The Wasp — 1889 — page 75: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts several caricatured men in positions of submission or distress before symbolic authority figures. The left panel shows a banner reading "POODLE IS ITS OWN REWARD" above what appears to be a skull or death's head symbol. The central image features a large spherical object (a "joss"—an idol or object of worship) inscribed with various "shall" commandments, suggesting mockery of blind obedience to authority. The figures appear to represent political or social leaders being satirized as servile or corrupted. The right side shows "THE PEOPLE NEED GOVERNORS," likely critiquing paternalistic government. Without specific historical context about *The Wasp*'s publication date, the exact targets remain unclear, though the overall message mocks those who submit to corrupt authority or false ideals.