"Truth" Triumphs in Cartoon Contest
Jesse Springer, a self-employed graphic designer, married into science. His wife is a middle school science teacher who comes from a long line of scientists and engineers. Science may not be in his blood, but he chose to use the strength of his pen to defend science in Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest.
"Cartoons are a powerful medium--they can reach, and potentially educate, a tremendous number of people," Jesse said. "If I can draw some compelling cartoons that shed light on the negative impact of governmental interference with science, and more people become aware of the problem as a result, then perhaps we can start to see a change for the better."
This summer, creative minds throughout the United States submitted around 400 cartoons criticizing the distortion, manipulation, and suppression of science on topics ranging from global warming to toxic mercury pollution.
Three of Jesse’s submissions made it to the final 12 chosen by UCS and a panel of talented, award-winning cartoonists—Dave Coverly, creator of the syndicated cartoon Speed Bump; Tom Toles, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist for the Washington Post; Garry Trudeau, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the syndicated cartoon Doonesbury, and James McLeod, last year's Science Idol winner.
Once the finalists were chosen, almost 20,000 Americans voted for their favorite.
As Jesse promoted the contest, and his cartoons, to friends, family, and reporters, he encouraged people to vote for one of his other cartoons that made it to the finals, “Political Science,” because he thought it was most likely to win.
"In the end," he says, "It’s way more gratifying that 'Truth' won, despite my lobbying for 'Political Science' because that means people really liked it!"
As the Science Idol winner, Jesse, who aspires to be full-time professional editorial cartoonist, will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with his personal idol, Tom Toles, for lunch—what he sees as a great personal and professional opportunity.
"As an aspiring political cartoonist," he says, "I have two goals: 1) to become a ‘real’ political cartoonist someday, and 2) to try and change the world for the better.”
With his “Truth” cartoon, Jesse is definitely on the right track.
Put the Truth on your Wall or Door
A 2008 calendar featuring all twelve finalists and several previously unseen bonus cartoons has been published and is available for purchase on the UCS website. An explanation of the relevant political context and circumstances accompanies each finalist cartoon. And Jesse’s cartoon graces the cover.
“While editorial cartoons can be funny, political interference in science is not,” said Dr. Francesca Grifo, senior scientist and director of the UCS Scientific Integrity Program. “This calendar will serve as a constant reminder of how vigilant we must be in defending science from politics.”
Read an article from the Eugene Register Guard about Jesse and Science Idol.
Check out Jesse's graphic design company to learn more about his designs and his business.
