Political Cartoons

Primary Sources Illustrations Contain commentary that relates to current events or people Usually appear in newspaper or magazines Usually use sarcasm, irony, humor in order to question authority or draw attention to corruption or other social problems Primary Sources Illustrations Contain commentary that relates to current events or people Usually appear in newspaper or magazines Usually use sarcasm, irony, humor in order to question authority or draw attention to corruption or other social problems

Elements Visual symbols and metaphors Easily recognizable symbols that the average reader will understand Republicans: elephant; Democrats: donkey USA: Uncle Sam, American flag, Statue of Liberty; Britain: John Bull Visual symbols and metaphors Easily recognizable symbols that the average reader will understand Republicans: elephant; Democrats: donkey USA: Uncle Sam, American flag, Statue of Liberty; Britain: John Bull Death: skull, cross bones, grim reaper, vulture Peace: dove, olive branch, victory sign, banners Money: dollar or cent sign, money bags, bank, dollar bills Government: Constitution, Bill of Rights, White House, Capitol Building

SymbolsSymbols Colombia and Uncle Sam

SymbolsSymbols John Bull (UK)

SymbolsSymbols Democrats and Republicans

Elements Visual Distortion Creating objects or gestures in shapes or motions that are not “normal” to suggest some sort of emotion or meaning Visual Distortion Creating objects or gestures in shapes or motions that are not “normal” to suggest some sort of emotion or meaning

Elements Irony in words or images A form of humor where what you say is not what you really mean. Often used to mock a situation. Irony in words or images A form of humor where what you say is not what you really mean. Often used to mock a situation.

Elements Stereotypes & Caricatures Either simplifying (stereotype) or exaggerating (caricature) features or characteristics Often insulting Reveal broad cultural attitudes Stereotypes & Caricatures Either simplifying (stereotype) or exaggerating (caricature) features or characteristics Often insulting Reveal broad cultural attitudes

Elements An argument (not slogan) The cartoon is attempting to “make a case” or “prove a point” It wants to sway your opinion in some way and presents reasons for why you should do so. An argument (not slogan) The cartoon is attempting to “make a case” or “prove a point” It wants to sway your opinion in some way and presents reasons for why you should do so.

Elements Uses and misuses of political cartoons Goal is to provoke thought in the reader by being funny, humorous, stimulating, or even insulting. What they DO show is cultural assumptions by some, prevailing moods, and insights to trends and events. BUT, they should by no means be thought of as how “everyone” thought. They are one man’s biased interpretation. They should NOT be assumed to be thought of as “the way things were.” Uses and misuses of political cartoons Goal is to provoke thought in the reader by being funny, humorous, stimulating, or even insulting. What they DO show is cultural assumptions by some, prevailing moods, and insights to trends and events. BUT, they should by no means be thought of as how “everyone” thought. They are one man’s biased interpretation. They should NOT be assumed to be thought of as “the way things were.”

What system is this?

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What Policy is portrayed?

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44 Equal Suffrage The West

55 “Who stole the people’s money?”Do tell. N.Y. Times. ‘Twas Him