Name: Jefferson A.

Socias
Dates: Nov. 30, 2021
Block: 1I BSED Math Major
Sir. Roel Siglos
Score: ____
1 Corinthian 14:40
“Let all the things be done decently and order”

READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

WEEK 5
EDITORIAL CARTOONS AS HISTORICAL MAINSPRING
In the Philippine society, good inter personal relationship is a social norm. Filipinos are
naturally a happy people. In this view, editorial cartoon is a
potent tool that can be used to express
the sentiment of the people. It is a way of expressing of their social realities in the manner that suits
their sensitivities and at the same time cascading the message very well to the receiver of the
message.
Since the Filipino are happy people, teasing is a part of the day-to-day life of an ordinary
Filipino. As explained by the advocate of Sikolohiyang Pilipino, this attitude is natural, especially
in the country which has strong sense of communalism. This innate character of the Filipino was
used as the weapon to criticize American policy in the country.
The art of teasing was complemented by the innate talent of the Filipinos in
painting/sketching. During the time when freedom was very limited, Filipinos used the power of
arts to liberate society.

Activity 1
Make your own criticism/analysis relating to the selected Philippine Political Caricature in Alfred
McCoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900-1941). Write the
Importance and relevance to our lives.
My analysis about Political cartoons and caricature are from classical art with exaggerated human
features and poking fun at its subject which gained full expression during the American era.
Political Caricature during the American period the transition from Spanish colonial period to the
American occupation period demonstrated different strands of changes and shift in culture,
society, and politics. The American’s drastically introduced democracy to us and the
consequences were far from ideal. The cartoons illustrated not only the opinion of certain media
outfits about Philippines society during American period but also paint a broad image of society
and politics.
LIPANG KALABAW is a satirical-political entertainment weekly Tagalog magazine that was
circulated in the Philippines in three different periods. The Lipang Kalabaw of 1907-1909 tackled
the relevant issues of politics, society, and culture of the day. The caricatures of the famous
personalities of the era made it a very controversial magazine. According to art historians, this
early Lipang Kalabaw caricatures were drawn by Jorge Pineda. The magazine folded in 1909, as
a result of pressure from the government.
Serves as a mirror of the society’s colonial condition. Positive and negative changes were
mirrored in the cartoons. Conveys scandals, struggles, and social changes of the American
Colonial Period. Discovery of Filipino’s creativity in journalism and cartoons. How they used it
as an act of protest or weapon in the struggle for social reform & independence. Shows an array
of information and graphic images which mainly focuses on the political aspect. Filipino
politician did not understand the essence of democracy and the accompanying democratic
institution and processes. Patronage became influential and powerful. Transition from a Catholic-
centered, Spanish-Filipino society to an imperial America assimilated one. “Sexual revolution”
mindset. Condition of the poor Filipinos in the Philippines.
Political cartoons can be very funny, especially if you understand the issue that they're
commenting on. Their main purpose, though, is not to amuse you but to persuade you. A good
political cartoon makes you think about current events, but it also tries to sway your opinion
toward the cartoonist's point of view.