The Wasp — 1894 — page 145: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts two men in Victorian-era clothing engaged in what appears to be a physical altercation or heated argument. The caption quotes dialogue suggesting a dispute, with references to "Shakey," "Ikey," and complaints about money and pawning items. The joke appears to concern immigrant stereotypes—the names "Shakey" and "Ikey" were common period caricatures for Jewish characters, while the discussion of financial desperation and pawning suggests satirizing immigrant poverty or financial struggles. The title "It Ran in the Family" implies the behavior or circumstances were hereditary or characteristic of a particular group. Without additional historical context, the specific individuals or incident referenced remain unclear, though the cartoon reflects the era's prevalent ethnic stereotyping common to satirical publications.