Introduction to Political Cartoons What Are Political Cartoons

Introduction to Political Cartoons

What Are Political Cartoons • Vivid primary sources that offer insight into the public mood and attitudes toward a key event or trend of the times. • Uses: – Entertainment – Insight into current/historical events – Attitude of author/some in the public – Provoke thought – Primary sources

1. Read the Title and/or Caption • Topic of cartoon • Context • Activates prior knowledge

Images • Look for familiar people, monuments, etc. • The image is usually the topic of cartoon

Symbols • Stands for some other thing, event, person, idea, news event, group, etc. • Ex. : Uncle Sam for U. S. , Elephant for Republicans, $ for economy

Visual Distortion • Change or exaggeration in size, shape, emotions or gestures • Gives extra meaning to the symbols in the cartoon.

Irony in Words/Images • Form of humor • Often mocks its own meaning • Seems to mean one thing, but it will be taken to mean the opposite

Stereotypes • • Simplifies the complex Oversimplifies a view of a group Can be insulting Can be used to make a point

Caricatures • Exaggerated or distorted drawing of the individual highlighting what the artist sees as most unique about that individual

Double Meanings • Will use a common saying and apply it to the cartoon to drive home the point. • Can be just the image or can be a phrase

Double Meanings • Will use a common saying and apply it to the cartoon to drive home the point. • Can be just the image or can be a phrase

Double Meanings • Will use a common saying and apply it to the cartoon to drive home the point. • Can be just the image or can be a phrase

Political Cartoons…. • Are not comics – Political cartoon: point of view – Comic: Purely entertainment • Are not “right” – There are other points of view – Must consider multiple view points

Redskins

Washington Negotiation

Mt. Rushmore Presidents

“The Trust Giant’s Point of View”

“One Sees His Finish Unless Good Government Retakes the Ship”