Puck — December 19, 1877 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon satirizing law enforcement, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The image shows a grotesque, caricatured police officer wearing a helmet labeled "POLICE" with an exaggerated, threatening expression—mouth wide open as if roaring or yelling. He's depicted as brutish and intimidating, wearing a military-style uniform with buttons. Behind him is a cage containing frightened civilians with distressed expressions. The partial text visible ("banner, O long may it wave / ...the home of the brave") references the American flag and patriotic ideals, creating ironic contrast. The cartoon appears to critique police overreach, abuse of authority, or militaristic policing tactics as contrary to American democratic values. The juxtaposition suggests the cartoon is protesting how law enforcement frightens ordinary citizens rather than protects them.