"Non-Inflationary" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.60
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(American Newspaper)
Medium
Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. In the top panel, a worker (representing steelworkers) is inflating a balloon labeled "Steel-Wage Hikes of Recent Years". John F. Kennedy and John Q. Public are having a conversation unfazed in the corner. In the bottom panel the balloon is now labeled "Price Hike" and it has burst violently, causing chaos knocking Kennedy and John Q. Public to the ground. A man labeled US Steel is shown as the one inflating the balloon this time, implying that the price hike is a result of steel companies actions. Caption reads "Non-inflationary"
Historical NoteThis political cartoon refers to the 1962 U.S. Steel Crisis, when the steel industry increased prices after the Kennedy Administration had mediated a labor agreement to prevent wage-driven inflation. President Kennedy strongly opposed the price hikes, considering them an unjustified burden on the economy.
The overall message of the cartoon is a critisim of corporate decision-making, highlighting how buisinesses respond to wage increases by raising prices, shifting the burden to the consumer. The chaotic response in the second panel suggests that these prices hikes are more disruptive that the wage-increases.
Additional DetailsThe overall message of the cartoon is a critisim of corporate decision-making, highlighting how buisinesses respond to wage increases by raising prices, shifting the burden to the consumer. The chaotic response in the second panel suggests that these prices hikes are more disruptive that the wage-increases.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle
Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply.It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
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