“A picture is worth a thousand words”

What Are Political Cartoons?

Art form that serves as a source of opinion on society Express viewpoints on political, economic,

or social issues Make use of humor, symbolism, historical

events, and stereotypes

Rise to Fame!

1870’s Tweed scams over 200 mil

Thomas Nast launches political cartoon campaign.

Why was Nast successful in turning the public against Tweed?

Ethics Political Cartoons not held to the same ethical

standards as new journalist. Cartoons are, by some, considered to "invoke not

only truth but a higher artistic truth, above the ethical parameters of the printed word”

Skewed statements with images translate to false statements in print.

PC’s stretch the truth, Biases exist!

Elements of Effectiveness Artist’s viewpoint Symbols Captions Humor Satire Historical Images

Symbols Images that stand for something or something

else.

Captions Can help the reader understand the message, even if

the symbols aren’t familiar. Used for clarity and emphasis

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are needed to see this picture.

Humor Draws attention,

keeps the reader interested.

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are needed to see this picture.

Its not the kidsBalloons andDogs that bother me, It’s the fact this thing Is going to

South America!!!

Caricature: overemphasis of a person’s features

Irony: Irony: saying the

opposite of what was really meant

Satire: the portrayal of a wrong doing to that it becomes

the object of ridicule

Stereotype: an oversimplified judgment of a group of people or

objects

Historical Images Artists include

historical or literary images to help express viewpoints on current issues

Recognizing the historical or literary images is necessary to understand the meaning of the cartoon

How Will We Use Cartoons? Understand public opinion of a particular

time period Examine opposing views Compare historical and contemporary

issues