What are the purpose of political cartoons??

Political cartoons are categorised as satirical and often ironic depictions of current events and people. These are usually in the form of either allusions [where an specific individual is mocked in their surroundings] or caricature [which is an embellished picture of a person]. The concept was first used in the Mediterranean around the 15th century and was designed to emphasise a specific aspect of a political situation such as a scandal. These designs often depicted the verbal opinions of the cartoonist.

Above: By Larry Wright, The Detroit News

Society understands that political cartoons are a devise to illustrate or emphasise a specific point. In the contemporary era, this medium is mainly newspapers and occasionally magazines. Examples of occurrences throughout history would include during the 15th century when Martin Luthor recognised that civilians who were illiterate would benefit from printed cartoons as opposed to text. Backer (n.d) states that as there was a high illiteracy rate, literature was futile as it was incomprehensible for the general public.

Above: Moir, The Sydney Morning Herald

Today the purpose remains the same. The cult television show, The Simpsons has often conveyed political ideas through the use of animated political cartoons. Goldberg (2000) argues that “The Simpsons… is never predictable; and its satire spares nothing and no one… this even-handedness is noteworthy.” Political cartoons are still used to illustrate complex points to the public in a simple format. Therefore, political cartoons can be defined universally by their purpose.



Marshall McLuhan stated that

“the world is a global village”

in terms of technology allowing people in all areas of the globe to interact. However are the meanings of political cartoons interpreted in the same way?

The meaning of caricatures of politicians can be interpreted in several ways – depending on political opinions (i.e.: Republican, conservative or democratic). Similarly for political cartoons seen globally, negative views can be made about other countries politicians and parties. This results in highlighting the problems of another nation whilst also disguising the problems of locals.

According to Tju (2001), in Singapore, the government feels that cartoons and the press must be “expected to play it is consensus-shaping role in the nation-building/national education process”. They do not attack their own politicians and reflect the ideas of the parliament in place. Whilst in western countries like USA, a political cartoon is less “censored” and is seen as a social commentary to current affairs.

The concept that depending on the country that you inhabit reflects on how political cartoons are controlled means that political cartoons cannot be defined universally.

End of lecture. Blah.