The Wasp — 1890 — page 400: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical commentary on contemporary issues rather than a single unified cartoon. The top illustration labeled "Rufus Senior" depicts physical punishment ("I'll teach you, yer brack imp, ter diserbay yer old fader!"), satirizing harsh parenting practices. The "Phonograph" section uses that new technology as metaphor for tedious repetition—likely criticizing politicians or public figures who repeat the same arguments. The scattered social commentary addresses: Chinese immigration competing with American workers, the extinction of Maori people through colonization, and a woman (Sarah Althea) involved in some notorious scandal involving weapons. The bottom illustration shows "Rufus Junior" complaining about oyster shells, continuing a running comedic character. Overall, the page targets labor competition, colonialism, and social scandals of the era.