A-GLANCE-AT-SELECTED-PHILIPPINE-POLITICAL-CARICATURE-1
A Glance at Selected Philippine Political Caricature in Alfred McCoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900 - 1941)
Introduction
Overview of selected political caricatures illustrating Philippine political culture from 1900 to 1941.
Political Cartoons and Caricature
A recent art form that diverges from classical art styles.
Features exaggeration of human characteristics.
Serves as social and political commentary, targeting authorities and figures of power.
Importance of Cartoons
Effective tools for publicizing opinions through symbolism.
Functions differently than traditional editorials; engages audience imagination.
Historians use these cartoons for examining societal sentiments and issues.
Compiling Political Cartoons
Alfred McCoy and Alfredo Roces compiled cartoons from 1900-1941.
Selected cartoons reflect the political and social context of the time.
Selected Political Cartoons
Cartoon 1 (The Independent, May 20, 1916)
Depicts Dr. Santos from Tondo passing his crown to brother-in-law Dr. Barcelona.
A Filipino, wearing salakot and barong tagalog, attempts to stop Santos, highlighting themes of political inheritance and public ownership.
Cartoon 2 (The Independent, June 16, 1917)
Created by Fernando Amorsolo, focusing on Manila Police.
Shows a child stealing a chicken due to hunger.
A figure labeled Juan de la Cruz urges police to target bigger thieves (hoarding warehouses) instead of minor offenders.
Cartoon 3 (Colorum Automobiles Commentary)
Comments on the increasing incidents of colorum (illegal) vehicles amid fatal accidents during the time.
Critiques the lack of action against unlawful practices in urban transport.
Cartoon 4 (Cinema Conduct)
Features a bloated police officer at a cinema forbidding couples from being affectionate.
Captures societal norms and controls, illustrating humor in the miscommunication of generations.
Cartoon 5 (Uncle Sam's Chariot, The Independent, November 27, 1915)
Features Uncle Sam riding a chariot pulled by Filipino boys in uniforms, referencing a 1907 event with William Howard Taft.
Reflects nationalist sentiments and critiques the American symbolism intertwined with Filipino identity.
Cartoon 6 (Lipang Kalabaw, August 24, 1907)
Illustrates Uncle Sam rationing porridge to politicians, demonstrating the patronage system between American authorities and local politicians.
Highlights the politicking during the American rule and the dependency on American oversight.
Political Cartoons: Analysis and Context
Transition from Spanish Colonial to American Occupation
Illustrated changes in culture and politics; the introduction of democracy influenced local governance.
Economic disparities surfaced, with the upper class benefiting while the poor faced state repression.
Impact on Filipino Society
Selected cartoons express media opinions about societal issues in the American era.
The cost of modeled democracy; citizens were caught between American influences and local realities.
Evolution of Society and Culture
Increase of automobiles depicted the transition in transportation and urban life.
The advent of a 'sexual revolution' in the 1930s illustrates changing social norms in Filipino youth behavior, challenging conservative views.
Depiction of Poor Filipinos
Cartoons expose ongoing struggles of poorer demographics under American governance.
Examples include police focusing on petty crime while ignoring significant economic crimes by monopolists.
The subtle control of consciousness through mundane American symbols reflects deeper subjugation of Filipino autonomy.
Conclusion
The selected cartoons serve as potent historical records of political sentiments and societal challenges during the American colonial period.
They convey the complexities of change in Filipino identity, cultural shifts, and the enduring influence of colonial governance.