(Political Cartoon 1931 - Gift of Phyllis Hansen to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2007 (click on images to enlarge) In 1931, there were many people who remembered all too well the Boxer Rebellion in China that seemed to have fizzled out only 30 years before. The struggle to close China off from foreign trade and abuses by the Chinese Society of Right and Harmonious Fists (The Boxers) had forced out of the Land of the Dragon foreign religious missionaries and western efforts to "modernize" Chinese society at the expense of its culture.
As the 1932 Olympics approached there was great excitement in Los Angeles and Long Beach about the development of the area's great seaport. The 1984 Olympics just happened to coincide with the announcement that the Los Angeles - Long Beach seaport was the largest seaport in America.
Look at these three political cartoons from the January - Midwinter special edition insert of the Los Angeles Times. (gift to the Museum by Phyllis Hansen). Consider America's trade deficit with China today and consider these cartoons' meanings today and 77 years ago.
Note the yellow border of the cartoons, and the stereotypical images of the Chinese and the Americans.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects information and artifacts related to commercial issues, politics and race.
The San Fernando Valley deserves a great Museum of history and culture.
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