Philippine Caricature american era OPVL .pdf.pdf

Alfred Mccoy

1. “WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THIS IMAGE?”“WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THIS IMAGE?”

2. CARICATURES AS SOCIAL
COMMENTARY
CARICATURES AS SOCIAL
COMMENTARYCaricatures are exaggerated illustrations that use humor, irony, and
symbolism to reflect and critique political and social realities. Far
from mere satire, they are powerful tools of public engagement and
historical reflection.
SIGNIFICANCE:
Exposes core societal issues
Communicates through symbolism
Critiques power and authority
Links history and present
Sparks public reflection

3. POLITICAL
CARICATURES OF
THE AMERICAN
ERA
POLITICAL
CARICATURES OF
THE AMERICAN
ERA
Alfred MccoyAlfred Mccoy

4. O -O - R I G I NR I G I N
This is a compilation of political cartoons and commentary from the American
colonial period in the Philippines, originally published by the Ayala Museum and
edited by two respected scholars:
Alfred W. McCoy – A historian known for his expertise on Philippine history,
colonialism, and U.S. foreign policy.
Alfredo R. Roces – A Filipino writer and art critic.
The scanned excerpts are hosted on ResearchGate, an academic sharing platform,
and were uploaded by Alfred McCoy himself.
Where was the source found?
The source was originally published in Manila, Philippines by Vera-
Reyes, Inc.
When was the source written?
The book was written and published in 1985.

5. P -P - The purpose of the book—and the selections in this
document—is to:
• Illustrate the political and social climate of the
American colonial era in the Philippines through
visual media
• Analyze how cartoons served as tools of political
commentary, protest, and propaganda
• Preserve and present these artworks for
educational and historical reflection
URPOSEURPOSE It aims to educate
students, researchers, and
the public about how satire
reflected the tensions
between colonizers and
Filipinos.

6. What can you tell about the time period from the piece?
It shows how Americans viewed Filipinos as "uncivilized" and in need of guidance
or "training," which reflects the racist and imperialist mindset of that era.
It shows that the American era in the Philippines wasn’t just about development,
rather, it involved control, violence, censorship, and Filipino resistance.
V-ALUEV-ALUE

7. Does the author represent a particular "side" of the controversy?
Alfred McCoy represents a critical or anti-colonial perspective. His
caricatures side with Filipino resistance and challenge the idea that the U.S.
was a “benevolent colonizer.”
V-ALUEV-ALUE

8. What was going on at the time? Does it reflect that time period?
During the American era, there were wars, uprisings, surveillance, and
suppression of dissent. These caricatures reflect all of that. They mirror the
struggles of the Filipino people and expose American imperial practices like
torture and military control.
V-ALUEV-ALUE

9. What part of the story is not mentioned?
Selection bias: Only selected cartoons are included. It’s not a complete archive of all political
cartoons from 1900–1941; choices may reflect editors’ judgments or availability.
The caricatures often omit the nuanced experiences of ordinary Filipinos, such as peasants
or communities who may not have access to or engage with political satire.
The role of women, indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups is typically
underrepresented.
The caricatures might not reflect the diversity of Filipino political opinion—only the
dissenting or elite-educated perspectives.
L-IMITATIONSL-IMITATIONS

10. What does the author leave out?
McCoy focuses heavily on elite collaboration and the role of political families, but may
underplay grassroots resistance movements not tied to the illustrators or elite groups.
The American side of the story (i.e., perspectives from American officials or soldiers) is
largely shown through critique, not through an objective or balanced comparison.
L-IMITATIONSL-IMITATIONS

11. What other sources agree/disagree with McCoy?
Agree:
Renato Constantino’s “The Miseducation of the Filipino” – Also critiques American colonial
education and propaganda.
Patricio Abinales & Donna Amoroso’s “State and Society in the Philippines” – Supports the
idea of elite collaboration and American manipulation.
Vicente Rafael’s “White Love and Other Events in Filipino History” – Discusses how
language, symbols, and media were used to establish colonial power.
L-IMITATIONSL-IMITATIONS

12. What other sources agree/disagree with McCoy?
Disagree:
Official U.S. colonial reports and textbooks (e.g., Report of the Philippine Commission) –
Frame American rule as benevolent, promoting democracy and civilization.
American missionary accounts or educational narratives – Often portray Filipinos as
“grateful” for American guidance, downplaying resistance.
Some conservative Filipino historians or scholars argue McCoy’s work is overly cynical or
biased against U.S. influence.
L-IMITATIONSL-IMITATIONS

15. POLITICAL CARICATURE OF THE AMERICAN ERA
GAINED MANY AWARDS:
POLITICAL CARICATURE OF THE AMERICAN ERA
GAINED MANY AWARDS: PHILIPPINE CATHOLIC MASS MEDIA AWARD
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR (1985)
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR
HISTORY (1986)
GINTONG AKLAT AWARD (MANILA)
SPECIAL CITATION FOR HISTORY (1987NS
PHILIPPINE CATHOLIC MASS MEDIA AWARD
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR (1985)
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR
HISTORY (1986)
GINTONG AKLAT AWARD (MANILA)
SPECIAL CITATION FOR HISTORY (1987NS

16. THANK
YOU
THANK
YOU