Political Cartoon Trail of Tears What is a

Political Cartoon Trail of Tears

What is a political cartoon? • Political Cartoons (also known as editorial cartoons) are defined as illustrations (drawings) or comic strips containing a political or social message that usually relates to current events or personalities. • Political cartoons can be very funny, especially if you understand the issue that they're commenting on. Their main purpose, though, is not to amuse you but to persuade you. • A good political cartoon makes you think about the event or personality, but it also tries to sway your opinion toward the cartoonist's point of view.

Cartoonists use specific elements to make their point. • Examples: • Symbols – Pictures that are understood for ideas or groups • Dove=peace • Donkey=Democratic Party • Caricatures – drawing of a person that exaggerates their characteristics • Big ears, extra long nose • Stereotypes – generalization (usually exaggerated and often offensive) used to describe a specific group • Italian gangsters, Dishonest lawyers • Irony – words used to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning (opposite of what is meant) • Using beautiful when meaning ugly, or the phrase “clear as mud” • Captions and labels – used for clarity and emphasis • Words at the bottom or top of the cartoon for further message

Examples of Political Cartoons

Create your Political Cartoon • Use the information that you have learned about Jackson’s policy towards Native Americans (chapter 12. 2), focusing on the “trail of tears” (pgs. 376 -377) to create your political cartoon. However, you can also use any event on this lesson (12. 2). • Example: Jackson going against the Supreme Court Decision. • Ask yourself the following questions to help guide you: • • What do you think about Jackson’s attitude toward Native Americans? Was it right to remove Native Americans off their land? Should have Native Americans have endured such a journey? What is your reaction/opinion towards this event? • Once you have a position on the event create your political cartoon using at least 2 of the elements used by cartoonists. Make your cartoon colorful; and, on the back of your paper, write a brief 5 sentence paragraph explaining your cartoon. Have fun and be creative!

Have Fun and Be Creative! Work is NOT Overrated!