An Introduction to Political Cartoons Mary Beth Scumaci Clinical Assistant Professor Medaille College April

Copyright Information Please Note: The images used in this lesson plan and power point slide show are from the Library of Congress Art Wood Collection which includes items with “publication restrictions”. This means that teachers and students may use either print or digital versions for education purposes but cannot publish their work that includes these images on a publically accessed website or in any print format. Cartoon America. A Library of Congress Exhibition, The Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature. Please click on the links in the PowerPoint presentation to see the political cartoons. Political Cartoon Introduction-Mary Beth Scumaci 2

Cartoons: What do you see? The seven dwarfs, ca Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca (82) © Disney Enterprises, Inc. The seven dwarfs Prints and Photographs Division ges/ca v.jpg ges/ca v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 3

Cartoons: What do you know? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Cartoons: What do you think? Snow White holding a bird, Animation cel on acetate and paper with black ink and acrylic paints. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsc (83) © Disney Enterprises, Inc. Snow White holding a bird Prints and Photographs Division mages/ca v.jpg mages/ca v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 5

Cartoons: What do they mean? The Family Circus."I wish you would dish out the dessert, Mommy--Dolly keeps licking the spoon!" Published by The Register and Tribune Syndicate March 6, India ink and opaque white over graphite underdrawing with paste-ons. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca (75) The Family Circus."I wish you would dish out the dessert, Mommy--Dolly keeps licking the spoon!" Prints and Photographs Division a v.jpg a v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 6

What is a Political Cartoon? 7 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci First Woman Astronaut, Used on national television Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17) © Art Wood First Woman Astronaut Prints and Photographs Division ges/ca v.jpg ges/ca v.jpg

Definition of a Political Cartoon A cartoon that relates to political decisions, events or ideas. An art form that makes people think about different perspectives. A way of expressing freedom of speech. 8 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

What is cartoonist Art Wood telling us in this cartoon? Why? 9 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci First Woman Astronaut, Used on national television Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17) © Art Wood First Woman Astronaut Prints and Photographs Division ges/ca v.jpg ges/ca v.jpg

What do you think the purpose of a political cartoon is? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Why do you think people enjoy reading political cartoons? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

What do we learn from reading political cartoons? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

There are 5 characteristics of political cartoons. Any ideas? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

There are 5 characteristics of political cartoons. Any ideas? 1. Symbolism 2. Exaggeration 3. Labeling 4. Analogy 5. Irony 14 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Symbolism Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for. 15 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Exaggeration Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point. When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration. 16 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Labeling Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for. Watch out for the different labels that appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer? 17 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Analogy An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light. After you’ve studied a cartoon for a awhile, try to decide what the cartoon’s main analogy is. What two situations does the cartoon compare? Once you understand the main analogy, decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s point more clear to you. 18 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Irony Is the difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue. When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively? 19 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Symbolism What are the simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. What does the cartoonist intend each symbol to stand for? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 20

Exaggeration What physical characteristics of people or things are exaggerated in order to make a point? What is over done(Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) What point is the cartoonist trying to make? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 21

Labeling What labeling is there? Why did the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object? Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 22

Analogy What 2 unlike things are being compared? Does this make the cartoonist’s point more clear to you. You need to understand the history. Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 23

Irony The difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be. Can you find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts? Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 24

Political Cartoon Dissection Work with your group members. Complete the Political Cartoon Symbolism Graphic Organizer Discuss the meaning of the cartoon with your group. Be prepared to report to the class. 25 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Dissect this Cartoon… "It's from the I.R.S.-- it says, 'all income, from whatever source derived...," Crayon, ink, and opaque white over blue pencil and graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca (5) ©Etta Hulme, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1975 "It's from the I.R.S.-- it says, 'all income, from whatever source derived...," Prints and Photographs Division ges/ca v.jpg ges/ca v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 26

Dissect this Cartoon… Comic Book Art/Political Cartoons (Exhibition) View cartoons from the September 11 Witness and Response exhibition. Comic Book Art/Political Cartoons Witness and Response 52/0002r.jpg 52/0002r.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 27

Dissect this Cartoon… Paul Conrad. "My disarmament plan is better than your disarmament plan!" 1961 Crayon and ink brush over graphite underdrawing LC-DIG-ppmsca (15) © used with permission, Paul Conrad, The Denver Post, 1961"My disarmament plan is better than your disarmament plan!" mages/ca v.jpg mages/ca v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 28

Review What are political cartoons? What is the purpose of political cartoons? Why are political cartoons important? What are the 5 characteristics of political cartoons? What do they mean? What did you learn? 29 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Create a Political Cartoon Topics: Economy endangered animals school closings Include the 5 Characteristics Complete the Graphic Organizer Draw Your Political Cartoon Write a paragraph describing the meaning of your cartoon. Present to the class 30 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Reflection Take 5 minutes and think about what you have learned. Write 3-4 statements about what you have learned about political cartoons. Write at least 1 question that you have about political cartoons. 31 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

Enrichment/Next Lesson Practice Identifying Political Cartoon Characteristics ials/presentationsandactivities/activities/politi cal-cartoon/model.html ials/presentationsandactivities/activities/politi cal-cartoon/model.html Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 32