Post on 01-Oct-2021
An Introduction to Political Cartoons
Mary Beth ScumaciClinical Assistant Professor
Medaille CollegeApril 2010
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2010645512
Copyright Information• Please Note: The images used in this lesson plan and power point slide
show are from the Library of Congress Art Wood Collection which includes items with “publication restrictions”. This means thatteachers and students may use either print or digital versions for education purposes but cannot publish their work that includes these images on a publically accessed website or in any print
format.
Cartoon America. A Library of Congress Exhibition, 2006. The Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/cartoonamerica-home.html
• Please click on the links in the PowerPoint presentation to see the political cartoons.
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Cartoons: What do you see?
• The seven dwarfs, ca. 1937. Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and CaricaturePrints and Photographs DivisionLC-DIG-ppmsca-03342 (82)© Disney Enterprises, Inc.
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca082-03342v.jpg
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Cartoons: What do you know?
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Cartoons: What do you think?
• Snow White holding a bird, 1937. Animation cel on acetate and paper with black ink and acrylic paints. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and CaricaturePrints and Photographs DivisionLC-DIG-ppmsc-02838 (83)© Disney Enterprises, Inc.
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca083-02838v.jpg
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Cartoons: What do they mean?
• The Family Circus."I wish you would dish out the dessert, Mommy--Dolly keeps licking the spoon!" 1967.Published by The Register and TribuneSyndicate March 6, 1967. India ink and opaque white over graphite underdrawing with paste-ons. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and CaricaturePrints and Photographs DivisionLC-DIG-ppmsca-09431 (75)
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca075-09431v.jpg
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What is a Political Cartoon?
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• First Woman Astronaut, 1974.Used on national television 1974. Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and CaricaturePrints and Photographs DivisionLC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17)© Art Wood
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca017-07879v.jpg
Definition of a Political Cartoon
• A cartoon that relates to political decisions, events or ideas.
• An art form that makes people think about different perspectives.
• A way of expressing freedom of speech.
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What is cartoonist Art Wood telling us in this cartoon? Why?
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• First Woman Astronaut, 1974.Used on national television 1974. Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and CaricaturePrints and Photographs DivisionLC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17)© Art Wood
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca017-07879v.jpg
What do you think the purpose of a political cartoon is?
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Why do you think people enjoy reading political cartoons?
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What do we learn from reading political cartoons?
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There are 5 characteristics ofpolitical cartoons. Any ideas?
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Political Cartoon IntroductionMary Beth Scumaci
There are 5 characteristics ofpolitical cartoons. Any ideas?
1. Symbolism
2. Exaggeration
3. Labeling
4. Analogy
5. Irony14
Political Cartoon IntroductionMary Beth Scumaci
Symbolism
• Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
• After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for.
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Exaggeration
• Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.
• When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.)
• Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration.
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Labeling
• Cartoonists often label objects orpeople to make it clear exactly what they stand for.
• Watch out for the different labels that appear ina cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object.
• Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer?
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Analogy• An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share
some characteristics.
• By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.
• After you’ve studied a cartoon for a awhile, try to decide what the
cartoon’s main analogy is.
• What two situations does the cartoon compare?
• Once you understand the main analogy, decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s point more clear to you.
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Irony
• Is the difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be.
• Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue.
• When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?
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Symbolism
• What are the simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
What does the cartoonist intend each symbol to stand for?
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Exaggeration
• What physical characteristics of people or things are exaggerated in order to make a point?
• What is over done(Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.)
• What point is the cartoonist trying to make?
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Labeling
• What labeling is there?
• Why did the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object?
• Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer?
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Analogy
• What 2 unlike things are being compared?
• Does this make the cartoonist’s point more clear to you.
• You need to understand the history.
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Irony
• The difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be.
• Can you find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts?
• Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?
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Political Cartoon Dissection
• Work with your group members.
• Complete the Political Cartoon Symbolism Graphic Organizer
• Discuss the meaning of the cartoon with your group.
• Be prepared to report to the class.
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Dissect this Cartoon…
• "It's from the I.R.S.-- it says, 'all income, from whatever source derived . . . ," 1975.Crayon, ink, and opaque white over blue pencil and graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and CaricaturePrints and Photographs DivisionLC-DIG-ppmsca-04613 (5)©Etta Hulme, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1975
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca005-04613v.jpg
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Dissect this Cartoon…
• Comic Book Art/Political Cartoons (Exhibition) View cartoons from the September 11 Witness and Response exhibition.
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/911/images/01752/0002r.jpg
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Dissect this Cartoon…
• Paul Conrad. "My disarmament plan is better than your disarmament plan!" 1961Crayon and ink brush over graphite underdrawingLC-DIG-ppmsca-09425 (15)© used with permission, Paul Conrad, The Denver Post, 1961
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/ca015-09425v.jpg
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Review
• What are political cartoons?
• What is the purpose of political cartoons?
• Why are political cartoons important?
• What are the 5 characteristics of political cartoons?
• What do they mean?
• What did you learn?
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Create a Political Cartoon
• Topics: Economyendangered animalsschool closings
• Include the 5 Characteristics• Complete the Graphic Organizer• Draw Your Political Cartoon• Write a paragraph describing the meaning of your
cartoon.• Present to the class
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Reflection
• Take 5 minutes and think about what you have learned.
• Write 3-4 statements about what you have learned about political cartoons.
• Write at least 1 question that you have about political cartoons.
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Enrichment/Next Lesson
• Practice Identifying Political Cartoon Characteristics
• http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/activities/political-cartoon/model.html
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