INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL CARTOONS

Why Study Political Cartoons?

• Political Cartoons show up in Newspapers, Magazines, Social Studies Content, Standardized Tests and Exams!!

• They capture an expression of opinion regarding issues of local or global political, economic and social concern.

Understanding Political cartoons

• There are 2 STEPS to understanding the message behind Political Cartoons:

1.Analyze the TECHNIQUES used by the Artist or Journalist

2.Analyze the effect or intention of the TECHNIQUES – this will give insight into the Cartoonist’s POV or message…

Let’s look at the TECHNIQUES…

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.

Exaggeration & Caricature• Sometimes cartoonists EXAGGERATE the

situation or significance of something to make their point or clarify their opinion

• Caricature is when a cartoonist EXAGGERATES the facial or physical characteristics of someone so they are easily recognized

• When you study a cartoon look for any EXAGGERATION – is it caricature or is it being used to make a point?

• Try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration

Labelling• Cartoonists often label objects or people to

make it clear exactly what they stand for. • Watch out for the different labels that

appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?

Analogy• An analogy is a comparison between two

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.

• If you see analogy in a cartoon, try to decide what two situations the cartoon compares? Once you understand the analogy, decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s message more clear to you.

Irony• 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?

Satire• Satire is the use of humour through ridicule to

comment or criticize aspects of society, a situation or event for being ridiculous or illogical!

• When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any satire in the situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what is the object of the ridicule. Does the satire help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?

Let’s do some together…

CreditsMr. Gibbs:

http://www.slideshare.net/mrgibbs/intro-to-political-cartoons-presentationBarbara Laedtke:

http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=SOC102