The Wasp — 1877 — page 122: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page attacks animal cruelty and transportation practices of 1870s America. The central scene shows men beating a horse—labeled as commentary on cruelty to animals. The surrounding vignettes depict various modes of transportation and social scenes: horse-drawn wagons, carriages, pedestrians, and what appears to be a Capitol building. The bottom caption references "celebrating Washington's birthday," suggesting the satire critiques how Americans celebrate national holidays while simultaneously mistreating animals. The fashion illustrations (women's hats and clothing) and carriage scenes establish the era's upper-class context, implying hypocrisy: genteel society ignores animal suffering. The overall message appears to be moral outrage at normalized animal abuse during America's industrial period.