The Wasp — 1877 — page 220: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily text-based political commentary and advertising rather than cartoon satire. The main article, "Eminent Blacktonians," discusses prominent Black lawyers and professionals in California, questioning whether they can find work in their professions given racial discrimination. The piece appears critical of systemic barriers these educated men face. The middle section presents "Platform of the National Currency" resolutions regarding U.S. currency policy and gold/silver standards—likely reflecting 1870s monetary debate. Below are three period advertisements for optical services, pharmaceuticals, and liquor sales—typical commercial content for satirical magazines. The page lacks prominent political cartoons; its satire operates through text rather than visual caricature.