The Wasp — 1888 — page 300: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the Prohibition movement's convention. The image depicts an adult man (upper left) presiding over a chaotic scene of children throwing their hats in the air, while one man sits defeated on the ground in the foreground. The satire suggests that Prohibition advocates are childish and emotionally reactive rather than rational—throwing hats celebrates victory like excited children. The defeated figure likely represents opposition to Prohibition or those harmed by its implementation. The partially visible text references "temperance" dwelling, suggesting the cartoon criticizes how Prohibition supporters promote their cause with fervent, immature enthusiasm rather than serious policy discussion. The overall message mocks Prohibitionists as driven by naive idealism rather than practical governance.