A political cartoon depicting a man straining under the weight of a globe labeled with world affairs, surrounded by men handing him telegrams.
globemandeskpaperstelegrampolice officerdoorchairpipelampwindowceilingwallfloorglobemandeskpaperstelegrampolice officerdoorchairpipelampwindowceilingwallfloorpolitical cartoonhistorical illustrationsatireJoseph Pulitzerworld affairspressureresponsibilitymediajournalism

This is a political cartoon titled "Atlas Joe; or, The Fearful Responsibilities of a Self-Appointed Manager of the Universe." It depicts a stout, bearded man, presumably representing President Joseph Pulitzer, straining under the weight of a large globe. The globe is labeled with various world affairs: "English Affairs," "African Affairs," "Cuban Affairs," "South American Affairs," and "American Affairs." The man is seated at a cluttered desk piled high with papers labeled with instructions, advice, commands, and other directives. Several men are crowding around him, handing him telegrams labeled "Telegrams to Pulitzer." One man is in a police uniform. The scene is set in an office with a door, window, and a lamp. The cartoon is a commentary on the immense pressure and responsibility faced by a powerful media figure like Pulitzer, who was known for his sensationalist journalism and influence on public opinion. The artist, F. Popper, uses exaggeration and symbolism to convey the weight of global affairs on one man's shoulders.


License: CC0