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"Road to Peace?" Cartoon
Image Not Available for "Road to Peace?" Cartoon

"Road to Peace?" Cartoon

Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.85
Object Type Editorial Cartoon
Date 1962
Artist (Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher (American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 22 in (35.6 cm x 55.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. John F. Kennedy is hunched over the wheel of a convertible driving through the woods on a dark night. Shining through the trees is "Soft on Civil Rights" and "Soft on Communism!". He is dring on the road of "Practicality". Caption reads: "Road to Peace?".
Historical NoteThis polictical cartoon reflects President John F. Kennedy's stance on civil rights and communism with critiques from both conservatives who wanted stronger action against communism and civil rights activists who wanted faster progress. JFK driving the car symbolizes his leadership and decision making as president. While "practicality" on the road suggests that Kennedy prioritized pragmatism over ideological extremes, possiby indications of a middle-ground approach to governance rather than aggressive action. Soft on Civil Rights and Soft on Communism suggest that critics viewed him as too lenient or cautious in addressing these major issues. The phrases emerging from the woods imply they're distractions or dangers lurking off the main path. This cartoon highlights the tension between ideological expectations and political realism in Kennedy's presidency. Ferman Martin suggests that JFK's pragmatic approach to both contentious issues as a guiding principle might end in a peaceful resolution.
Additional Details
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.
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