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”