Analyzing Political Cartoons What is a political cartoon? Interpretive drawing, sometimes with words, that convey an idea or message about a current issue, event, or problem. Are simple, usually black and white, graphic depictions of a news story or event. Portray people’s attitudes about a problem or issue.

Common characteristics for a good political cartoon: Wit and humor used to send a message. The cartoon must have a foundation in truth. Characters should be recognizable The cartoon should have a moral purpose - should provide opportunities to inform the viewer about an issue and allow for critical thinking

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 1. Symbolism Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for.

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 2. Exaggeration Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point. When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or overblown. Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration.

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 3. Labeling Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for. Does the label make the meaning of the object more clear?

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 4. Analogy An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.

Interpreting a Political Cartoon – 5 Techniques 5. Irony Irony is 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.

More info Powerful people are usually fat, large people Weak people are usually skinny, small people Green – environmental Red – communist Good guys usually wear white Bad guys usually wear black

Curiosity Landing on Mars Is there Symbolism? Is there an exaggeration? What is labeled? Is there an analogy? What is being compared? Is there irony that expresses an opinion?

Curiosity Landing on Mars The exaggeration is…. There are no aliens on Mars. Curiosity’s landing is similar to a perfect Olympic landing. The alien’s t-shirt and Curiosity are labeled. The Flag is symbolic of America. The alien’s shirt represents the Olympics. The analogy is….. The labels are…. The symbolism is..

National Debate on Gun Laws Is there Symbolism? Is there an exaggeration? What is labeled? Is there an analogy? What is being compared? Is there irony that expresses an opinion?

National Debate on Gun Laws Exaggeration is….. You can not zip someone's lips. A zipper is being compared censorship. Uncle Sam is symbolic of the Federal Government. The lapel and the lock are labeled. The analogy is……. The symbolism is….. The labels are…..

Now it’s your turn! Ready? Look at the next slide and answer the questions. Then check to see how good you did.

Bush and Obama Portrait Is there an exaggeration? Is there Symbolism? Is there an analogy? What is being compared? What is labeled? Is there irony that expresses an opinion?

Bush and Obama Portrait The size of the Bushes Ears are exaggerated. Is that Obama is fixing problems Bush created. The Irony is that some people are blaming Obama for all of America’s problems. The portrait is a symbol of a presidents legacy. The portrait is labeled. Exaggeration is….. The analogy is……. The irony is….. The symbolism is….. The labels are…..