More Historical Cartoons

Prejudice against Chinese immigrants:

Injustice toward Chinese immigrants:

Difficulty of displaced persons immigrating to the United States:

Some Anti-Immigration Cartoons

"I Asked You First"

caglecartoons.com   spring 2007

Cartoonist: Matson   U.S. Cartoon

The elephant asks the donkey what it takes to solve many different problems relating to illegal immigration, but also allowing for the business community to have enough workers.

negative framing of undocumented immigrants

negative framing of immigration policies

What "reality" is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

Neither political party understands how to ultimately solve the immigration issue while at the same time fulfilling the low-level labor jobs. On top of these conflicting issues, neither the Republican or Democratic parties know how to balance both while finding the correct tightness of the border. 

Overall, although it sheds some negative light on undocumented workers, the cartoon is negative on the border policy and the intelligence and problem-solving abilities of the two parties overall.

Broken English

Publication__Independent (blog)__      Date:_Jan. 11, 2009

Cartoonist:__Donar___________       U.S./International

Title of the cartoon:__Broken English ___

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

A redneck drunk approached an immigrant, and whined about how they

have bad English and don’t learn the language right. The immigrant

then corrects the redneck’s English and gives him help on how to

improve it.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies (Circle answer)

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The issue that the cartoonist is trying to address is that many immigrants do learn the language and speak it quite fluently, even better than some Americans. The stereotype of people with different colored skin and who look like immigrants make viewers think from the start that the Mexican one can’t speak English very well, but he proves that stereotype wrong by correcting the hick’s language. Immigrants in this cartoon are framed as intelligent, professional citizens who deserve equal rights or are perhaps more deserving of rights than white American bigots. 

Legal & Illegal Immigration Labor

Publication__United Feature Syndicate___    Date:_2010_

Cartoonist:__Bill Day_______                           U.S./International

Title of the cartoon: __Legal and Illegal Immigration Labor__

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Two men complain about immigrants, but then the one man compliments

the other’s home. It then shows the home and what both illegal and

legal immigrants have done to make U.S. houses and yards look good.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

Americans complain about how immigrants are horrible to have in America; they are lazy, steal, deal drugs, kill cops, only speak their native language, have too big of families, and are a threat to American lifestyles. The two American men are framed to be the bad guys because of their hypocrisy. They complain about how horrible immigrants are, yet they benefit from the labor of both documented and undocumented workers. It shows that despite our stereotypes for Mexicans, they really do benefit our society and generally help more than hurt. It depicts Americans as whiners who sit around, while immigrants get things done. Though the view of these American characters is stretched, it does reflect the extreme views of many Americans in real life. 

Obama & Immigrants

Publication__MSNBC_______________     Date:__2010__

Cartoonist: __Daryl Cagle____________      U.S./International

Title of the cartoon:__No Title_________

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Obama is telling the immigrants to leave the U.S. after closing down their corporate employers but asks them to have their children to come back and vote for the Democrats because the Democrats were against the Arizona law the whole time.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies 

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

Democrats are pro-immigration but do not back up employers who hire immigrants for low wages and the hard labor. Obama wants immigrants to stay but can’t do anything about the law in Arizona. He is framed to look like someone without backbone to fight the Arizona law, but he still is selfish and power-hungry enough to ask for votes from children of undocumented immigrants. The cartoonist stereotypes the immigrants by giving them all the same clothing and expression. It mocks the way Americans dehumanize immigrants by stereotyping and putting them in the same category. They are depicted as emotionless and don’t seem to have opinions. This also expressed the view of many Americans who think undocumented workers don’t deserve rights.

Arizona 2010

Publication_Orlando Sentinials____       Date:April 27, 2010

Cartoonist:_Dana Summers________   U.S./International

Title of the cartoon:__Arizona-2010____________

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

A couple watches immigrants, who have disguised themselves as white Americans, do their yard work.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The Law in Arizona will cause immigrants to do everything in their power to get into the U.S. and live here. The immigrants are framed as people who just want a job to support their family and gain a better lifestyle for themselves. The caption of the cartoon suggests that in Arizona, immigrants must do everything in their power to appear to be in the right place, working as white Americans. The white couple does not know the workers are immigrants because of the paint and wigs. This shows that many Americans are guilty of profiling and are used to Mexican workers doing jobs like yard work. The immigrants are whistling and being inconspicuous, trying not to draw attention to themselves. It’s as though they are afraid to be themselves, and they try to hide it.

Team Member Name: _Nicholas Larson________________________
Publication__London Times________________Date: 2008____
Cartoonist:_Al Margoles__________________U.S./International
Title of the cartoon:_________________________________Cartoon#_4_
What action is taking place in the cartoon?

