Analyzing Political Cartoons What is a political cartoon

Analyzing Political Cartoons What is a political cartoon? • Interpretive drawing, sometimes with words, that convey an idea or message about a current issue, event, or problem. • Are simple, usually black and white, graphic depictions of a news story or event. • Portray people’s attitudes about a problem or issue.

Common characteristics for a good political cartoon: • Wit and humor used to send a message. • The cartoon must have a foundation in truth. • Characters should be recognizable • The cartoon should have a moral purpose - should provide opportunities to inform the viewer about an issue and allow for critical thinking

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 1. 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.

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 2. 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. Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration.

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 3. Labeling • Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for. • Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 4. 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.

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 5. 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.

More info • Powerful people are usually fat, large people • Weak people are usually skinny, small people • Green – environmental • Red – communist • Good guys usually wear white • Bad guys usually wear black

Curiosity Landing on Mars Is there Symboli sm ? Is there an exaggeration? Wha labe t is led? Is there an analogy? What is be ing compared? Is there irony that expresses an opinion?

Curiosity Landing on Mars The exaggeration is…. The analogy is…. . l There are no aliens on Mars. l Curiosity’s landing is similar to a perfect Olympic landing. l The alien’s t-shirt and Curiosity are labeled. The labels are…. l The Flag is symbolic of America. The alien’s shirt The symbolism is. . represents the Olympics .

National Debate on Gun Laws Is there an exaggeration? Is there Symboli sm ? Wha labe t is led? Is there an analogy? What is being compared? Is there irony that expresses an opinion?

National Debate on Gun Laws Exaggeration is…. . • You can not zip someone's lips. The analogy is……. • A zipper is being compared censorship. The symbolism is…. . • Uncle Sam is symbolic of the Federal Government. • The lapel and the lock are labeled The labels are…. . .

Now it’s your turn! • Ready? • Look at the next slide and answer the questions. Then check to see how good you did.

Bush and Obama Portrait Is there Symboli sm Is there an exaggeration? ? Is there an analogy? W hat is being compared? Wha labe t is led? Is there irony that expresses an opinion?

Bush and Obama Portrait Exaggeration is…. . The analogy is……. The irony is…. . The symbolism is…. . The labels are…. . l The size of the Bushes Ears are exaggerated. l Is that Obama is fixing problems Bush created. l The Irony is that some people are blaming Obama for all of America’s problems. l The portrait is a symbol of a presidents legacy. l The portrait is labeled.