Life — November 1, 1888 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This political cartoon depicts the Statue of Liberty standing in water, appearing troubled or conflicted. The caption reads: "O BLAME TO HER! / ENTRY SUPPORTING, I THINK I AM NOT THE SORT OF LIBERTY THAT IS WANTED HERE." The cartoon satirizes restrictive immigration policy. Liberty—traditionally America's symbol of welcome—expresses dismay that the "liberty" being supported is not the kind that welcomes immigrants. The figure wading in water likely represents an immigrant attempting entry. The satire critiques the contradiction between America's founding ideals (symbolized by the Statue) and contemporary anti-immigration sentiment. By placing words of disappointment in Liberty's mouth, the cartoonist argues that restrictionist policies betray the nation's core values and identity. The cartoon appears to date from an era of significant immigration debates, though the specific historical moment is unclear from the image alone.