Contents
Introduction
In the world of politics, mascots are commonly used to represent political parties. The two most popular mascots in the United States are the donkey and elephant, representing the Democratic and Republican parties, respectively. But why were these two animals chosen as political mascots? In this article, we will explore the history behind the donkey and elephant as political symbols.
The Donkey as a Political Mascot
The donkey was first used as a political symbol in the United States during the presidential campaign of Andrew Jackson in 1828. His opponents called him a “jackass” and he decided to embrace the insult by using the donkey as his symbol. The donkey represented the Democratic party’s determination and strength in the face of adversity.
The Elephant as a Political Mascot
The elephant was first used as a political symbol in the United States during the presidential campaign of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. A political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, drew a cartoon of an elephant labeled “The Republican Vote” trampling over a map of the Southern United States. The elephant represented the Republican party’s strength and power.
The Evolution of the Donkey and Elephant as Political Symbols
Over time, the donkey and elephant have become deeply ingrained in American political culture. The donkey is still used as the symbol of the Democratic party, while the elephant remains the symbol of the Republican party. In fact, these animals are so closely associated with their respective parties that they are often used interchangeably with the party names themselves.
The Donkey and Elephant in Pop Culture
The donkey and elephant have also become popular in pop culture. They are often used in political cartoons, TV shows, and movies. For example, the animated movie “Barnyard” features a donkey named Otis who becomes the leader of the barnyard animals, while the elephant is a recurring character on “The Simpsons.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the donkey and elephant have been used as political mascots in the United States for nearly two centuries. The donkey represents the Democratic party’s determination and strength, while the elephant represents the Republican party’s power and influence. These animals have become deeply ingrained in American political culture and will likely continue to be used as political symbols for years to come.