Assignment 1-3

Bridging the Gap: Little Orphan Annie

During the great depression a change transpired between the relationship of children and adults bringing them closer in experience and attitude.  Little Orphan Annie was a focal point for both groups. 

Comics were originally gear toward children who where though by society to be dumb and small.   Sandy, Annie’s animal friend was introduced to draw children in January 1925 _{(Ross Pg783)}.  More animals were introduced in 1931 for the same reason.

Shortly after Harold Grey created Annie a tide began to shift in that the target audiences for the cartoons were adults since the adults were the ones who had the money to purchase the papers.

Gray began to promote his own traditional views by creating Daddy Warbucks.  This stared a feud between him and the editor Joseph Patterson which ended on November 1925 when the Chicago Tribute received calls and letters from angry readers because Annie had not been published that day.  Grey was given carte blanche after that.

In the 1930’s Grey shifted his story lines from Annie befriending the animals to Annie dealing with life and responsibilities and conduct which increased Annie’s popularity even more.

Historians such as Grederick Lewis Allen argue that the 1920’s was a youthful stage in America.  _{(Ross pg 786).}  Adults lived life youthfully with little thought to the future.  This came to a screeching halt on Tuesday, October 29, 1929 when the stock market crashed and many adults lost their jobs, security and their bright outlook on life.  The 1930’s brought hard times and adults could not ignore responsibilities any longer. 

“Adults found an avenue in Annie in which to further examine and articulate their fascination with youth, without denying the reality of their new found maturity” _{(Ress pg 787)}   Annie intrigued the adults with her youth and mature personality.  They began to relate their lives to Annie’s.  Realizing this, Grey utilized Annie and Daddy Warbucks to relate to adults by using the crises’ that the adults faced in his story line. 

Grey understood that many faced hard agonizing times during the Great Depression. Their losses were great, not only financially but socially, many losing their self worth.  This brought a connection to Annie who eased the weight of the load their burdens. 

Adult and children alike were robbed of their make believe worlds yet they were brought together by Annie.  The adults could still dream, connecting to the child in them while children could imagine they could make money and have fun and experience adulthood through Annie.  Annie united these two groups that had been very distinct prior to the Great Depression and the Little Orphan Annie radio shows and cartoons.   “Annie bridged the generation gap between adult and child; she aided them in their appreciation of each other.”_{(Ress Pg 797)}

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