Politics

Political humor

Politics is a very serious subject. But in order to get through tough political times, many use political humor. Political humor is found most in political cartoons. Political cartoons can explain current political situations in a lighthearted manner and make serious issues more relatable to everyday people.

Political cartoons, also known as editorial cartoons, are illustrations that contain a political or social message that relate to current events and political situations. Political cartoons can usually be found in newspapers or magazines, such as Time, Parade, or the Humor Times and on the internet. There are different styles used in political cartoons but they each get the political humor across in some way to the audience. Political cartoons have been around since newspapers have been in print. There is a political cartoon titled “The Rails Splitter at Work Repairing the Union” with Andrew Johnson and Abraham Lincoln. The caption reads (Johnson) “Take it quietly Uncle Abe and I will draw it closer than ever. (Lincoln) A few more stitches Andy and the good old Union will be mended.” This political cartoon was drawn up in 1865 and pokes fun at the Union situation that was around during the time of Johnson and Lincoln. Political humor can be used to help lighten the mood of a political situation or criticize it in a satirical manor. Most cartoons poke fun at some sort of relatable real-life situation, and political cartoons do the same thing, with social matters. The political humor in political cartoons can be brought about in different ways. Most political cartoons have visual metaphors and caricatures of political figures to explain current events in politics. The purpose of political cartoons is to bring a serious political message to the public by using political humor. Just like anyone trying to get their message across and gain more followers, political cartoons try and make the reader to really think about current events in the world and make an opinion about them. There are mainly two styles in which cartoonists get their political humor across. There are political cartoons with a lot of text that usually tell a linear story in comic strip format and a more traditional style call the “nast-y” style, named after Thomas Nast. This style usually has visual metaphors and symbols like the Republican Elephant, Democratic Donkey and Uncle Sam. Both styles use political humor to get the message across.  Political cartoons cover a variety of topics from social issues to environmental policies. Political humor pokes fun at political candidates, situation, media, big business, foreign affairs, oil issues, war, etc. Most political cartoonists are skilled in the field of politics and use political humor to get their points across. You can find political cartoons in the newspapers and magazines that you subscribe to everyday.

If you are interested in politics and would like to get more political opinions from others just look at some political cartoons. They can open up your mind about political and social situations that are currently going on. Political humor is a great way to lighten up a political situation while still getting the message across.