The Wasp — 1892 — page 60: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* warns against labor strikes in America by comparing them unfavorably to conditions in England. The central image shows a massive crowd of striking workers holding a banner reading "WE ARE IDLE AND WILL NOT WORK EXCEPT FOR HIGHER WAGES." The cartoon contrasts this with two scenes: an industrial factory (left) and a working man's cottage (right), suggesting economic productivity and worker prosperity depend on labor. The title "PREVENT STRIKES IN AMERICA" frames strikes as a threat to national prosperity. The satire argues that strikes create idleness and economic damage, with the comparison to England implying American workers risk replicating English labor unrest. The cartoon advocates for accepting wages rather than organized labor action.