The Wasp — February 7, 1880 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "The Wasp," February 7, 1880 **The Cartoon:** "Considering the Source" depicts a man in formal dress examining a donkey labeled "THE" (likely representing a newspaper or political rival). **The Context:** The accompanying text describes a dispute in the California State Assembly between Braunhart (described as "the gentleman from Judea") and Tyler over Jewish identity and assimilation. Braunhart objected to Tyler's characterization, declaring he was born an American citizen and demanding respect. **The Satire:** The donkey represents dismissing someone's argument as unreliable or foolish—"considering the source." The cartoon satirizes the assembly dispute, suggesting one party's claims should be disregarded. The antisemitic undertones are evident in the text's emphasis on Braunhart's Jewish identity as relevant to the debate.