The president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, is saying to George Bush “tear down this wall”.

Tone of the cartoon: 1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants 2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies
What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

What they are making reference to is the famous Ronald Reagan speech to Mikail Gorbechev to tear down the wall separating East and West Berlin in the early eighties. The cartoonist is making a point that in America, we had an already established a precedent that walls separating people are not a good idea. The hypocrisy of the American govt. runs really thick in this cartoon. A negative image of the immigration policies of America are being framed in this cartoon.

The Day We Celebrate

fIMMIGRATION & UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS

• Cartoon Analysis Worksheet: Attach to cartoon.

Team Member Name: Mariah Noble

Publication Harper’s Weekly Date: 1867

Cartoonist: Thomas Nast U.S./International (circle)

Title of the cartoon: The Day We Celebrate___Cartoon#___

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Irish immigrants are beating policemen/ American citizens.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies (Circle answer)

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The reality in this cartoon portrays Irish immigrants as uncivilized, irresponsible people with little to no respect for authority figures. The scene is based off of actual riots that occurred in New York between the Irish and the government. History shows that there were multiple riots throughout the mid to late 1800s. The cartoonish illustrated the “wild Irish” as monkey-like people who were chaotic and unintelligent. Every person in the cartoon is holding a weapon with which they can club others in the scene, but the policemen and their weapons are trampled and defeated for the most part. The caption tells what is going on in the picture and when. The two words in either corner indicate that the Irish are thirsty for two things: blood and rum. This illustrates them as violent drunks. The small words, “Brutal attack on the police… Irish riot,” cause the viewer to further sympathize with the seemingly innocent police. The font used for “The day we celebrate” makes the Irish look unintelligent again. This cartoon is addressing the issue of allowing wild Irish immigrants to live in America. It’s message poses the question of how long the injustices of the violent Irish will be tolerated by U.S. citizens. The police seem powerless, while the Irish seem out of control. It frames the law-abiding police as victims to the fiery, rash Irish drunkards who are destroying the American nation.

The Chinese Question

IMMIGRATION & UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS

• Cartoon Analysis Worksheet: Attach to cartoon.

Team Member Name: Mariah Noble

Publication Harper’s Weekly Date: 1871

Cartoonist: Thomas Nast U.S./International (circle)

Title of the cartoon: The Chinese Question Cartoon#___

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

A Chinese man is cowering on the ground with a woman (who we can interpret as Lady Liberty) between him and an angry mob of white Americans. A sign behind him refers to Chinese immigrants in derogatory terms.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies (Circle answer)

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

This is a cartoon that sympathizes with Chinese immigrants. It illustrates the anger and hate that Americans generated, despite having laws and foundations that protect and reach out to those immigrants seeking better lives. The Chinese man is clearly distraught and humiliated by the allegations on the sign behind him. Lady Liberty is trying to comfort him while giving the mob a disapproving look. The members of the mob are ugly and angry. They carry weapons to harm the Chinese refugee, and there is an empty rope on a dead tree in the background, giving the viewer the impression that the mob will hang the Chinese man. The words on the sign describe the Chinese as “barbarians, heathens, the lowest and vilest.” The issue being addressed is prejudice and discrimination against Chinese immigrants. The Chinaman is stereotypically dressed, and the Americans are stereotypically rash in their words and actions. Americans blamed immigrants for problems, just as they do today. This cartoon uses irony to mock how Americans were accusing Chinese workers of being vile, barbaric heathens when in reality the American people’s actions of hostility toward the Chinese were far more wild and rash. The cartoon is framed so that people will see the humane side of the Chinese immigrant’s struggle for respect and peace in the United States.

The Only Way to Handle It

IMMIGRATION & UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS

• Cartoon Analysis Worksheet: Attach to cartoon.

Team Member Name: Mariah Noble

Publication Unavailable (now located in the Library of Congress) Date: 1921 Cartoonist: Unavailable U.S./International (circle)

Title of the cartoon:_The Only Way to Handle It___Cartoon#___

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Uncle Sam is limiting the dimension of a funnel transferring people from Europe to the United States

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies (Circle answer)

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

This editorial cartoon expresses the need for regulation of allowing European immigrants into the United States and illustrates the results of the Emergency Quota Act of 1921, which limited the number of new immigrants to 3 percent of the number of immigrants existing already in the United States. There is a giant funnel that starts in Europe and deposits immigrants into the United States. Uncle Sam is constricting the smaller end of the funnel by putting a gate of 3 percent into it. In his other hand, he holds papers which can be interpreted as the new law. The image gives the impression that tons of Europeans want to move to the United States, but allowing them all in would overwhelm Americans. The caption, “The only way to handle it,” frames the new law limiting immigration as the only logical solution to the problem of overpopulation by Europeans.

