Lesson Two - Cartoon Research

Introduction

Lesson Two - Cartoon Research
Duration - 3 blocks (3 x 80 min + homework)

"To study political cartoons is to study history in the making." - Peg Cagle

caricature - the art of exaggeration, usually physical and facial characteristics

"They’re funny folks, these Editorial Cartoonists. Their job is to have opinions. And if they do their job right, somebody’s bound to get upset. They speak in a visual language of symbols and caricatures. Yet they have to be clear and quick with their message or you won’t get the point. And the point is, you have to get the point.

"To study political cartoons is to study history in the making. The cartoons are snapshots in time dealing with issues as current as today’s newspaper. Looking back at cartoons in history you get a glimpse of issues and ideas that shaped our lives, what was important at the time -- at least to the artist.

"Through satire and wit, political cartoonists give us a different view than television or even photos can. Issues addressed can be national or local, the targets personal or political, the approach funny or thoughtful. At the heart of each cartoon is something called Freedom of the Press and the ability to say what needs to be said -- even if somebody gets upset." - Peg Cagle