Analyzing Political CartoonsA Drawing is worth a thousand words

What is a political cartoon?A Political cartoon, also known as an editorial cartoon, is defined as an illustration or comic strip containing a political or social message that usually relates to current events or personalities.

Political cartoons appear in the editorial section of the newspaper. SoIts understood that the cartoonist usually has a bias or a side in his/her work. The cartoonist is not a reporter, therefore has no interest in being objective

History of Political cartoonsPolitical cartoons date back to the early 1700s. One of the most famous of was Benjamin Franklin's "Join or Die" cartoon published in his Pennsylvania Gazette during the French and Indian War.

In the mid-1800s Thomas Nast established the traditional style of political cartoon in which visual metaphors communicated several ideas in a single cartoon. The term nasty was coined because of Nasts biting style and criticism of corrupt politicians

Quotes from the mastersThe political cartoon has always served as a special prod- a reminder to public servants that they are public servants. ~Herb Block, Washington Post

An editorial cartoonist, fundamentally, should be anti-establishment. No matter which party is running the government, it is the essence of satire to question authority. ~Nick Anderson, Houston Chronicle

Checks & Balances Revised

Tools used by the Cartoonist Symbolism labels exaggeration / caricature Stereotypes Irony Analogy

R.J. Matson: NY Observer

SymbolismSteve Sack: Minneapolis Star TribuneCartoonists often use symbols to represent something in their work. What symbols are used in this cartoon? What do they represent? Do the symbols communicate effectively? What other symbols could have been used to make the point?

ExaggerationKirk Walters: The Toledo BladeCartoonists will sometimes exaggerate people or objects to make a point. What is being exaggerated in this cartoon? What is the cartoonist saying about American drivers? Do you agree? Spoiler

labelsCal Grondahl: Utah Standard Examiner Sometimes the symbolism and exaggeration are not enough to communicate the point to the reader. Cartoonists include labels, captions and dialog to help the reader. What labels appear in this cartoon? Do they clarify the cartoonistsMessage?

labelsCal Grondahl: Utah Standard Examiner Sometimes the symbolism and exaggeration are not enough to communicate the point to the reader. Cartoonists include labels, captions and dialog to help the reader. What labels appear in this cartoon? Do they clarify the cartoonistsMessage? Is there also some irony in this cartoon?

IronyMike Keefe: Denver PostSometimes cartoonists use irony as a tool. Irony is an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs. Whats ironic about these cartoons?

Questions to Guide YouWhat is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon?Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who? symbols, Exaggerations, or Analogies used in the cartoon? What do they represent?What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Questions to Guide YouPaul Combs: Chicago TribuneWhat is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon?Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who?What symbols, exaggeration, or analogies are used in the cartoon? What do they represent?What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Questions to Guide YouWhat is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon?Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who?What symbols, exaggeration, or analogies are used in the cartoon? What do they represent?What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Questions to Guide YouJ.D. Crowe: Press-Register What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon?Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who?What symbols, exaggeration, or analogies are used in the cartoon? What do they represent?What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Same Topic Different toonR.J. Matson Kevin Seirs

The More things change2007- Troop Increases (Surge) in Iraq Steve Breen: San Diego Union Tribune 1969-Troop increases in Viet NamHerb Block aka Herblock

The More they stay the same,Gary Markstein: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 2007 Pat Oliphant: L.A. Tribune 1973

And stay the same.2007 Jeff Parker1974 Pat Oliphant

Daryl Cagles Professional Cartoonists Index http://cagle.msnbc.com

Crowetoons: J.D. Crowe http://blog.al.com/jdcrowe

Herblocks History from the Crash to the Millennium http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/herblock

Oliphants Anthem http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/oliphant/part1.html

toons on the Internet

Practice makes Perfect

Practice makes Perfect

Practice makes Perfect

Practice makes Perfect

What is a Political cartoonists favorite subject?

The President

The President

The President