Blog Post #3 - Cartoons and The AAEC

For centuries now, cartoons have been used to relay information covering an extensive amount of topics dating all the way back to 16th century Germany during the Reformation.

The first person in America to make a political cartoon was Benjamin Franklin in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. His first piece is still widely recognizable and called "Join or Die." It shows a coiled snake that is separated into eight different pieces each labeled with one of the American Colonies.

During the Civil war era political cartoons gained widespread attention. It was during this time that iconic staples like Uncle Sam, the democratic donkey, and the republican elephant were created by Thomas Nast. 

There are many different kinds of cartoons. To name a few there are pocket cartoons, comic strip cartoons, and gag cartoons. These kinds of cartoons can cover all different genres of information. Any of these could educate people on politics, global threats, and even day to day life. 

Throughout history, cartoons have been used to express public opinion and convey messages with five key elements; irony, symbolism, analogy, exaggeration, and labeling. Often cartoons are made with overemphasized characteristics and hint towards a bigger picture, which is what usually engages readers. Cartoons provide such valuable information that even in an age of today where there are animations and photographs they still hold their own place in a newspaper.

Cartoons are considered a visual medium and they help readers understand complex ideas. Whether that be political, social, or economic. So much so, that even kids gained an interest and are able to learn ideas like this at a young age.

The American Association of Editorial Cartoonists, AAEC, was formed in 1957 by a man named John Stampone and a small group of newspaper cartoonists. It was created in order to stimulate and promote interest in the editorial cartoon page and bring together political cartoonists. Since it was formed only 65 years ago, there is not a whole lot of history pertaining to the AAEC. However, this has not stopped them from making an immense impact. 

Over time the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists have been involved with many cases regarding freedom of the press by filing friend-of-the-court briefs. An example of one is the Supreme Court case in 1988, Hustler Magazine v. Falwell. In this case, the Hustler Magazine released a parody of an actual ad campaign which targeted political leader Falwell who sued the magazine for emotional distress and invasion of privacy.  The AAEC fought for the Hustler magazine because it prides itself on defending the freedom of speech and press as it is essential to the backbone of the United States.

Whether you read the newspaper or not, cartoons will always be a place for any type of reader to learn something, and we are lucky to have the AAEC fighting for them.