"It'll Be Tough" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.89
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1963
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(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. A muscular John F. Kennedy, wearing only a lion cloth, is standing next to a Texas Longhorn steer. Texas Governor John Connally holds the tail of the steer labeled "Civil Rights Issue"
Historical NoteJohn Connally, a conservative Democrat, served as Texas governor (1963-1969) and had a complex stance on civil rights. While he wasn't as staunchly a segregationist as other Southern politicians, he was cautious about federal civil rights policies, often advocating for state control. The Texas Longhorn labeled civil rights issues symbolizes the difficult and unruly nature of civil rights debates in Texas and the broader South. Holding the tail, rather than "taking the bull by the horns" suggests reluctance or an attempt to control the issue without fully addressing it.
JFK in a loincloth implies vulnerability or weakness in addressing the issue of civil rights. Kennedy lacked the power or support to enforce major civil rights reforms against political oposition from the Southern democrats.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was himself a southern democrat and previously a Texas Congressman.
Additional DetailsJFK in a loincloth implies vulnerability or weakness in addressing the issue of civil rights. Kennedy lacked the power or support to enforce major civil rights reforms against political oposition from the Southern democrats.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was himself a southern democrat and previously a Texas Congressman.
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)
Not on view
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