Introduction to Political Cartoons

1. Introduction to Political Cartoons

2. What Are Political Cartoons • Vivid primary sources that offer insight into the public mood and attitudes toward a key event or trend of the times. • Uses: • Entertainment • Insight into current/historical events • Attitude of author/some in the public • Provoke thought • Primary sources

3. 1. Read the Title and/or Caption Topic of cartoon Context Activates prior knowledge

4. Images Look for familiar people, monuments, etc. The image is usually the topic of cartoon

5. Symbols Stands for some other thing, event, person, idea, news event, group, etc. Ex.: Uncle Sam for U.S., Elephant for Republicans, $ for economy

6. Visual Distortion Change or exaggeration in size, shape, emotions or gestures Gives extra meaning to the symbols in the cartoon.

7. Irony in Words/Images Form of humor Often mocks its own meaning Seems to mean one thing, but it will be taken to mean the opposite

8. Stereotypes Simplifies the complex Oversimplifies a view of a group Can be insulting Can be used to make a point

9. Caricatures Exaggerated or distorted drawing of the individual highlighting what the artist sees as most unique about that individual

10. Double Meanings Will use a common saying and apply it to the cartoon to drive home the point. Can be just the image or can be a phrase

11. Double Meanings Will use a common saying and apply it to the cartoon to drive home the point. Can be just the image or can be a phrase

12. Double Meanings Will use a common saying and apply it to the cartoon to drive home the point. Can be just the image or can be a phrase

13. Political Cartoons…. • Are not comics • Political cartoon: point of view • Comic: Purely entertainment • Are not “right” • There are other points of view • Must consider multiple view points

14. Redskins

15. Washington Negotiation

16. Mt. Rushmore Presidents

17. “The Trust Giant’s Point of View”

18. “One Sees His Finish Unless Good Government Retakes the Ship”