The Wasp — 1877 — page 224: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1877 San Francisco satirical cartoon depicts a well-dressed gentleman in a top hat supervising multiple injured or bandaged workers and children. The title "The 'Overworked' Supervisors" suggests ironic commentary on labor management practices of the era. The cartoon likely critiques factory or industrial supervisors who claimed to be "overworked" while their employees suffered injuries and harsh conditions. The children present indicate child labor was involved. The supervisor's formal attire and composed demeanor contrast sharply with the workers' visible suffering, emphasizing the moral disconnect between management and labor. This reflects growing labor tensions in 1870s San Francisco, when worker exploitation and unsafe conditions were widespread concerns in American industry.