Political Cartoons
By: Lucinda S. Martinez
Political Cartoons are drawing that portray government programs, policies, personalities, and global concerns in humorous way. Political Cartoons allow the artist to express their thoughts and opinions on a certain issue. Political Cartoons are creative outlooks to which people can represent a particular issue, through their point of view. Political Cartoons are used to show the reader what the artist is thinking, normally really good political cartoons get the reading thinking and questioning the meaning behind the cartoon. Political Cartoons are a major part in newspapers because they allow people to understand certain issues without confusion. Most political cartoons are one-side and are used to persuade the reader that their view on the subject is correct. Political Cartoons use symbolism and exaggeration to represent what they are trying to convince the audience. Political Cartoons are a creative and fun aspect to journalism.
1.Brainstorm ideas for the cartoon. * Choose a topic that you understand, or have alot of background knowledge on .*
2.Draw a rough sketch of the idea.
3.Analyze other political cartoons. *Look at other cartoons and see how what sort of techniques they use to represent the main idea, and see how you can use it in your cartoon.*
4.Start drawing your idea.
5.Check to make sure the political cartoon isn't too easy to analyze, and that it makes sense. *Remember the cartoon must to be understood by the audience, but at the same time make them think*
6.Add color or shading effects to bring the cartoon to life.
7.Create a title, and your done.
How to analyze political cartoons?
When analyzing a political cartoons briefly summarize the topic or issue presented in the cartoon. Ask the following questions: Who are the people, events, or institutions involved in this topic?What do you see as the different view points or positions forming around this topic or issue?What opinion do you have on this issue? While analyzing the cartoon describe the actions or positions taken by the people, the sequence of the events, and/or the purpose and role of the institutions involved. To make sure you understand the main idea/ purpose of the cartoon, you must analyzing every detail. To make sure you haven't missed any important parts use a simple technique of analzying cartoons known as the S.C.A.M method. This method will ensure that you get every detail presented in the cartoon, and help you understand the meaning better.
