Political Cartoons

1. Political Cartoons The Art of Exaggeration

2. What is a Political Cartoon? • Political cartoons make a specific statement about current events • They use exaggeration, caricature, and/or sarcasm • They use symbolism

3. “What a funny little government!” What was cartoonist Horace Taylor saying about John D Rockefeller in this cartoon?

4. What event is depicted in these cartoons? What would have happened had someone created an opposing view of the event? Would that have been considered appropriate?

5. Brainstorming: • With the people in your group, brainstorm a list of events and/or people that could be made into political cartoons • Consider whether or not there are two different view points • Are there ever times when a certain event should be “off limits” when creating a political cartoon or a satirical commentary? • Consider taking a view opposite of how you truly feel when creating your cartoon.

6. Your Assignment: • Create a political cartoon about an event from the Industrial Age • Select a controversial event about which there were very strong feelings/emotions either for or against • Your message MUST be clear • You MUST take a specific “side” • You will need to add labels when necessary to clarify • You will need to show effort and add shading or color to enhance your cartoon