Marshall Ramsey

An ad for the Marine Corps Marathon just popped up in my feed and I had to smile. I consider that race, which I ran to raise money for the Melanoma Research Foundation in 2010, as the starting point of a new life for me.

Let me explain.

The race itself was amazing. I ran the race (slowly), raised $13,000 dollars to help fight melanoma and stumbled across the finish line with the worst leg cramps I had ever had. I ran the last six miles of the race like that and never thought about quitting. Little did I know that it would be a metaphor for the days to come.

When we got home, our dog had died at the vet and I was called into our editor’s office and made part-time. That started another marathon that has lasted nine years.
Someday I will write about the whole experience, name names and give credit to those who changed my life. But not today. All I know as I sat in that office, I knew that as badly as what had just happened hurt, it would also be the best thing that ever happened to me.

And it has been.

Has it been easy? No. I still struggle from time to time. But I know that any struggle can be overcome with hustle. And I have tried to keep working really hard. Have I made mistakes? Hell yes. My attitude has not always been as good as it should be and I haven’t focused on what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s really easy to fall into a pity party when you are tired and frustrated. Self doubt still occasionally creeps into my head late at night.
But I have learned this about myself — if you don’t believe in me, I will prove you wrong. I might have temporary setbacks but I will not fail. My parents’ illness and death, which you probably have read about, kicked my ass hard. It set off my fight-or-flight mode (which I’ve had for a long time) and pushed me into a dark place. I just now feel like I am starting to crawl out of that hole. If you’ve experienced complicated grief, you know what I am talking about.

Four nine years, I have had angels who have protected this fool. In the next few weeks, I am going to write each of them and thank them for how they saved me from myself. It has been hard on my wife and family, too — but even though I have not been easy to live with, they stuck with me.

When dad taught me to grab the ski-rope so I could change my story to “how I got back up” not “how I fell down” after a nasty fall, he taught me a skill that got me through cancer, my profession imploding and the challenges left behind by both. He taught me to use my creativity to change my story. Nine years into the marathon, I’m about to change my story again.

I will finish the race strong.

To those who believe in me, thank you. To those who don’t, you are fuel. God and my family are good. I know I am a blessed man.

Now if you will excuse me, I have some work to do.

P.S. The reason I still am going is that I have been blessed to live in a community who reached out and believed in me and my work. In 2007, I chose not to move to Tulsa because I sensed something bad was on the horizon and I knew that I would be OK in Mississippi. I was right and I thank YOU for reading my work and supporting me.

A few years ago, our neighborhood switched to decorative mailboxes. Originally, we had plain black mailboxes, which were durable but not super attractive. The new ones? They were purty. Real purty. They were/are also super fragile. I’m on my second one (one of my neighbor’s friends accidentally bumped it with her car and it shattered like glass.) Our mail carrier shoves in mail (which is her job), but that has broken the clasp that holds the door shut. Most days, I use a rubber band. On rainy days, our mail gets soaked because it holds water like a reservoir.

My uncle gave my dad a mailbox as a wedding present. It was a plain box with his name (David L. Ramsey) on the top. That mailbox followed my parents around the country and was their mailbox until he moved out of the house for the nursing home (my mother unceremoniously replaced it). It served our family nearly 60 years.

I love our current mailbox — it is a good looking mailbox after all. And having them all match in the neighborhood is a good thing. But dad’s solid, less flashy version performed better over the long run.

There’s a life lesson there somewhere I think.

I stumbled upon the online resumé of a person who died a couple of years ago. On paper, this person looked amazing. I knew her well enough to know that some of the things were exaggerations but for the most part, most of her written achievements were accurate. She had had a good career with lots of professional acclaim. She put on a good front and many people thought highly of her. I also know she was cruel to her husband and kids and died miserable and alone. As I read over the words on a screen, I thought how they told a certain truth but didn’t cover the whole truth. She had worked so hard to craft a story in her life yet the only way she will be remembered will be through the stories and memories of those she hurt.

Life is funny like that.

