How to Determine the Meaning of a Political Cartoon
Political science courses don't have to simply be somber examinations of events and issues. Liven things up with a study of political cartoons, which have played an important role in elections as well as the national debate in the United States since its founding. Analyzing political cartoons can be an ideal approach for an instructor to get students thinking critically about political and social issues. Anyone seeking a better understanding of contemporary issues can study political cartoons to learn more about the important debates of the times.
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Instructions
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Conduct research on the individuals and issues that are at the center of a political cartoon. It is extremely helpful to be well-informed on political and social issues as well as debates taking place in the country on issues in order to understand the full meaning of a political cartoon.
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Look for symbols within the cartoon's depiction. A symbol might be something that generally is associated with a political party's platform or views or might represent something a candidate has said. Ask students to search for symbols in political cartoons and write down their observations about why the artists chose that symbol and what it means within the context of that cartoon.
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Determine if the goal of the artist is to demonstrate the truthfulness of a political figure, party or other entity within the cartoon. An artist might, for example, depict a candidate saying one thing regarding his stance on a particular issue while privately engaging in an activity that appears to contradict his public assertions.
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Look for irony in political cartoons. Ask students about the point the cartoonist is trying to make and whether the artist makes that point validly or not. Have students form groups to discuss the cartoon to determine if there is a consensus on what the cartoonist intended.
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References
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