Homework Help: English: Writing: Political Cartoons

What importance does a cartoon have?

The political cartoon presents views on a particular political issue, through a simple picture, and some words. The cartoon functions to give a biased opinion of the problem, often in a humourous manner, of a political issue which has great implications on our society in general. The views in these cartoons demonstrate fundamental rights by democracy, and help to create an active society, by giving different views on a situation. In a way, it helps to keep the politicians honest.

Content

• is able to demonstrate and inform society about its political follies
• the topic usually stems from a current problem within society
• deliberately biased
• employs black humour, and ridicules to a purpose
• not derogatory, whichever political background

Construction

• presents a large message in a simple context
• many will be able to understand and appreciate
• gives a different position to the usually dry political media
• constructed in a clever way, with great insight
• generally is a simple picture, with a few words, which hold a large meaning

Homework Help: English: Writing

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