The Wasp — 1879 — page 555: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon from *The Wasp* satirizes what appears to be a large public spectacle or exposition. The caricatured figure with the prominent mustache dominates the image, with a massive crowd of tiny people depicted below him in a train car labeled "TRAIN." The caption reads "THE UNEMPLOYED DARLINGS UTILIZED AT THE DARIEN DARING," suggesting mockery of how unemployed people were being used as attractions or entertainers at some event called the "Darien Daring." The bird perched on the "PANAMA" sign and tropical elements hint at imperialist or colonial themes. The satire appears to critique exploitation of the unemployed for public entertainment and spectacle during what was likely an economically troubled period.