Oldal 337 [337]
334
Petr Karlícek
considered to be the (more or less) neutral Czech or German journalists, German
Social Democrats, Communists, and foreign representatives of the press. In this
particular cartoon, the National Community member (a young man wearing black
trousers and a white shirt clearly bearing the emblem of the SdP) is laughing at
the journalists, who are promoting their campaign of hate. The typical hat refers
back to the character of Michael. It is significant that this cartoon was published
immediately following the end of activism when the only German opposition to
the SdP was provided by Communists and Social Democrats (ill. 145). "
Another notable comic figure in Der Igel was Alois Lampl, with his commen¬
taries on the contemporary political situation. He was a simple character who was
deeply affected by the crisis and bore the brunt of the deprivation suffered by Ger¬
man Bohemians, but his overcomplicated summaries may cause some fun and
amusement.
Them: The Enemy Within
The SdP’s rivals and opponents among German Bohemians could be described as
the “enemy within.” As mentioned above, the most caricatured opponents of the
SdP were the leaders of German activism, who from 1926 participated in the state
administration and whose ministers served for a period in the Czechoslovakian
government. German activism sustained a crushing defeat at the hands of the SdP
in the spring election of 1935, but despite this, representatives of German activ¬
ist parties continued to be involved in government (Klimek, A. 2002: 424-436).
Caricaturing the activists followed a set of basic rules. Agrarian politicians,
for example, were portrayed as wealthy farmers from the German countryside,
clad in trousers, waistcoat, and a traditional Tyrolean hat with feathers.’? They
sometimes carried a small whip, were pictured with amusing signs saying Griiss
Gott (May God greet you), or were accompanied by farm animals, usually cattle
(ill. 149).2° In colour illustrations, Agrarian party members were usually rendered
in different shades of green; the leader of the German Agrarian Party was Franz
Spina (1868-1938).
Besides the Agrarians, other activists included the Christian Socialists, whose
leaders were usually depicted with long coats or suits and a shepherd’s hat (capello
romano or saturno in Italian) of the kind worn by Catholic clergy. ‘Their typical co¬
lour was black, and their leader was Robert Mayr-Harting (1874-1948).”
17 Der Igel, Prague, June 1938, vol. 9.
18 Der Igel, 1935-1938.
9 Der Igel, Asch, May 1935, vol. 3.
20 Der Igel, Asch, June 1935, vol. 4.
21 Der Igel, Prague, April 1938, vol. 5.
2 Der Igel, Prague, June 1937, vol. 6.