Such attitudes were particularly evident in the policies and affectations of then leader, Porifirio Díaz, who (along with his advisors – los Cientificos) believed the indigenous to be backwards and an impediment to development and progress in Mexico. Thus racism, exploitation and class differences simmered and festered. (This would eventually explode into the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution)

During those times, Mexican illustrator, José Guadalupe Posada, was known for his political and societal commentaries through satirical illustrations. He created cartoonish lithographs and engravings. These drawings covered both historical and current affairs, fictional and non-fictional characters, and even songs.

Posada’s choice of caricature was very intentional in a society where far less than fifty percent of the populace was literate. These illustrated stories were printed on brightly-cloured papers and sold on the streets, at festivals and in markets. Through pictures and only a few words, Posada was able to ensure coverage of complex topics (corruption, inequality and injustice) reached the masses. 

His work was particularly noticeable because he frequently used calaveras to represent the faces of his subjects (with no regard to their occupation or class). A central message to come out of this was: despite the outer trappings, we are all the same underneath; and we’re all headed in the same ultimate direction – death.