"Illegal Immigration"

Hartford Courant   3/14/08
Cartoonist: Bob Englehart   U.S. Cartoon

A boy and girl carry out the insidious plan to sneak into the movie theater. Then, on top of stealing, they expect more on top. They seek to get free popcorn, besides stealing the show.

negative framing of undocumented immigrants
negative framing of immigration policies

What "reality" is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?
Undocumented workers are selfish. They illegally arrive here, take advantage of the liberties offered by a democracy, prey on what one might consider to be a loose border security, and once they arrive, they expect benefits that not even a legally-registered U.S. citizen might receive. Overall, many immigrants seek for more than they are registered to receive. Also, the ease of entering into the theater represents that the border security isn't secure after all.

Team Member Name: _Nicholas Larson____________________

Publication_El Kire______Date:_07/12/08

Cartoonist:___Bonil___________________________U.S./International

Title of the cartoon:_________________________________Cartoon#_3_

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

1: “you’ll earn your bread from the sweat off your brow”
2: “unless you’re an immigrant in Europe, then all you’ll earn is jail”

This cartoon is from a publication in Barcelona, Spain. He is making reference to the large African population trying to access Europe, specifically the Moroccans. It is easy to see that not only the U.S. has a border control problem. Spain, who has the second largest immigration problem, (second only to the U.S.) has tried to deal with its problem similarly. Currently, they have tried to build a barrier fence, and Spain has granted the largest amnesty to immigrants in the industrialized world.

Tone of the cartoon: 1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The cartoonist is representing the immigrants of the world over as he shows the romantic deception of the capitalist world. They promise world of prosperity to those who are willing to work for it, but instead they only face deportation or jail. He is framing the immigration policies of Europe as inhumane and unjust.

The Great Fear of the Period

IMMIGRATION & UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS

• Cartoon Analysis Worksheet: Attach to cartoon.

Team Member Name: Mariah Noble

Publication White and Bauer (San Francisco Date:1860s

Cartoonist: Unavailable U.S./International (circle)

Title of the cartoon:_The Great Fear of the Period Cartoon#___

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Uncle Sam is being swallowed by a Chinese and an Irish immigrant.

Tone of the cartoon:

1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)

2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies (Circle answer)

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The reality constructed is that by allowing immigrants into the United States, they will destroy American traditions and culture. The cartoonist specifically targets the Chinese and Irish immigrants because of the vast amount of people coming to the U.S. to construct railroads, as can be seen in the background of the cartoon. The caption states that Americans are fearful of the new immigrants taking over and destroying their heritage. The caption at the bottom, “The problem solved,” refers to immigrants swallowing and destroying each other’s culture. It is a sarcastic caption that is actually showing what a problem this result would be. The Chinese man is stereotypically illustrated with a queue hairstyle and a peasant’s outfit, and as he eats, he progressively gets fatter. The same is true of the Irish man. As they swallow the freedoms and history represented by Uncle Sam, they seem selfish and gluttonous. The Chinaman is the only person left standing, which makes him seem like the worse of the two enemies. His traditional peasant hat is on the ground in the background and he ends up wearing the Irish hat, hinting that part of the Irish culture will be preserved, but there is no evidence left of Uncle Sam.

Team Member Name: _Nicholas larson____________________

Publication_Grudo 6______________________Date:_04/23/10

Cartoonist:____Jose Herod__________________U.S./International

Title of the cartoon:_________________________________Cartoon#_2_

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Caption: “I give him work, I give him food, I give him medicine, I help his women, what more do you guys want from me?”

The Haitian man is being portrayed as an ape, an ape that is happy to being taken care of. The Dominican is carrying the weight of the man and speaking to Hilary and Barrak. He says basically what else do you want me to do with the limited resources I have? You want us to do all of this but where is the help?

Tone of the cartoon: 1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies

What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The cartoonist is also hinting to the double standard of the United States. With mounting political pressure for the Dominicans to take in their neighbors, the artist makes reference to the unwillingness to accept the Mexicans into the U.S. under similar circumstances.

"USA Keep Out"

msnbc.com   October 9, 2010
Cartoonist: Daryl Cagle   U.S. Cartoon 

On one side of the fence, there is a humble stand offering maps to the United States. An opportunity, but not nearly as much compared to the opportunities at the the booths on the other side of the fence.

negative framing of undocumented immgrants
negative framing of immigration policies

What "reality" is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?
This cartoon states how the United States offers all of these free programs for free that act as an enticement for people just over the border to come to the U.S. Additionally, besides the enticements, the cartoon perhaps portrays how easy it is to slip into the U.S. side by showing people just praying the fence and digging underneath. It's critical of loose security.
There is a bit of negative portrayal of the undocumented by commenting that they are leeches, free-loaders, and will take the easy path rather than become a citizen the hard way- by navigating the map, charting a course, and working towards it.