I looked at my own resume and it’s pretty good. I’ve had a lot of achievements and blessings along the way in my career. But then I thought about what story my wife and kids would tell about me if I were to die today. I think I’d be OK. But I am sure it could be better. I realized that is my true permanent record: Creating good stories for my family to tell is where I need to put my efforts. That involves, time, caring, love and effort.

My work is cut out for me.

We are two generations from disappearing totally from this earth. For example, my kids never really knew my grandparents. When I die, their memory will fade from my family. But how they lived their lives has permeated my parents and then me. They live on through my stories and who I am on a daily basis.

How we engage and change the lives of the people we know and live for the better. That’s a true legacy — not something that’s put down on paper.

Journalism 361: Editorial Cartooning

Fall 2019

3 Credit Hours

Monday 4–6:30 p.m.

Instructor: Marshall Ramsey, Editor-At-Large for Mississippi and Syndicated Cartoonist

Contact information: mramsey@mississippitoday.org

Course Description: 

Two-time Pulitzer Finalist Editorial Cartoonist Marshall Ramsey introduces students to the issues and newsmakers behind the cartoons and what elements make up a good cartoon. Students will be required to draw an editorial cartoon each week and defend the idea behind it. Class will consist of a lecture based on required reading, discussion and time to brainstorm a cartoon idea based on the news of the week and a talk with a newsmaker and or working visual artist. Students will create a portfolio of 13 editorial cartoons that will be graded weekly based on strength of the idea (not on the political stance, but how effective it is at making its point) and artistic ability. Cartoon ideas approved in each class are due the following Monday’s class. There will be no late cartoons accepted — deadlines in the real world aren’t forgiving and students have to learn deadline discipline. There will be a 100-point final based on class lectures, readings and guest lectures. Take good notes! Also there will be a five-page term paper due the last regular day of class pertaining the past, present and future of editorial cartooning and visual commentary that is worth 200 points. 

Required Texts:

No texts required. All readings will be either handed out or found online at marshallramsey.com 

Each student will be given a copy of Marshall Ramsey’s 20th Anniversary book Drawing the Line.

Supplies:

Two pads of 11×14 Bristol board

Kneaded Eraser

Pencil

Black pens of your choosing. 

Pack of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper (for creating rough drafts).

We will also touch on other mediums and methods for creating visual commentary, but for simplicity’s sake, we’ll start off with pen & ink cartoons. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this class, you should:

• Know the history of editorial cartooning and its current and future challenges.
• Have an understanding of what makes up a strong editorial cartoon.
• Know how the dark history of editorial cartoons and how they have been used for negative purposes in the past. 
• Understand how to defend your idea to an editor
• Have developed deadline discipline. 
• Understand how to create a simple business plan and how to market your work using social media and other platforms. 
• Be able to create an effective editorial cartoon. 
• Be able to engage a newsmaker and ask thoughtful and relevant questions. 

Exams and Assignments (1000 pt. Total)

Thirteen cartoons — one per class. 50 pts. each. 650 pts.

Midterm (based on readings and lectures) 50 pts. 

Final (based on readings and lectures) 50 pts. 

Five-page term paper (written in Microsoft Word) 150 pts. 

Calendar

August 26: Introduction and a brief history. Two ideas due by end of class.

September 2: Labor Day — No class

September 9: More history — the good bad and the ugly. Two finished cartoons due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class. 

September 16: Plagiarism — avoiding the temptation.

One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

September 23: What makes a good cartoon? One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class. 

September 30: Midterm Exam. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

October 7: Don’t get sued — Legal landmines. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

October 14: Marketing and Branding 101 One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

October 21: Marketing and Branding 101 continued. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

October 28: Researching a good idea. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

November 4:   Developing your style. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

November 11: Dealing with editors and other things. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class. 

November 18: The Future of visual commentary. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. One idea due by end of class.

November 25: THANKSGIVING!

December 2: Wrapping it all up. Portfolio Review. Term Paper Due. One finished cartoon due at beginning of class. 

December 9: Final! 

Attendance Policy: 

Since this is a once-a-week-class, I expect you to be in class. The whole class. You will have your grade lowered after three unexcused absences. If you do miss a class, I expect the work to be made up (the one time I will accept late work). 

