The Wasp — 1889 — page 345: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes American immigration policy regarding Chinese immigrants. A large figure representing Uncle Sam (identified by stars-and-stripes clothing) stands amid numerous small Chinese figures. He holds "Scott's Exclusion Act" — likely referencing the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 — which appears to be crushing or excluding the Chinese people depicted below and around him. The cartoon criticizes the exclusionary policy, portraying it as heavy-handed and oppressive. Labels visible include references to different Chinese groups or regions ("British," "Canada," "Peking," "Chinese"). The satirical point appears to be that despite legal restrictions, Chinese immigration persists, or that the policy itself is unjust and burdensome. The title indicates this was a recurring political controversy in late 19th-century America.