The Wasp — 1891 — page 178: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains **social gossip and satirical notes** rather than a political cartoon. The "Photographia" section mocks contemporary upper-class habits and fashions among wealthy Americans (likely California residents, given references to Oakland and Sacramento). The jokes target: - Women's excessive spending on cosmetics ($30/ounce perfume) - Fashion trends (small pocketbooks, neck-tie cases) - Marital infidelity and divorce proceedings - Superstitious beliefs about luck The tone is **lighthearted social satire**—ridiculing the vanity and peculiar customs of the wealthy and fashionable set rather than attacking specific political figures or major issues. This reflects The Wasp's role as a magazine focused on local San Francisco Bay Area society gossip and behavioral critique.