how to decode a political cartoon

1. How to Decode a Political Cartoon

3. Definitions SATIRE - uses humor to lower something or someone in the reader�s or viewer�s estimation. It is not mean-spirited and its point is not to harm. It exposes human folly to make room for improvement.

4. What are Political Cartoons? Political cartoons usually appear on the editorial page of your daily newspaper. They generally deal with events or issues currently in the news and are, in essence, visual editorials. Like the writer of an editorial, the cartoonist is trying to make a point.

5. What are Political Cartoons? When you look at a political cartoon produced many years ago you are seeing it out of its original context. In order to "get it" you will likely need some background information from classroom discussion, a textbook or your own research. Once you have a general idea of the topic at hand you can start to decode the message the cartoonist is trying to convey.

6. Tools Used By Cartoonist Exaggeration Allusion Analogy Symbolism Caricature Stereotype Humor Personification

7. CARICATURE Exaggerates one or more features of a person or thing. It attempts to say something about the person/thing�s character, beliefs, actions or significance. Makes them easily recognizable. Made Obama�s ears large

8. CARICATURE Facial expression and body language can be used as signs to communicate ideas. In some cases a cartoonist may use shading to indicate the "good guys" (light) and the "bad guys" (dark). Jimi Hendrix

9. SYMBOL Represents something else. It is a often a material object that represents something abstract or invisible (for example, the Statue of Liberty to represent freedom) The stars of the confederate flag as KKK.

10. METAPHOR Uses an object to note a similarity to something else. For example, John Bull (England) as an octopus of imperialism

11. IRONY Expresses an idea through a contradiction between something�s literal meaning and the intended meaning. For example, picturing a U.S. president with a crown on his head. SARCASM- is a form of irony. The element that turns irony into sarcasm is the appearance of mockery, or bitterness.

12. STEREOTYPES Works by taking a real or imagined trait of an individual to be true of the group to which the individual belongs. They express bias and can be unfair and harmful. The black man is sketched to look like an ape, with large lips and no shoes.

13. Analogy & Allusions Another very important technique is the use of analogy, in which one event is represented by another. An allusion is understandable only to those with prior knowledge of the reference in question (which the writer assumes to be so). A one-sentence or one-phrase (or image) reference to another event, character, etc. in the Bible, mythology, or current event

14. Three kings follow star to Barack Obama, savior of the Democrats.

15. Captions Cartoonists sometimes use words (titles, captions, name tags, balloon comments or dialogue) to help the viewer.

16. Biases When you look at a political cartoon you should consider the biases of the cartoonist. The cartoonist, after all, is trying to make a point. When and where was the cartoon published, and in what type of publication? Who is portrayed in a favourable manner and who is not? Cartoons can display a number of other biases as well (such as political, religious, racial or ethnic, vocational, economic or gender biases).

17. The Negro in his own country. What were the drawbacks of living in Africa according to this picture?What were the drawbacks of living in Africa according to this picture?

18. The Negro in America What are the benefits of slavery according to this picture? What are the benefits of slavery according to this picture?

19. Slavery Propaganda In 1835, the governor of South Carolina describe the life of slaves in these words: �There is not upon the face of the earth any class of people, high or low, so perfectly free from care and anxiety�Our slaves are cheerful, contented, and happy, [unlike] the general condition of the human race.�

20. Decode the message by using the following method: 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.)

21. Once you have looked critically at a cartoon you can try to interpret it. In summary, when you look at a political cartoon you should take the following steps: seek out the necessary background knowledge determine the issue being considered study the devices the cartoonist has used identify any possible biases and try to interpret the cartoon. In short, what is the cartoon about, what techniques does the cartoonist use, and what does it all mean? Once you have looked critically at a cartoon you can try to interpret it.

22. THE POLITICAL QUADRILLE. MUSIC BY DRED SCOTT The Election of 1860 Figures left to right clockwise:

23. Candidates and Platforms The Election of 1860 Figures from left to right:

24. A POLITICAL RACE Text from left to right:

26. The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) In this editorial cartoon from the 1856 presidential election, James Buchanan�in the light suit�helps hold down the head of a "Free Soiler" while Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas and President Franklin Pierce shove an African-American slave down his throat. The freesoiler's head rests on a platform marked "Kansas," "Cuba," and "Central America," probably referring to Democratic ambitions for the extension of slavery. In the background left is a scene of burning and pillage; on the right a dead man hangs from a tree. In 1860, Douglas, who wrote the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, would carry Pennsylvania, but lose the presidential election to Abraham Lincoln.

27. Well, now the war is over, what are you people going to do for a living?�

28. 1829 editorial cartoon mocking the Scottish-born abolitionist Frances Wright.

29. Decode the following political cartoons with a partner

32. The Great Labor Question� from a Southern Point of View

34. Confederate flag

35. Assignment Abolitionist Poster/Cartoon Instructions: Create a poster or a political cartoon promoting the abolition of slavery. Your poster or cartoon can promote abolition on: Moral or religious grounds Humanitarian grounds Legal grounds The ideals of liberty and equality for all. You must invent an appropriate slogan and have captions. You need to illustrate your poster or cartoon with fully colored, hand-drawn drawings. Checklist for Creating Cartoons and Posters: Decide whether to use a cartoon or poster to present your message. Give reasons for your decision. Identify your topic: Event, person etc.. Express your point of view and the message you want to convey Determine what symbols are appropriate and historically accurate Choose the words to convey your message.