset vignette shows a practical observer unburdened by such pretense, contrasting with the main figure's comical excess. The satire targets European snobbery and American attitudes toward foreign visitors during the era.