Propaganda and Political Cartoons Analyzing the images
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Political: that which is concerned with public affairs or
government Define the word Cartoon a sketch or drawing that
interests or amuses by portraying persons, things, political events
or situations etc. in an exaggerated way Therefore: a political
cartoon is a sketch or drawing concerned with public affairs or
government issues
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What is the purpose of a political cartoon? To convey a point
of view about a significant event, individual or issue
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Brainstorm: What significant event, individual or issue could
the artist be depicting? What is the message of the cartoon?
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Step 1: Establish a knowledge Base Why is establishing a
knowledge base important? Political cartoons in newspapers today
may make immediate sense, but the context needs to be considered in
looking at cartoons from the past Political cartoons cannot be
understood without establishing the context
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Is the context enough? From just looking at the individuals,
could you come up with a time period? How did you come up with your
time period? If you only knew that the time period was WWII could
you understanding this cartoon?
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Step 2: Identifying the Issue Knowing what you do about Germany
and Russia, what is the issue? What is the artist message? The
Nazi-Soviet Pact; Germany and Russia will not remain allies
forever
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Step 3: Determine the devices used by the cartoonist In groups
of five, take the descriptions and political cartoons and match
them up. Which device best explains the political cartoon you are
looking at?
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Symbols: The Symbols of the Grim Reaper to represent death
Cartoon A Cartoon B Analogy: The Prime Minister as the captain of a
sinking ship is an analogy for the declining popularity of the
political party
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Cartoon C Caricature: The cartoonist exaggerates the physical
characteristics to make it clear the individual is Japanese Cartoon
D Facial Expression: It is evident that Hitler is worried and that
his army is shouting at him from their facial expressions and body
language
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Cartoon E Words: Without the words, we would not know that the
cartoonist was discussing the issue of racism in the United
States
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Step 4: Identify the Cartoonists Bias What is a bias? A slanted
or prejudiced attitude that can prevent people from presenting
evidence clearly and truthfully
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Step 4: Identifying the Bias National/Regional/Local Bias
Political Bias Religious Bias Racial/Ethnic Bias Economic Bias
Gender Bias Personal Values What are the potential bias a political
cartoonist could have?
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Step 4: Identify the Cartoonists Bias Political cartoonists
present a point of view that has often been shaped by many
influences. They tend to portray issues in extreme: bad is very
bad, and good is very good. When examining a political cartoon you
need to watch for bias.
Slide 15
You Try It! Scrutinize the characters. Can you name them by
drawing on your knowledge of local and world events? Examine the
characters' attire and other visual clues. For example: facial
expressions: does the character's face convey anger, fear, intrigue
etc.? complexion: describe the character's facial appearance
(clean- cut and shaven, scruffy etc.) Body expression and
appearance: describe the character's physical appearance (slouched,
arms waving frantically, small stature, broad and bold body etc.)
attire: what is the character wearing? (suit and tie, underwear,
hats, etc) exaggeration of facial or physical characteristics:
compared to a photograph (e.g., chins, mouths, bulging eyes, long
noses etc.) Identify objects you see in the cartoon (buildings,
fences, something the character is holding). Notice words on the
objects and background features (sky, walls, water). Using all of
this information, identify the issue and what the message is.
