UNDERLYING VALUES
UNCONDITIONAL LOYALTY AND COMMITMENT
One of the underlying values presented is nationalism. Based on the first editorial cartoon 11.1
“Wherever you go, we will follow” if we interpret this title it may be a statement of loyalty and
support, indicating that no matter where someone goes or what they do, there will always be people
who support and accompany them. It’s often used to convey a sense of unity, commitment, and
solidarity. We can see unconditional loyalty and commitment since, in the Philippines throughout
the American era, there was a complicated interplay between the quest of political autonomy,
cultural revival, and resistance against colonial control. And, even though we are sunken due to
different circumstances we are enabled to support and stay loyal.
DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
The concepts of democracy and freedom were promoted in both life and politics during American
period as Filipino sought greater participation in governance and protection of individuals right,
the ideals of democracy and active citizen participation emerged as foundational values,
emphasizing of collective decision making and political engagement. And, it emphasizes the ideals
of liberty in both personal lives and political system. We can see this value in editorial cartoon 11.4
“FIFTEEN YEARS OF PARTY POLITICS” which depicts the elected government officials and
citizens voting based on their respective platforms.
EDUCATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
In the editorial cartoon 11.20 “AKALA MO KUNG SINO”, this emphasize the education and
enlightenment were prevalent as the Filipino recognized the importance of knowledge and critical
thinking in shaping the future of the nation. This was also meant that we are uplifting the society
and fostering social mobility.
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
During the American period in the Philippines, racial discrimination was a pervasive issue, both
in daily life and in politics. Filipinos were often treated as second-class citizens by the American
colonial government and by American civilians living in the Philippines. In politics, Filipinos were
marginalized and excluded from positions of power, with governance primarily in the hands of
American officials. In Philippine cartoons era, racial discrimination might be depicted through
caricatures of Filipinos as inferior or subservient to their American counterparts. These cartoons
could reflect the power dynamics and inequalities present in society at the time, serving as a form
of social commentary or critique. We can see this in the editorial cartoons 11.11 “FILIPINO VS.
AMERICAN TEACHER IN 1915” this depicts the injustice and inequality as well as in editorial
cartoon 11.17 “FILIPINO VS. AMERICAN WORKER IN 1928”.
RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY
In this reading, Filipinos demonstrated as resilience and adaptability in navigating the
complexities, in finding ways to preserve their heritage and traditions while also embracing
modernity and progress. And we can see this in editorial cartoon 11.21 “MANILA
UNDERWATER” as we can see in this caricature the American started to address the public
sanitation in a destitute state with overflowing esteros and without adequate sewers and drainages
system. So, they started building canals for sanitation and public health. But the only problem is
they didn’t plan it well so there was more trouble than resolving it.