Deductions will begin after your 3rd absence. Four days missed —  final course grade dropped one letter grade. Five days missed —  final course grade dropped two letter grades Six days missed —  final course grade dropped 3 letter grades. And seven days missed. You fail the class Exceptions are for school-sponsored events (band, sports, journalism trips, etc) with official paperwork or an email from advisors/professors. No need to show doctor excuses or funeral programs, etc. Basically, you have three absences without a penalty and this includes illnesses. But I still expect you to produce a cartoon. If you have hospitalization that requires more time than allotted for absences, talk with me to see if special accommodations can be made or if you will be able to make up the work. You will interact with you classmates and some will have different opinions. That’s OK. You will survive. I don’t care if you agree with me but I want you to back up what you believe. 

Notifications of Changes: 

The instructor will make every effort to follow the guidelines of this syllabus as listed; however, the instructor reserves the right to amend this document as the need arises. In such instances. The instructor will notify students in class and/or via email and will endeavor to provide reasonable time for students to adjust to any changes. 

Term Paper: 

Five pages on the history, present and future of editorial cartooning and visual commentary. APA-style for sourcing. If you don’t know APA style, I’ll point you in the right direction to learn. Format: 12-pt., double spaced, Times-New Roman font, one-inch margins.

Statement on Academic Misconduct: 

ALL WORK – cartoons and the term paper – everything – must be newly created work for this class. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will not be tolerated. In the publishing industry, it will destroy your career. Don’t start now. 

Standards of Honesty

The university is conducted on a basis of common honesty. Dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the university are regarded as particularly serious offenses. Disruptive behavior in an academic situation or purposely harming academic facilities also are grounds for academic discipline.

Disciplinary Procedures

In the College of Liberal Arts and in the Schools of Accountancy, Applied Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Journalism, faculty members handle cases of academic dishonesty in their classes by recommending an appropriate sanction after discussion with the student. Possible sanctions include: failure on the work in question, retake of an examination, extra work, grade reduction or failure in the course, disciplinary probation, or suspension or expulsion from the university. An appeals process is available to the student. A more complete statement concerning definitions, offenses, penalties, and grievance procedures may be found in the UM Policy Directory.

Policy on  Missed Exams and Course Work. 

The instructor will not excuse late assignments for routine reasons — medical appointments, work or campus obligations. Deadlines in the publishing business are not forgiving. Be proactive if something is on your schedule and turn the work in early. I will not accept cartoons late however, if there is an emergency (death in the family, accident, severe illness requiring doctor’s care), I will take those situations into consideration on a case-by-case basis. The midterm and final exam must be taken on the date of class. If there is a foreseen conflict or emergency, I will work with you by a case-by-case basis.  Term paper will be docked 5 pts. Per day it is late. 

Students with Disabilities 

It is the University policy to provide, on a flexible and individual basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities, which have been verified through the Office of Student Disability Services, should feel free to meet with me to discuss specific needs and how can address them. You are required to turn in disability paperwork within the first two weeks of class. 

Last evening, I stood on the slight hill overlooking the Mississippi Sound and the Pass Christian Marina.

The setting sun painted the horizon a light orange as a slight breeze blew the smell of fried seafood across the road. I looked out at the marina, the restaurant and the scarred oak trees. I had stood on this spot soon after Katrina and wondered if the Pass would come back.

It has.

Pass Christian has always been a special place to me.
In 2005, Robert St. John and I did a book signing at Pass Christian Books. This was a couple of weeks before the Katrina throat-punched the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Robert was driving, I was riding and together we drove through neighborhoods full of beautiful homes that were shaded by the huge live oaks. It was one of those beautiful moments that just burned into my memory.

Of course, in a couple of weeks, it WAS a memory.

After the storm, I worked in the area with Camp Coast Care, helping homeowners clean their lots and fix their roofs and then went down several more times as the area began to recover. The following year, I took our young sons to a rebuilt playground. Then I went to a book signing at the phoenix-like Pass Christian Books. Last night I made a quick trip down (over six hours round trip), I went down to speak to the library’s author series, One Book One Pass. To me Pass Christian, like the oak trees lining Highway 90, is a symbol of resilience.

I heard Jesse Winchester’s song “Down Around Biloxi” as I took a couple of pictures.

