The Wasp — 1896 — page 385: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* magazine addresses female suffrage activism in San Francisco. The caption reads "Picturesque effect of Female Suffrage on the San Francisco Police Force." The image depicts three figures in military-style uniforms with bowler hats—appearing to represent female suffragettes or potential female police officers. The central figure is exaggerated and caricatured with an oversized body, holding a baton, flanked by two slimmer figures. The satire mocks the idea of women joining law enforcement by using crude physical caricature and exaggeration. The cartoon ridicules women's suffrage activism by suggesting female officers would be absurd or unsuitable for police work. This represents typical anti-suffrage propaganda from the era, using mockery and unflattering depictions to delegitimize women's rights advocacy.