PHILIPPINE CARTOONS: POLITICAL

CARICATURE OF THE AMERICAN ERA

(1900-1941)

Alfred W. McCoy

The four decades of American colonial rule were a formative period in the Philippine

history. The Philippine move forward from an authoritarian Spanish regime to autonomy and

freedom. Under U.S colonial tutelage, the Philippine experienced a process of Americanization

and modernization that has left a lasting legacy. Even at first contact in the 16th century, the

Spanish conquistadors found that Filipino possessed a sophisticated material, culture and a

complex society. At the close to Spanish era in 1898, the Philippine already had substantial

cities, a thriving export agriculture, and strong church and state structures. The revolution defeat

of the Spanish empire in 1898 is an ample testimony to the sophistication of Filipino society.

Like the nationalist the Philippine press( established itself during the decade following the

American invasion of 1898. it was the time of remarkable ferment and cultural creativity.

Censorship laws after the end of military rule( 1901 provided and outlet for their protest. The

Spanish Comision permanente de censura simply banned all Filipino creativity, American press

control were much more flexible. Spanish censorhip simply banned any non-religious Filipino

publication and made it impossible to even consider opening a newspaper in late 19th century
manila Manilas first Spanish daily newspaper began publishing in 1846. The Filipino gained

their earliest editorial experience as propagandist in Madrid or a newspaper publisher for the

revolution in 1898-99. The first Filipino daily newspaper, La Independencia, appeared.

Published clandestinely in Manila, the paper was directed by Antonio Luna.

During the American era, Philippine political cartoons gained full expression during the

American era. Filipino artists recorded national attitudes toward the coming of the Americans as

well as the changing mores and times. While the 377 cartoons compiled in this book speak for

themselves, historian Alfred McCoy’s extensive research in Philippine and American archives

provides a comprehensive background not only to the cartoons but to the turbulent period as

well. Philippine political cartoons gained full expression during the American era. Filipino artists

recorded national attitudes toward the coming of the Americans as well as the changing mores

and times. While the 377 cartoons compiled in this book speak for themselves, historian Alfred

McCoy’s extensive research in Philippine and American archives provides a comprehensive

background not only to the cartoons but to the turbulent period as well. Artist-writer Alfredo

Roces, who designed the book, contributes an essay on Philippine graphic satire of the period.

SOURCES:

https://www.scribd.com/document/423887348/Political-Caricature-of-the-American-Era-by-

Alfred-Mccoy

https://www.slideshare.net/lovelythegreat/philippine-history-report-146728071

Readings in the Philippine history book(Rex Store)

 CONTEXT OF PHILIPPINE CARTOONS:

POLITICAL CARICATURE OF THE

AMERICAN ERA (1900-1941)

The presentation of the cartoons varies from racial to conservative, producing powerful

feelings and wordy to express the cartoonist’s views and languages used are either in English or

Spanish. The victims are presented in a bad and sorry state to convey sympathy from the readers.

The characters to emphasize on the “good side” are shown in normal features while the “bad”

emaciated, leering, laughing creatures, more on animal features than human. The artists, using

their cartoons, illustrated not just their opinions, but broad image of the Philippines under the

US.

The transition from Spanish Colonial period to American Occupation shows different

changes as well as in culture, society, and politics. The drastic introduction of democracy to a

nation not properly oriented about it and its consequences are far from ideal. Thus, it ushered

free press. The rich remained affluent and powerful, while the poor people remained poor,

desperate, and victims of state repression.

Editorial Cartoons play an important role in understanding the Filipinos' sentiments

concerning the transition of governance from Spain to the Americans. Pressing issues are clearly

illustrated in the caricature of characters and satirized situations in the Philippine Society during

the American era. Indeed, artists’ works are relevant in the study of Philippine History. Artists’
free expression of thoughts through their cartoons or caricatures somehow influenced the

Filipinos at that particular period.

Media influence can be an actual force resulting change in audience or individual beliefs.

These effects can be positive or negative, abrupt or gradual, short-term or long-lasting. However,

not all effects result in change: some media messages reinforce an existing belief, attitudes, as

well as behavior of the populace. Cartoon editorials compiled by McCoy as a print media, surely

have made an impact among the Filipino readers during the American period until today. Also

the condition of the poor Filipinos under the American reign.

 REFLECTION ABOUT MY JOURNEY ON MY WHOLE SEMESTER WITH READING

THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY (RIPH)

They say that the teacher's main concern is the student's learning .This 4 months of full

of pressure, happiness, sadness or let's say mix emotions that makes me even more strong for

why I am now. This journey is one of the best subject I've had why? because the things really go

well the topics really elaborate clearly and efficiently. There's an interaction between the student-

teacher relationship and also enjoy the discussion about the issue/ problems in our country as

well as the history of our Pearl of the Orient Seas.

In the Reading in the Philippine History my reflection is I really learned a lot about this

subject. Every lesson that our teacher discussed he really tackled it well and in a wider

perspective. The way he teach the students is really exciting and full of surprise that's why the

students really activates the brain to think not just in a superficial way but using critical thinking

and analysis. In this subject I really love our teacher I don't know the way he teach us you can

see the passion of how he loves teaching to his students and also he really share his knowledge

and experience. In his subject, we can express our feelings and opinions about the issue unlike

others. In just 3 hours the information he gave to us is overloaded can you think of it how he

manage his time that all of us really learn about what he is discussing. In his subject it is quiet

nervous but excited because even me I cannot know what he will do in our class you cannot

predict him, thats why before you enter his class your mind, heart, body and soul must be ready.
I'm really thankful to Sir Jaime Ayuro he is really a great and effective teacher. I'm glad the he is

our teacher in RIPH at the same time sad because we will never have a teacher like him. I am

really inspire to all the knowledge as well as the wisdom that he also taught us. Because of him

I've learned a lot about the issues in our society the politics also everything that he had is he

shared to us. And analyzing if what can be the solution to the problem or issue facing by the

country. I don't know what I will be going next to say because he's a great and competent teacher

but I'm very very very lucky to have a teacher like him. I wish that there's more students who

will also inspire by him and apply all those knowledge they will acquire.
 Erika C. Magsigay was born on September 13,2000 in Quezon City.

She is living with her parents in Phase 4 C Package 39 Block 6 Lot 2 Bagong Silang, Caloocan

City. She is currently studying in University of Caloocan City taking a course of Bachelor of

Secondary Education Major in English. She graduated in the Bestlink College of the Philippines

in Senior high School which she earned with honor in Grade 12 and With high honor in Grade

11. She finish her studies in elementary education in Sto.Niño Elementary School Top 2 in class.

While in Grade 3 top 5 in class. She believe that everything happens for a reason and never give

up in every problem/challenges you will be hurdle. Always remember that there no impossible in

dreaming. So make our dreams turn into reality.