Political Cartoon Analysis

Instructions:

• Browse different reliable sources and select 3 different political cartoons that catch your attention.
• The cartoons must be political in nature and current (maximum 3 years old).
• Each cartoon must be related to different topics and characters. Note: The cartoons cannot portray the same political figure(s), even if they are about different topics.
• Each answer must be between 3-7 college-level COMPLETE sentences (Arial font, size 12, double-spaced). Separate and number each question and write the answer. No essay format is needed. Do not put everything in one paragraph!
• Copy and paste the image of the cartoon before you answer the questions so I can see it while I’m grading.
• The analysis of the 3 cartoons must be put together in ONE paper (one attachment submission only, not 3 separate ones).
• You must use Microsoft Word. You must include your sources.

Suggestion: The more elaborated the cartoon is, the easier it will be to complete this assignment. Read the questions below before you start your search.

Observation & Reflection Phases: Describe What You See and How You See It

• What is happening in the cartoon? Explain.
• What specific political issue is being portrayed in the cartoon? Explain
• What do you think the cartoonist’s opinion on this issue is? Explain.
• Are there any text bubbles and/or caption? How important are they? Explain.
• Do you see an exaggeration? What does the exaggeration mean? Explain.
• Do you see a stereotype? What does the stereotype mean? Explain.
• Do you see an irony? What does the irony mean? Explain.
• Does the cartoon portray any emotions? Which ones? Explain.
• What minor details are there? How important are they? Explain
• Is there anything controversial about the cartoon? Explain.

Note: If your answer is “No” to 3 of the answers in questions # 4, #5, #6, #7, and #8, you MUST choose a different cartoon.

Evaluation Phase: Assess the Effectiveness

• Do you think the cartoon is effective in the message it tries to convey? Explain.
• Do the people/ objects/ words in the cartoon adequately represent the political issue? Explain.
• Were you persuaded by the cartoonist’s point of view? Why or why not? Explain.
• If you were asked to modify something in the cartoon what would it be? Explain. Note: Answers such as “I wouldn’t modify anything.” will not be accepted.
• Did the cartoon encourage you to look deeper into the political issue it portrayed? Why or why not? Explain.