There is an old saying: “a picture is worth a thousand words.” I don’t know about a thousand words, but I do know a single picture can be a catalyst for significant action. In 1805 a political cartoon by James Gillray led eventually to major political changes in England. Gillray’s political satire “Plumb Pudding in Danger,” featuring both Napoleon Bonaparte and Prime Minister William Pitt pointed out the danger of both French and British imperialism. Although it is classed as a painting, Pablo Picasso’s Guernica is in style and execution more of a cartoon than a piece of “fine art.” His work caught the attention of the world becoming a powerful and influential symbol confronting the horrors of modern warfare. One of the more recognizable cartoon characters in America today is the image of Smokey the Bear.
Over the years the image of the firefighting bear has encouraged interest in fire safety for several generations of campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