“Air is filled with vapors from the sea. Boy will dig a pool beside the ocean. He sees creatures from his dream underwater. And the sun will set from off towards New Orleans”

I paused, took another deep breath as I inhaled the smell of fried shrimp. I looked out at the tranquil Sound. Like a sleeping lion, I knew what it was capable of when angered. But tonight it was peaceful. Warm salt air wrapped around my tired shoulders like a warm blanket. One more breath and a look to the West — The sky began to dim as the sun slipped beneath the horizon. It was time to go in and get work.

Author Margaret McMullan and her husband Pat O’Conner rolled up on their bikes. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged — then the three of us headed into a room full of smiling faces for my talk.

Like the warm salt air, the friendship embraced me. I smiled and then got to work.

What you feed your mind is as important as what you feed your body — both have a direct impact on your body and your health. If you consume conspiracies, negativity and seek out trauma, it’ll manifest and affect your “health.” I put health in quotes because mental and physical health are all just that — health. It’s all wrapped up in one big ol’ burrito called you. You can be strong physically and yet break down if you consume the wrong thoughts. So seek gratitude. Look for what is going right in your life so you can have the energy to fix what isn’t. That’s a much better strategy than harping on the negative all the time. While I understand complaining and worry can give you short-term hits of dopamine (like so many addictions, they aren’t a sustainable long-term strategy. Keep a small notebook and jot down three things that are going right in your life. Be grateful. Say thanks for them. Then move on from there. Exercise, stretch, pray, meditate — just do. And take that gratefulness out into the world. Give until you feel like you can’t anymore. Chase trauma from your body once and for all.

Change your mind and change your life.

Last night, Amy and I watched a 9/11 documentary on the History Channel. It showed events at the World Trade Center from the perspectives of multiple New Yorkers who were filming the attack. While it was horrific to watch all the death and destruction again, we sat there transfixed to the TV. It’s important to grasp the depth of evil, horror and pain that day caused. Because if you don’t understand it, you don’t have an appreciation for what happened next.

Out of great evil and pain came incredible heroism.

As most were running away from burning towers (for good reason), a group of brave souls were running toward the them. First responders — firemen, police, paramedics, clergy — were thinking of something bigger than themselves as they started the long climb up the stairs of the towers.

Then all Hell broke loose. The towers collapsed. Of the 2,977 victims killed in the September 11 attacks, 412 were emergency workers.

But that didn’t stop even more first responders from continuing to run towards the rubble in hopes of finding survivors — even in light of a new danger. When the towers collapsed, the air was filled with toxic dust. According to a Sept 11, 2019 CBS News article, it is estimated that 400,000 people (not all first responders) were exposed to the toxins released into the air. Since then, more than 2,000 have died of 9/11-related illnesses.

The darkness and fear of September 11, 2001 blanketed us like the poisonous ash falling from the sky.

Yet out of the darkness, rays of light began to appear.

Story after story emerged about heroes who had sacrificed themselves to help others. Other stories of good began to surface. Americans, in shock, gathered together in prayer, held candle-light vigils for the victims — even Congress joined together in a rare moment of bipartisanship when they sang “God Bless America” on the Capital steps. We raised money for 9/11 charities, thanked a policeman or fireman (now that we realized they’d run into a disaster to save us), flew flags because of what they stood for and got to know our neighbors better. From the ashes of Hell bloomed a beautiful flower. We briefly woke up from our selfish slumber and thought of someone and something bigger than ourselves. The sheer terror of that day led to glimpses of what makes us legitimately great — we stared down Hell with love.

We woke up September 12th to a changed world.

It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. As we watched the rest of the documentary, I thought about the nearly two decades since. The saying “United We Stand” and “Let’s Roll” seem almost like they belongs in a museum. Wars, more attacks, the Great Recession — Hate and fear have crept up again. We are a divided nation and so many have slinked into the comfort zone of tribes. People in power use our fears to their advantage. I have hope, though. When pushed into a corner, our goodness comes out. We saw it in the days after September 11th. We saw it after Hurricane Katrina. When things get bad, we get good.

United we stood.

As I plodded off to bed after a rough day, that gave me a little bit of hope.