How to Analyse an Editorial Cartoon Learning to understand the statement

Cartoon Analysis Cartoons are drawings in which the artist exaggerates features to make a statement of opinion about the subject of the cartoon Cartoons appeal to the reader’s emotions

Purpose of the political cartoon To get readers to look closely at the subject To get readers to question their views on it To sometimes get readers to change their opinion about it

Who are they about? Political cartoons portray public figures, the general public, institutions (like the government), and news events

What’s so funny about that??? Many cartoons use humour for a serious purpose and not just to be funny

You interpret the facts Some of the information in cartoons is factual Some information is symbolic The reader’s goal is to interpret the information and understand the cartoonist’s message

Examine what you see Every detail has been included for a reason The setting (public buildings, locations, etc.) The news story it relates to

Who are the characters? Look at the characters Who does the character represent? A character may stand for the general public, a member of a specific group, or a well- known person

Look for symbols in the cartoon Symbols are things such as flags, logos, animals, or objects that represent something else Beaver, maple leaf or canadian flag for Canada a gavel for justice A dove for peace

Analyse what you see: What looks important or powerful? The foreground and centre are important positions in a picture The important parts of a picture are large, stand out, have more detail, or attract your attention in some way. Conservative Party government led by PM Stephen Harper has adopted few and gutted many environmental laws and policies dealing with greenhouse gas emissions, pollution problems or climate change

Ask yourself: “What looks powerless?” What is powerless may be small, in a low position at the back, or portrayed as weak

How does the cartoon make you feel? How do the characters make you feel?

Look for stereotypes Stereotypes are examples with simplified characteristics used to represent a group Positive stereotypes show only the characteristics of the ideal person in a group

Stereotypes can also be negative Negative stereotypes Show only negative characteristics, no individuality Stereotypes may show a negative bias Bias means showing a preference by portraying something positively or negatively

Consider the Caricature Caricature is a distortion or exaggeration Caricature of facial features may be used to identify public figures Justin Bieber Arrested January 23 2014 Arrested for drag racing and driving under the influence

Read the words Words in cartoons give important information

Think about the timing When and where was the cartoon published? The common opinions and attitudes towards issues in historical periods can help you understand the intended message of the cartoon

Examine the cartoonist’s attitude and purpose Does the cartoonist praise or criticize the different characters or the event? Is something being made fun of? Is something being distorted or made ugly or frightening? Genocide in Darfur