The Wasp — 1888 — page 502: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical story critiques Chinese labor exploitation and anti-Chinese sentiment in late 19th-century America. "John" (a generic name for Chinese workers) arrives by boat and seeks honest work. A white merchant teaches him the trade, then exploits him relentlessly—working him harder than white employees while paying less. The white man grows wealthy while "John" starves. The final panel shows "John" striking back violently against his exploiter, celebrating his "victory" with dark humor. The satire appears to mock white Americans' hypocrisy: they simultaneously resented Chinese competition AND ruthlessly exploited Chinese workers. The cartoon suggests such abuse inevitably breeds violent resistance, presenting the outcome as justified revenge against systemic mistreatment.