The Wasp — 1877 — page 31: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page from *The Wasp* depicts San Francisco's fishing industry through multiple scenes. The title panel shows well-dressed men (likely city officials or business owners) observing operations, contrasted with working fishermen below engaged in various labor—hauling nets, waiting for tides, and processing catches. The satire appears to critique the disparity between wealthy management and working-class fishermen, or possibly mock inadequate working conditions and pay in the industry. The contrast between the gentlemen in fine clothing discussing matters abstractly and the laborers actually performing dangerous, difficult work suggests commentary on class inequality or exploitation within San Francisco's fishing economy during this period.