Political Caricatures of the American Era in the Philippines (PDF)

political caricatures of the american era  Alfred W. McCoy and Alfredo Roces.Alfred W. McCoy is a renowned American historian specializing in Southeast Asian history, particularly Philippine history. He is known for his works on colonialism, political su...

political caricatures of the american era  Alfred W. McCoy and Alfredo Roces.Alfred W. McCoy is a renowned American historian specializing in Southeast Asian history, particularly Philippine history. He is known for his works on colonialism, political surveillance, and the history of drugs. McCoy has written extensively on the Philippines' political development under both Spanish and American rule. Alfredo Roces is a respected Filipino artist, writer, and historian. Roces has a deep interest in Filipino culture, politics, and history, which reflects in his many contributions to art and literature, especially regarding the Philippine colonial and post-colonial experiences.  Political Caricatures of the American Era Cartoons & Caricatures Caricature and political cartoons are relatively new forms of art. A form of art that highlights human characteristics and making fun of its topics. This type of art form and method was incorporated into the The use of print media for social and political remark that typically criticizes influential people and Power. The distinctive manner in which a caricature conveys viewpoint and draws in the audience's imagination is sufficient justification for These political cartoons should be studied by historians.  Political Caricatures of the American Era Philippine Cartoons by Alfred McCoy and Alfredo Roces (January 1, 1985) American Colonial Period (1898 - 1946) A compilation of political cartoons published in newspaper dailies and periodicals in the aforementioned time period.  In the cartoon, Dr. Santos, a Tondo politician, is seen giving his brother-in-law, Dr. Barcelona, his crown. A Filipino man (seen in a salukot and barong tagalog) was attempting to stop Santos by telling him to stop giving the crown to Barcelona since it was never PUBLISHED IN THE INDEPENDENT ON MAY 20, 1916. his.  PUBLISHED BY THE INDEPENDENT ON 16 JUNE 1917. This was drawn by Fernando Amorsolo, and it was intended as a remark on how the Manila Police were operating at the time. The Filipino kid was caught stealing a chicken because he had nothing to eat. The policeman's persistent pursuit of the child in question. A man wearing a salakot labeled as Juan de la Cruz was was grabbing the officer, telling him to leave the small-time pickpockets and thieves and to turn at the great thieves instead. He was pointing to huge warehouses containing bulks of rice, milk, and grocery products. In this cartoon on the increasing number of illegal or "colorum" vehicles on the city streets is depicted. The Philippine Free Press published this when thes accidents involving unlicensed vehicles and taxis became too freuqent.  Uncle Sam's caricature is shown here, riding a chariot pushed by Filipinos wearing school uniforms. Baseballs and other American items were being carried. Whiskey, boxing gloves, and bats. McCoy, in his caption to the said cartoon, says that this cartoon was based on an event in 1907 when William Howard Taft was brought to the Manila pier riding a chariot pulled by students of Liceo de Manila. Such was condemned by PUBLISHED IN THE INDEPENDENT ON MAY 20, 1916. the nationalists at that time. The last cartoon was published by Lipang Kalabaw on 24 August 1907. In the picture we can see Uncle Sam rationing porridge to the politicians and members of the Progresista Party (sometimes known as the Federalista Party) while members of the Nacionalista Party look on and wait for their turn. This cartoon illustrates how politicians from both parties vie for the US's favor.  Political Caricatures of the American Era CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS AT THAT TIME, IT SEEMED LIKE FILIPINO POLITICIANS DIDN'T FULLY UNDERSTAND DEMOCRACY AND HOW ITS INSTITUTIONS AND PROCESSES WORKED. THIS WAS SHOWN IN THE RISE OF POLITICAL DYNASTIES IN TONDO, AS ILLUSTRATED IN A CARTOON PUBLISHED BY THE INDEPENDENT. PATRONAGE BECAME VERY POWERFUL, NOT JUST BETWEEN CLIENTS AND PATRONS, BUT ALSO BETWEEN THE NEW POLITICAL PARTIES, WHICH WERE MADE UP OF THE ELITE, AND THE UNITED STATES. IN ONE CARTOON, THE U.S. (REPRESENTED BY UNCLE SAM) IS SEEN GIVING OUT BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF THE FEDERALISTA PARTY WHILE THE NATIONALISTA POLITICIANS WAITED FOR THEIR TURN. BECAUSE OF THIS, POLITICAL PARTIES WEREN'T REALLY OFFERING CHOICES TO VOTERS. LASTLY, THE CARTOONS SHOWED HOW POOR FILIPINOS WERE LIVING UNDER U.S. RULE, AND IT SEEMED LIKE NOT MUCH HAD IMPROVED. ONE CARTOON, FOR EXAMPLE, SHOWED HOW THE POLICE WERE HARSH ON SMALL-TIME FILIPINO CRIMINALS BUT IGNORED BIG-TIME HOARDERS (LIKELY CHINESE MERCHANTS) WHO CONTROLLED GOODS IN LARGE WAREHOUSES. ANOTHER CARTOON SHOWED HOW AMERICANS INFLUENCED FILIPINOS USING EVERYDAY AMERICAN PRODUCTS, WHICH SEEMED HARMLESS. THIS ALLOWED THE AMERICANS TO CONTROL HOW FILIPINOS THOUGHT AND, IN TURN, KEEP THEM UNDER CONTROL.  Political Caricatures of the American Era Contribution to grand narratives of philippine history VISUAL DOCUMENTATION OF RESISTANCE The caricatures capture Filipino sentiments and critiques of American colonialism in ways that formal texts may not fully articulate. Through satire, they express the frustrations, hopes, and resistance of Filipinos during this period, making the political landscape more accessible and relatable to the public.  HIGHLIGHTING CLASS STRUGGLES AND NATIONAL IDENTITY 2. Highlighting Class Struggles and National Identity: The works reflect the tensions between different social classes and the evolving sense of Filipino identity under foreign rule. By mocking American colonial policies and their impact on Filipinos, the caricatures emphasize the growing awareness of national identity and the struggle for sovereignty. EXPOSING IMPERIALIST TACTICS Through exaggeration and humor, these political cartoons reveal the often paternalistic and manipulative tactics of the American colonial administration. They serve as a critique of how the United States imposed its political, economic, and cultural systems on the Philippines, helping to inform historical narratives that explore the complexity of colonial domination.  EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 1. These caricatures are important tools in teaching and understanding history. They provide an alternative lens to the usual textual and official narratives, offering insights into how ordinary Filipinos perceived and responded to the political dynamics of their time. VISUAL STORYTELLING Since many people at the time couldn't read lengthy articles or academic works, these cartoons served as a visual way to express complex ideas, making them more accessible to the general public.