Team Member Name: Nicholas Larson_______________________

Publication_El National_____________________________Date: 10/25/10__

Cartoonist: Cristian Hernandez___________U.S./International

Title of the cartoon:_________________________________Cartoon# 1

What action is taking place in the cartoon?

Caption: “Neighbor, the power is out to the whole neighborhood, did you not pay the bill on time?”

The man on the left is from the Dominican Republic, the man on the right is from Haiti. Clearly the Dominican Republic is a wealthier nation with electricity, running water, and cars ect. The Haitians are stealing power and then complaining about the power being out.

Tone of the cartoon: 1) positive or negative framing of undocumented immigrants (circle answer)2) positive or negative framing of immigration policies (Circle answer)What “reality” is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?

The cartoonist is portraying the Haitians as ungrateful and a burden to society. This one man in the cartoon is representative on the Nation of Haiti. The complaint is that they continue to receive help, and do nothing to give back. The Haitians are framed as lazy and incompetent.

"Wanted: Immigrant Labor"

blogs.newmediaamerica.org   September 5, 2007
Khalil Bendib   U.S. Cartoon

Two men, one representing big business and the other representing the police, are each putting up signs with the exact same picture, but two very different messages. The man from big business is seeking help from those who are willing to provide "cheap, disposable labor," while the policeman's sign is asking for anyone to turn in an undocumented worker "for immediate deportation."

positive framing of undocumented immigrants
negative framing of immigration policies

What "reality" is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?
Most of the country is displaying a double-standard when it comes to the way in which they regard undocumented workers. This conflict especially comes between big businesses and the police who are trying to enforce the border patrol and keep the undocumented workers within Mexico and their other native countries. In reality, the cartoon is sending the message that businesses, though it may be for greedy and perhaps insidious purposes, needs undocumented workers to continue to come to the country to increase their businesses profits and overall success, an endeavor that ends once the police gets their way in sending the workers back home. How funny it is that both sides come from a nation that is founded on principles of being united.

"Now Hiring- Keep Out"

Sacramento Bee   September 22, 2010
Cartoonist: Rex Babin   U.S. Cartoon

Men are building a fence with a sign that states that the U.S. is hiring, perhaps the build the fence, but to stay out after completing it.

Positive framing of undocumented immigrants
Negative framing of immigration policies

"Reality" constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants
It's ironic that the United States offers all of these low-paying, laborious jobs that an undocumented worker could be efficient at, yet the same people who publicize the job opportunities reject those same workers who are willing to do that kind of labor.
It's especially ironic who, as the cartoons typifies, if a fence is going to be build be built to keep the undocumented workers out, who is going to build it? Would poor Americans be willing to take that sort of job?

"We Are Here!"

Salt Lake Tribune   August 2010
Cartoonist: Pat Bagley   U.S. Cartoon

Scores or more of undocumented immigrants are trying to get the attention of an elephant, but the elephant, whether intentionally or not, doesn't hear their cries of being right behind him.

positive framing of undocumented immigrants
negative framing of immigration policies

What "reality" is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?
Congress does not pay enough attention for the need of immigration reform. This message may be especially meant for the Republicans in Congress, since the cartoon portrays an elephant as the one who can't hear the cries of men who are trying to indicate that they really can no longer be ignored.
That's another reality given here: there are so many undocumented workers in the United States, that Congress would be ignorant and perhaps even a bit bigotrous to ignore at least their presence and affect on the country, whether or not you think that is a good or bad affect.
It's also appropriate thta the cartoon contains an elephant since we know that "an elephant in the room" represents an issue thta must be solved sooner or later, but is still being ignored.

"I Don't Know any Illegal Alliens"

Salt Lake Tribune   July 2010
Cartoonist: Pat Bagley   U.S. Cartoon

Two pompous people, probably a husband and wife, are shown to be ignorant of the immigration issue because they don't have any personal relationships with any undocumented workers. They are complaining of the burden undocumented workers are making on the country, yet these same people offer so many service that this couple actually benefits from.

positive framing of undocumented immigrants
negative framing of immigration policies

What "reality" is constructed/framed about immigration/immigrants?
Immigrants actually provide a lot of help to the country. They perform jobs that make life easier for those especially part of the high socio-economic of the United States, yet those of that class may not even understand or realize where the relief and luxuries are being made possible, and by whom.
It's stating also that immigration policies shouldn't, perhaps, totally restrict undocumented workers because they perform necessary labor.