Analyzing Political Cartoons A Drawing is worth a thousand words

What is a political cartoon? A Political cartoon, also known as an “editorial cartoon”, is defined as “an illustration or comic strip containing a political or social message that usually relates to current events or personalities.” Political cartoons appear in the editorial section of the newspaper. So…Its understood that the cartoonist usually has a bias or a “side” in his/her work. The cartoonist is not a reporter, therefore has no interest in being objective

History of Political cartoons Political cartoons date back to the early 1700s. One of the most famous of was Benjamin Franklin's "Join or Die" cartoon published in his Pennsylvania Gazette during the French and Indian War. In the mid-1800’s Thomas Nast established the traditional style of political cartoon in which visual metaphors communicated several ideas in a single cartoon. The term “nasty” was coined because of Nast’s biting style and criticism of corrupt politicians

Quotes from the masters “The political cartoon has always served as a special prod- a reminder to public servants that they are public servants.” ~Herb Block, Washington Post “ An editorial cartoonist, fundamentally, should be anti- establishment. No matter which party is running the government, it is the essence of satire to question authority. ~Nick Anderson, Houston Chronicle

Checks & Balances Revised

Tools used by the Cartoonist Symbolism labels exaggeration / caricature Stereotypes Irony Analogy R.J. Matson: NY Observer

Symbolism Steve Sack: Minneapolis Star Tribune Cartoonists often use symbols to represent something in their work. What symbols are used in this cartoon? What do they represent? Do the symbols communicate effectively? What other symbols could have been used to make the point?

Exaggeration Kirk Walters: The Toledo Blade Cartoonists will sometimes exaggerate people or objects to make a point. What is being exaggerated in this cartoon? What is the cartoonist saying about American drivers? Do you agree? Spoiler

labels Cal Grondahl: Utah Standard Examiner Sometimes the symbolism and exaggeration are not enough to communicate the point to the reader. Cartoonists include labels, captions and dialog to help the reader. What labels appear in this cartoon? Do they clarify the cartoonists Message?

labels Cal Grondahl: Utah Standard Examiner Sometimes the symbolism and exaggeration are not enough to communicate the point to the reader. Cartoonists include labels, captions and dialog to help the reader. What labels appear in this cartoon? Do they clarify the cartoonists Message? Is there also some irony in this cartoon?

Irony Mike Keefe: Denver Post Sometimes cartoonists use irony as a tool. Irony is an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs. What’s ironic about these cartoons?

Questions to Guide You 1)What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon? 2)Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who? 3) symbols, Exaggerations, or Analogies used in the cartoon? What do they represent? 4)What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed 5)Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Questions to Guide You Paul Combs: Chicago Tribune 1)What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon? 2)Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who? 3)What symbols, exaggeration, or analogies are used in the cartoon? What do they represent? 4)What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed 5)Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Questions to Guide You 1)What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon? 2)Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who? 3)What symbols, exaggeration, or analogies are used in the cartoon? What do they represent? 4)What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed 5)Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Questions to Guide You J.D. Crowe: Press-Register 1)What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon? 2)Are there any real people portrayed in the cartoon? Who? 3)What symbols, exaggeration, or analogies are used in the cartoon? What do they represent? 4)What is the cartoonists opinion on the Topic Being portrayed 5)Do you agree with the cartoonist? Why or Why not?

Same Topic Different ‘toon R.J. Matson Kevin Seirs

The More things change… Troop Increases (Surge) in Iraq Steve Breen: San Diego Union Tribune 1969-Troop increases in Viet Nam Herb Block aka Herblock

The More they stay the same, Gary Markstein: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 2007 Pat Oliphant: L.A. Tribune 1973

And stay the same Jeff Parker1974 Pat Oliphant

“toons on the Internet Daryl Cagle’s Professional Cartoonists Index Crowetoons: J.D. Crowe Herblock’s History from the Crash to the Millennium Oliphant’s Anthem

Practice makes Perfect

What is a Political cartoonist’s favorite subject?

The President