Analyzing Political Cartoons

What is a political cartoon? The visual portrayal of an idea, often using symbols, caricature, and humor, to make a point or argue a particular point of view. This is often a powerful way to present a controversial point of view.

What to look for… The central image and its meaning Clues to help understand meaning (details, symbols, words, etc) The message the artist is trying to send The point of view of the artist about the subject drawn

5 Techniques Symbolism Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols to stand for larger concepts or ideas. Here, the cartoonist uses a birthday cake to represent all the time that has passed since the Supreme Court’s school desegregation decision.

5 Techniques 2. Exaggeration Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point. The height of the fence has been exaggerated to show how completely African American students are being excluded from public schools.

5 Techniques 3. Labeling Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for. This cartoonist has labeled the school building to show that it represents all Jim Crow public schools.

5 Techniques 4. Analogy An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light. In this cartoon, the slow pace of school desegregation is compared with a young student waiting to be let into public school.

5 Techniques 5. Irony 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. In this cartoonist’s opinion, it is ironic that public schools are still segregated years after the Supreme Court’s desegregation decision- it’s not the way things are supposed to be.

Test Yourself http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/activities/political-cartoon/game1.html

The First Political Cartoons It's important to note that America's earliest cartoons were political in nature. The first cartoon appeared in Ben Franklin's newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It appeared as part of an editorial by Franklin commenting on 'the present disunited state of the British Colonies.'

The woodcut drawing entitled 'Join or Die' pictures a divided snake in eight pieces representing as many colonial governments. The drawing was based on the popular superstition that a snake that had been cut in two would come to life if the pieces were joined before sunset. The drawing immediately caught the public's fancy and was reproduced in other newspapers.

While the style of America's early political cartoons differs in appearance from those of today, central to all is a subject that is obviously political. And the objects in the cartoon symbolize something other than what is shown. They draw attention to a problem in politics using humor and satire.

http://cagle.msnbc.com/politicalcartoons/

Notice the fish, what type of expression do they have on their faces? Notice the dollar bill is partially under water. What do you think that means? Notice the fish, what type of expression do they have on their faces? What is George Washington’s fate? These are all questions that you need to ask of this political cartoon to try to figure it out. Answer: This cartoon represents the loss of value the American dollar is taking in the world economy. http://cagle.msnbc.com/politicalcartoons/

Some times you have to look at the images in the cartoon as well as the writing to completely understand the cartoonist’s message.

http://nieonline.com/cftc/2007constitution/pages/Barry%20Hunau%20Cheney.htm

Read the title of the cartoon at the bottom of the page. Then read all of the plaques posted on the wall around the pictures. Why would Cheney be related to hunting in a way he could be made fun of? Who is Cheney? Maybe you recognize his name in relation to President Bush. Answer: Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a fellow hunter in the woods last year. This cartoonist is probably a critic of the Republicans considering he is taking a negative view of Cheney’s actions. Is the cartoonist a supporter of Cheney and the Republicans?

Dr. Seuss Goes To War Famed Cartoonist Dr. Seuss drew political cartoons for the government during World War II to encourage people to buy war bonds. His cartoons also helped instill a dislike for all things Nazi and Japanese to promote the justice of warfare against Germany and Japan.

Questions to consider when analyzing a political cartoon. Before you move to the next page examine the cartoon yourself. What do you see in it? What do you think cartoonist was trying to say? What elements of the cartoon confuse you?

Use your new skills and try to figure out the following political cartoons.