RPH: PHILIPPINE CARTOONS
Alfred Mccoy's Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900-1941)
Political caricatures and cartoons are a relatively new art style that deviate from traditional art by exaggerating human features and making fun of the themes they depict.
As a kind of social and political commentary that typically targets those in positions of authority, this art form and method entered the print medium.
Cartoons, as opposed to lengthy written editorials and opinion articles, were a powerful medium for disseminating ideas thanks to their extensive use of symbolism.
Historians should study these political cartoons for the distinctive way that a caricature reflects opinion and engages the audience.
Public opinion is inevitably shaped by commentary in the media, and this form of opinion merits historical investigation.
In his book Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1909 1941), Alfred McCoy, together with Alfredo Roces, compiled political cartoons published in newspaper dailies and periodicals in the aforementioned time period. For this part, we are going to look at selected cartoons and explain the context of each one.
The Independent published the first instance on May 20, 1916. In the comic, Dr. Santos, a politician from Tondo, hands Dr. Barcelona, his brother-in-law, the throne. A Filipino man (seen sporting a salakot and barong tagalog) was trying to stop Santos by telling him not to give Barcelona the title in the first place.
The Independent also released the second cartoon on June 16, 1917. This was illustrated by Fernando Amorsolo and intended to be a criticism on how the Manila Police operated at the time. The cop was being grabbed by a man identified only as Juan Dela Cruz, who instructed him to avoid the small-time pickpockets and thieves and instead direct his attention to the big thieves.
The third cartoon made fun of the unusual number of colorful cars that have been spotted on city streets. When tragic accidents involving cabs and colorum cars happened much too frequently, The Philippine Free Press issued this statement.
The fourth cartoon shows a movie theater. Couples are not permitted to neck and make love in theaters, a blown-up police officer was displayed at the screen. While an elderly couple appeared amused, two young people were scared.
The Independent released the following cartoon on November 27, 1915. Here, Uncle Sam is depicted as a caricature being pushed by Filipinos dressed in uniforms. According to McCoy's description for the cartoon in question, William Howard Taft was transported to the Manila pier in a chariot drawn by Liceo De Manila students in 190.
Lipang Kalabaw released the final cartoon on August 24, 1907. Uncle Sam is depicted in the image rationing porridge to politicians and Progresista Party (formerly known as Federalista Party) members as Nacionalista Party members watch and wait their turn. This cartoon shows politicians from any party vying for the favor of the United States.