1. An Introduction to Political Cartoons Mary Beth Scumaci Clinical Assistant Professor Medaille College April 2010 http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2010645512

2. Copyright Information Please Note: The images used in this lesson plan and power point slide show are from the Library of Congress Art Wood Collection which includes items with “publication restrictions”. This means that teachers and students may use either print or digital versions for education purposes but cannot publish their work that includes these images on a publically accessed website or in any print format. Cartoon America. A Library of Congress Exhibition, 2006. The Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/cartoonamerica-home.html http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/cartoonamerica-home.html Please click on the links in the PowerPoint presentation to see the political cartoons. Political Cartoon Introduction-Mary Beth Scumaci 2

3. Cartoons: What do you see? The seven dwarfs, ca. 1937. Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-03342 (82) © Disney Enterprises, Inc. The seven dwarfs Prints and Photographs Division http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca082-03342v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca082-03342v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 3

4. Cartoons: What do you know? 1. 2. 3. 4. 4 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

5. Cartoons: What do you think? Snow White holding a bird, 1937. Animation cel on acetate and paper with black ink and acrylic paints. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsc-02838 (83) © Disney Enterprises, Inc. Snow White holding a bird Prints and Photographs Division http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/i mages/ca083-02838v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/i mages/ca083-02838v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 5

6. Cartoons: What do they mean? The Family Circus."I wish you would dish out the dessert, Mommy--Dolly keeps licking the spoon!" 1967. Published by The Register and Tribune Syndicate March 6, 1967. India ink and opaque white over graphite underdrawing with paste-ons. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-09431 (75) The Family Circus."I wish you would dish out the dessert, Mommy--Dolly keeps licking the spoon!" Prints and Photographs Division http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/c a075-09431v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/images/c a075-09431v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 6

7. What is a Political Cartoon? 7 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci First Woman Astronaut, 1974. Used on national television 1974. Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17) © Art Wood First Woman Astronaut Prints and Photographs Division http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca017-07879v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca017-07879v.jpg

8. Definition of a Political Cartoon A cartoon that relates to political decisions, events or ideas. An art form that makes people think about different perspectives. A way of expressing freedom of speech. 8 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

9. What is cartoonist Art Wood telling us in this cartoon? Why? 9 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci First Woman Astronaut, 1974. Used on national television 1974. Ink and watercolor over graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17) © Art Wood First Woman Astronaut Prints and Photographs Division http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca017-07879v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca017-07879v.jpg

10. What do you think the purpose of a political cartoon is? 1. 2. 3. 4. 10 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

11. Why do you think people enjoy reading political cartoons? 1. 2. 3. 4. 11 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

12. What do we learn from reading political cartoons? 1. 2. 3. 4. 12 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

13. There are 5 characteristics of political cartoons. Any ideas? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 13 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

14. There are 5 characteristics of political cartoons. Any ideas? 1. Symbolism 2. Exaggeration 3. Labeling 4. Analogy 5. Irony 14 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

15. 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. 15 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

16. 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. (Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through exaggeration. 16 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

17. Labeling Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly what they stand for. Watch out for the different labels that appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer? 17 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

18. 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. After you’ve studied a cartoon for a awhile, try to decide what the cartoon’s main analogy is. What two situations does the cartoon compare? Once you understand the main analogy, decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s point more clear to you. 18 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

19. 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. When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively? 19 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

20. Symbolism What are the simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas. What does the cartoonist intend each symbol to stand for? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 20

21. Exaggeration What physical characteristics of people or things are exaggerated in order to make a point? What is over done(Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) What point is the cartoonist trying to make? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 21

22. Labeling What labeling is there? Why did the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object? Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 22

23. Analogy What 2 unlike things are being compared? Does this make the cartoonist’s point more clear to you. You need to understand the history. Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 23

24. Irony The difference between the ways things are and the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be. Can you find any irony in the situation the cartoon depicts? Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively? Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 24

25. Political Cartoon Dissection Work with your group members. Complete the Political Cartoon Symbolism Graphic Organizer Discuss the meaning of the cartoon with your group. Be prepared to report to the class. 25 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

26. Dissect this Cartoon… "It's from the I.R.S.-- it says, 'all income, from whatever source derived...," 1975. Crayon, ink, and opaque white over blue pencil and graphite underdrawing. Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature Prints and Photographs Division LC-DIG-ppmsca-04613 (5) ©Etta Hulme, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1975 "It's from the I.R.S.-- it says, 'all income, from whatever source derived...," Prints and Photographs Division http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca005-04613v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/ima ges/ca005-04613v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 26

27. Dissect this Cartoon… Comic Book Art/Political Cartoons (Exhibition) View cartoons from the September 11 Witness and Response exhibition. Comic Book Art/Political Cartoons Witness and Response http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/911/images/017 52/0002r.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/911/images/017 52/0002r.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 27

28. Dissect this Cartoon… Paul Conrad. "My disarmament plan is better than your disarmament plan!" 1961 Crayon and ink brush over graphite underdrawing LC-DIG-ppmsca-09425 (15) © used with permission, Paul Conrad, The Denver Post, 1961"My disarmament plan is better than your disarmament plan!" http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/i mages/ca015-09425v.jpg http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/i mages/ca015-09425v.jpg Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 28

29. Review What are political cartoons? What is the purpose of political cartoons? Why are political cartoons important? What are the 5 characteristics of political cartoons? What do they mean? What did you learn? 29 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

30. Create a Political Cartoon Topics: Economy endangered animals school closings Include the 5 Characteristics Complete the Graphic Organizer Draw Your Political Cartoon Write a paragraph describing the meaning of your cartoon. Present to the class 30 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

31. Reflection Take 5 minutes and think about what you have learned. Write 3-4 statements about what you have learned about political cartoons. Write at least 1 question that you have about political cartoons. 31 Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci

32. Enrichment/Next Lesson Practice Identifying Political Cartoon Characteristics http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommater ials/presentationsandactivities/activities/politi cal-cartoon/model.html http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommater ials/presentationsandactivities/activities/politi cal-cartoon/model.html Political Cartoon Introduction Mary Beth Scumaci 32