Classmates EOTO 1 Takeaways

Cartoonists in Journalism History

During my classmates EOTO (Each One Teach One) presentations I heard about a lot of historically groundbreaking publications that were revolutionary for their time. The presentation I found most interesting however, was the history of cartoons in newspapers.

The first political cartoon was made by Benjamin Franklin on May 9, 1754. Titled “Join or Die” and featured in the Pennsylvania Gazette, this was the first cartoon to ever be printed in the news, my classmates informed me. This was a tactic to unite the 8 colonies, for together they are whole and apart they would die. This is so famous and popular even to this day, I have a flag of it in my room even. 

Cartoons were so great for everyone, young and old, literate and illiterate. The expressed public opinion in a comedic way. Political cartoons were also a great introduction to heavy topics, keeping viewers’ readings mostly lighthearted. They were and still are fun to look at, and are a great tactic for “propaganda.”

Cartoons feature many characteristics, the most common being irony, exaggeration, symbolism, analogies, and labeling. These symbols of the elephant and donkey were created early on to represent the Republican and Democratic Party. 

I learned about Flynn v. Falwell and the decision that “parody’s of public figures WAS freedom of the press.” Which was a great win for the 1st Amendment.