The Wasp — 1892 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon illustrates the influence of journalism on public figures. The image shows a large, powerful figure (likely representing "The Press" personified) physically controlling or manipulating a smaller man, presumably a politician or public official. The figure being controlled appears helpless or dominated. The accompanying editorial text criticizes *The Wasp's* rival publication, the *Santa Cruz Sentinel*, for silencing correspondents and avoiding controversial topics. The commentary defends *The Wasp's* willingness to critique powerful figures—editors, politicians, industrialists—arguing that such scrutiny is essential to democratic accountability. The cartoon thus visualizes the editorial's point: the press wields considerable power over political figures, making fearless journalism a crucial check on authority.