Cartooning for Change
"Wages Can't Catch Food" http://flic.kr/p/7np8Ed
The cartoon to the left was created during the time period around World War I. Knowing the title "Wages Can't Catch Food" helps us understand the cartoon more clearly. Seeing the label "wages" on the slow tortoise also helps, especially when we see the basket full of food carried by the fast-running cheetah in the background. Other aspects of the cartoon, including positioning and juxtaposition and animal symbolism, also help add to the cartoonist's message for the audience.
Cartoons are like most visuals, with several important unique exceptions:
1. The historical/cultural context of a political cartoon are very important because meaning is often closely related to the cartoon's features. Do research if you don't understand the context.
2. The labels on items in political cartoons are also vital. Pay close attention to the small details of the cartoon.
3. Exaggeration and caricatures are often used in cartoons.
Political cartoons are fun to read! They include humor, shock, and exaggeration to get the audience's attention. Some cartoons are only in black and white, some are in color, and some are not even in print. For example, Mark Fiore's political cartoons are animated. Explore some of the links below and have some fun.
Cartoons are like most visuals, with several important unique exceptions:
1. The historical/cultural context of a political cartoon are very important because meaning is often closely related to the cartoon's features. Do research if you don't understand the context.
2. The labels on items in political cartoons are also vital. Pay close attention to the small details of the cartoon.
3. Exaggeration and caricatures are often used in cartoons.
Political cartoons are fun to read! They include humor, shock, and exaggeration to get the audience's attention. Some cartoons are only in black and white, some are in color, and some are not even in print. For example, Mark Fiore's political cartoons are animated. Explore some of the links below and have some fun.
Let's Begin by "We Do":
First, let's look together and analyze two Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoons by David Horsey:
"What a Difference a Day Makes"
Cookie Jar cartoon with George W. Bush
Now, "You Do"
Try 2 of these out with your small group. Decide the message, the purpose, and some of the other features used. Write these down on our blog for each cartoon listed.
Walt Handelsman's 2007 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoons:
George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden
White House and approval rating
NSA officer
Mike Luckovich's 2006 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoons:
Help us!
Lifeguard as Uncle Sam
"What a Difference a Day Makes"
Cookie Jar cartoon with George W. Bush
Now, "You Do"
Try 2 of these out with your small group. Decide the message, the purpose, and some of the other features used. Write these down on our blog for each cartoon listed.
Walt Handelsman's 2007 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoons:
George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden
White House and approval rating
NSA officer
Mike Luckovich's 2006 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoons:
Help us!
Lifeguard as Uncle Sam
Continuation of "You Do"
Nick Anderson's 2005 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoons:
The Hobbit
Animal Farm
Baseball steroids and balloon
Clay Bennett's 2001 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoon:
Missile Defense and terrorism snake
Websites to Explore on Your Own Time
http://www.claybennett.com/
http://www.politicalcartoons.com/
http://www.cagle.com
Clay Bennett's newest cartoons: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/cartoons/
Animated Cartoons: http://www.markfiore.com/
The Hobbit
Animal Farm
Baseball steroids and balloon
Clay Bennett's 2001 Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoon:
Missile Defense and terrorism snake
Websites to Explore on Your Own Time
http://www.claybennett.com/
http://www.politicalcartoons.com/
http://www.cagle.com
Clay Bennett's newest cartoons: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/cartoons/
Animated Cartoons: http://www.markfiore.com/