The Wasp — 1879 — page 32: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents a theatrical burlesque mocking racial stereotypes of the period. The play features two groups: "Black Hottentots" (led by King Knlæhkskrim) and "White Hottentots" (including a slave-ship owner and captain). The satire appears to ridicule both colonial exploitation and the absurd racial hierarchies of the era by presenting white characters alongside stereotyped African figures in equal theatrical positions. The dialogue exchanges between characters labeled "Kr." (Kru/Crew) and "H." (Hottentots) suggest comedic inversions of power dynamics. A illustration shows a figure juggling or contorting dramatically, while another sketch depicts colonial-era figures in ridiculous poses. The overall intent appears to be mocking imperialism and slavery through absurdist theatrical comedy, though the execution relies heavily on period racist caricature.