In a year when substitute teachers are in short supply, Rotary’s own designated hitter, Bob Meroney , “stepped up to the plate” at the very last minute and hit a home run (not many Neanderthal traits in this polymath). After warning that the presentation is a historical review and may not be suitable for all audiences, Bob took us through the history of American humor from Benjamin Franklin, emphasized the impact of Thomas Nast’s cartoons on evolving American culture and finally, animated cartoons - all the way to “The Simpsons”. Excerpts from Franklin’s published stories, Nast’s cartoons and videos of early animations kept us “glued” to the Zoom screen (Click Here to watch the video of this presentation.)
During the colonial period, American humor easily distinguished itself from the European brands, by emphasizing the uneducated, rural and diversity in early colonial life. An intended British lampoon of the colonials (Yankee Doodle Dandy) was happily adopted by its intended target.
Benjamin Franklin was the first American humorist. His mantra was “make’em laugh but also make’em think”. His media included letters published in newspapers and Poor Richard’s Almanac. Bob shared some hilarious (usually tongue-in-cheek ) examples - “Advice to a Friend on Choosing a Mistress”, “Fart Proudly” (proposals to enhance the agreeableness of flatulence by dietary and pharmaceutical means), the “Speech of Ms. Polly Baker” on the virtues of having bastard children and, finally, the “Virtues of Censure and Backbiting” touting the value of gossip.
As an aside, Bob mentioned that Johnny Matsushima developed a method to mitigate Feedlot odors in cattle by feeding them sagebrush oils. I will add (from the writer of this review, a retired Gastroenterologist) I do not recall “Fart Proudly” as required reading in my training (but it may have been useful).
Mark Twain is generally recognized as the best American Humorist. The remainder of the presentation was cartoons - from political cartoons by Thomas Nast to present day animations. The impact of Nast cannot be underestimated. His published cartoons were detailed, biting and impactful. The effects were both political (Boss Tweed) and social (slavery and Jim Crowe) but also helped establish several durable symbols of American history and culture (the elephant for the GOP, the donkey for the Democratic Party, Uncle Sam and even Santa Claus.)
The development of animation as humor in the 20th and 21st centuries was illustrated by entertaining early cartoon videos as well as modern examples. At this time in American society, I believe, humor is more vital than ever.