Political Cartoons Activity
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Transcript of Political Cartoons Activity
Political Cartoons Activity
Cartoons are a way of expressing an opinion. Cartoons have been used in publications for
hundreds of years. Early cartoons were used to give messages to people who could not read.
The first political cartoon in America appeared in Ben Franklin's newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It
appeared as part of an editorial by Franklin commenting on 'the present disunited state of the British Colonies.' The woodcut drawing entitled 'Join or Die' pictures a divided snake in eight
pieces representing as many colonial governments.
Another early cartoon appeared in the Massachusetts Centinel on January 30, 1788. Entitled 'The Federal Superstructure,' the drawing shows a hand helping to raise the Massachusetts pillar to an upright
position. Shown in position 'having already ratified the new document' are pillars representing the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut.
Analyzing aPolitical Cartoon
Cartoonists use several techniques for getting their message across.
CaricatureExaggerationStereotyping
SymbolsSatire
Labeling
Caricature
• Changing or distorting a person’s features in a way that makes the person recognizable
Obama and McCainPalinand
Biden
Exaggeration
• Overemphasizing an event or situation
Stereotyping
• Showing all persons of the same group looking and acting the same way
Symbols
• Using a sign or object to stand for something
Satire
• Using wit and ridicule to make fun of something that seems wrong
Labeling
• Using written words to identify figures and causes
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What is the title of the cartoon?
Who is the author?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What objects or people do you see in the
cartoon?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What objects or people are symbols?
What do they mean?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What important clues (words, places, numbers)
are in the cartoon?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What is happening in the cartoon?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What is the political or social issue presented in
the cartoon?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
What is the cartoonist’s viewpoint on this issue?
How do you know?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
Who might agree or disagree with the cartoon? Why?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
Issue?Gun ControlCaricature?NoExaggeration?Gun?Stereotyping?NRASymbols?Security BlanketThumb SuckingSatire?Gun- Assult vs. HuntingLabeling?“The right to bear arms”National Rifle AssociationAssult/Hunting RifleWhat is the main point of this cartoon? What is the author trying to get across?
Analyzing a Political Cartoon
Issue?Minimum WageCaricature?NoExaggeration?
Stereotyping?
Symbols?Money/Car
Satire?
Labeling?CEO Salaries What is the main point of this cartoon? What is the author trying to get across?
Political Cartoon Analysis
• Give each group member a copy of the cartoon
• Choose a recorder to write down your answers
• Analyze the cartoon as a group and complete the Political Cartoon Analysis sheet
• Be prepared to share
Cartoon 1Issue?Possible War in IranCaricature?George Bush/Dick CheneyExaggeration?NoStereotyping?NoSymbols?Instruments –WMDs/Iran WarUncle Sam – U.S. GovernmentSatire?“Where have I heard that tune before?”Labeling?WMDs/Iran War/Iraq
Cartoon 2Issue?Global WarmingCaricature?Arnold SchwarzeneggerExaggeration?NoStereotyping?NoSymbols?Hummer – Political Platform Satire?Wanting to end global warming while standing on a gas-guzzling HummerLabeling?Arnold
Cartoon 3Issue?ImmigrationCaricature?NoExaggeration?NoStereotyping?NoSymbols?Donkey – Democrats Elephant – Republican Van – Immigration ReformSatire?“On the right track”“On the fence”Labeling?Immigration Overhaul/1986
Cartoon 4Issue?Unemployment/WarsCaricature?NoExaggeration?“Easier to find a war than a job”Stereotyping?NoSymbols?NoSatire?“Easier to find a war than a job”Labeling?No
Cartoon 5Issue?BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of MexicoCaricature?Barack ObamaExaggeration?NoStereotyping?NoSymbols?NoSatire?Oil spill is eating away at Obama’s approval ratingLabeling?Approval Rating
Cartoon 6Issue?Foreign WarsCaricature?NoExaggeration?USA stuck in quicksandStereotyping?NoSymbols?Man – USA Quicksand – Iraq/Afghanistan Satire?Out of one problem and into anotherLabeling?USA/Iraq/Afghanistan