The Wasp — 1888 — page 145: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon contrasts two theft scenarios. The upper panel depicts well-dressed gentlemen engaged in what appears to be colonial or imperial exploitation abroad, shown in a mountainous foreign setting. The lower panel shows a muscular figure (possibly representing a laborer or "the working man") being robbed by what appear to be capitalists or corrupt officials at home. The caption's juxtaposition suggests hypocrisy: while the wealthy class commits "robbery" internationally through imperialism or unfair trade, they simultaneously exploit workers domestically. The cartoon critiques how the same exploitative practices occur both overseas and within America itself, with the powerful profiting while ordinary citizens are victimized.