The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, within the Bill of Rights, is perhaps the most important amendment of all as it provides a safeguard to citizens speaking up against tyranny or fascism and protects the freedom of the press.
Political cartoons or caricatures have long been a vital technique in expressing discontent with the current political climate or with society’s leaders. Perhaps a better definition of the purpose of political cartoons could be one according to the Library of Congress is, “Since Benjamin Franklin began publishing political cartoons in the eighteenth century, political cartoonists have used their skills to praise, attack, caricature, lampoon, and otherwise express their opinions on the most urgent political issues of the day.
Political cartoons began as a street-level phenomenon. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they were often posted on walls or passed from person to person, as well as being published in newspapers. By the end of the nineteenth century, they were an important part of the growing popularity of newspapers and magazines, and the intense competition for readership made provocative cartoons a valuable selling point.
In the twenty-first century, political cartoons appear in a wide range of online publications and can still stir up controversy,”.
While caricatures are still relevant in society’s political sphere today, there is a much lighter side to their purpose as well. Caricature artists can be seen performing their art at festivals, weddings, private or corporate events for fun and keepsake purposes.
But, as a means of communication under the First Amendment, their relevance is fundamental.
Why is the First Amendment important
As a professional in the communications industry, I believe that the First Amendment is vital to advertisers’ having the freedom to market clear messages effectively to their clients. It is also an imperative protection for the media to report the facts freely.
From the official U.S. government Constitution, Congress annotated definition, “First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,”.
For many years, I volunteered as the Speaker Chair for the Ann Arbor, Michigan, ad club’s (A2AC) chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). The AAF, “Protects and promotes advertising at all levels of government through grassroots activities. Our nationwide grassroots network of corporate partners and advertising professionals are ready and able to engage with lawmakers on behalf of the advertising industry on tax, privacy, First Amendment and other issues of concern,”.
Furthermore, this professional organization, the AAF, continuously works diligently on the following essential initiatives:
- “Bring members together to deliver creative business solutions
- Keep members abreast of the latest trends in technology, creativity and marketing
- Promote diversity and inclusion in advertising
- Honor and celebrates advertising excellence
- Develop the industry’s future leaders
- Protect and promotes advertising at all levels of government through grassroots activities
- Offer engaging programs to encourage local association volunteer leadership
- Utilize industry expertise to address community issues
- Provide opportunities for professionals to build supportive relationships with others in the advertising industry,”.
Protecting the First Amendment within the communications industry is of the utmost importance, and this is why these professional groups exist. Another example I know of, besides the AAF, is the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). A friend of mine has been a long-standing member and voluntarily served as president for two separate terms.
ASPS’s First Amendment and copyright advocacy efforts are implemented in the following way, “ASMP has established itself as an influential voice in the industry, representing members’ interests on Capitol Hill, in the courts, and in the business world. In this changing digital world, ASMP maintains key contacts to keep apprised of new developments, and works with representatives in Congress, the legal community, and other organizations on issues that matter most to professional creatives,”.
What is not protected by the First Amendment?
Let’s remember that the First Amendment does not give any of us U.S. citizens the right to spread hate speech, try to advertise illegal drugs to children, or even market harmful products to consumers. Nor does it protect speech that incites violence, threatens others, is obscene, or speech that is intended to break the law. It is much deeper than that, and for good reasons. Thankfully, our forefathers were wise enough to put these indispensable amendments in place.
The U.S. Courts official government website provides specific examples of what is and what is not included under The First Amendment, “Freedom of speech includes the right:
Not to speak (specifically, the right not to salute the flag).
West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943).
Of students to wear black armbands to school to protest a war (“Students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.”).
Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
To use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages.
Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971).
To contribute money (under certain circumstances) to political campaigns.
Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1976).
To advertise commercial products and professional services (with some restrictions).
Virginia Board of Pharmacy v. Virginia Consumer Council, 425 U.S. 748 (1976); Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, 433 U.S. 350 (1977).
To engage in symbolic speech, (e.g., burning the flag in protest).
Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989); United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990).
Freedom of speech does not include the right:
To incite imminent lawless action.
Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U.S. 444 (1969).
To make or distribute obscene materials.
Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957).
To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest.
United States v. O’Brien, 391 U.S. 367 (1968).
To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration.
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event.
Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event.
Morse v. Frederick, __ U.S. __ (2007),”.
What is the purpose of political cartoons
In conclusion, political cartoons serve as a powerful medium for commentary and critique, translating complex political issues into accessible, engaging visuals. By leveraging humor and satire, they provoke thought and dialogue, holding leaders accountable and empowering public discourse. As vital tools for expression, they underscore the timeless importance of the First Amendment in preserving a free, open society.