EOTO 1: Something I learned

 Words are not the only option for people to comment and critique politicians, public figures or events. Political cartoons have been in use for centuries to do what words cannot. Using hyperbole, metaphor and irony, political cartoons provide commentary on politics, politicians and major events in history. 

The origin of the political cartoon dates back to about 1720, and the collapse of the South Sea Company. But the first truly political cartoon in the United States was Benjamin Franklin’s “Join, or Die” cartoon in The Pennsylvania Gazette, on May 9, 1754. This cartoon featured a snake that was cut into several pieces to symbolize the colonies and their need to come together in order to defeat the British and gain their independence. 

Some famous political cartoons in history include “Don’t Tread On Me”, “A Harlot’s Progress”, Rube Goldberg's Pulitzer Prize winning, “Peace Today” and “Abe Lincoln’s Last Card or Rouge-et-Noir.” All of these cartoons seek to show the importance and the true nature of those in power through satire, irony or metaphor.

These cartoons have been used throughout not only our country’s history, but others as well. In Canada, one of the more famous political cartoons is called “No Mercy to Captives Before Quebeck,” by Geroge Townshend in 1759. 

Political cartoons are also protected by the First Amendment as they are considered a form of speech, more specifically, they are political speech and parodies, which has the highest level of protection from the First Amendment. The American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) is a professional association that seeks to protect and promote the interests of cartoonists at all levels of work. The organization was founded in 1957 by a group of cartoonists led by John Stampone. Today, they have over 200 members in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Today, R.J. Matson is one of the most known political cartoonists in recent years. He is responsible for cartoons in the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump presidencies, and continues to illustrate cartoons today. 

Political cartoons are important to the conversation on different topics in our history. They are able to show us opinions on those issues, and how they really seem.