The Wasp — 1889 — page 343: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This *Wasp* cartoon satirizes American immigration policy regarding Chinese workers. The central figure appears to be Uncle Sam (identifiable by stars-and-stripes clothing), depicted as a wasp attacking or excluding smaller figures labeled "China" and other nations, along with what appear to be Chinese workers or immigrants. The "Scott's Exclusion Act" reference visible on the door indicates this comments on Chinese Exclusion legislation. Various small figures crowd the scene, some appearing distressed or excluded, suggesting the cartoon critiques restrictive immigration policies. The satirical point appears to mock either the harshness of exclusion laws or their ineffectiveness—the cartoon treats serious policy as absurdly violent or aggressive. The *Wasp* magazine's satirical nature suggests this likely criticized anti-Chinese sentiment or discriminatory legislation prevalent in late 19th-century America.