The Stripper's Guide blog discusses the history of the American newspaper comic strip.
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Monday, November 16, 2009
Obscurity of the Day: Aren't You Glad You're Not A Mormon
In the days when stereotypes were a favorite target for cartoonists, race and national origin weren't the only games in town. Religious persuasion, too, could put you in their sights. Though usually this was limited to the most exotic religions, like Hinduism, on a few rare occasions cartoonists drew a bead closer to home.
Here's a rare series from the pen of the grand master himself, Winsor McCay. Aren't You Glad You're Not a Mormon ran just three times between May 13 and 21 1912 in the pages of the New York American. In the series McCay focused on that most touchy issue of polygamy. He treated it as a waking nightmare, sort of a Dream of the Rarebit Fiend sans cheese and beer.
Allan, I'm positive that McCay used this concept in one of his Rarebit Fiend strips - probably five to seven years beforehand. I'm sure you remember that one, though I don't recall how closely they compare ...
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