How to Read Political Cartoons

Introduction

• Presented by Dave and Andrew, the IB English Guys.
• Political cartoons are a form of satire that uses humor for social commentary.
• They aim to provoke discussion and make comments on corporate/government policy.
• Focuses on current events and global issues.

Importance of Political Cartoons

• Address conflicts and opposing sides.
• Intended to be humorous while thought-provoking.

Analyzing Political Cartoons

Vocabulary Bank

• Essential to study terms related to political cartoons.
• Vocabulary lists and cartoon terminology are provided in links below the video.

Mnemonic: Coral Needs Our Care and Love

• C - Composition:
  • Analyze framing: foreground, background, graphic weight, angle, camera distance.
• N - Narrative:
  • Identify the story being told, characters, context, conflict.
  • Techniques such as emanata to show action.
• O - Objects/Symbols:
  • Concrete nouns representing larger abstract ideas (e.g., smoke for pollution).
• C - Color:
  • Consider colors and shading to interpret mood and meaning, even in black and white cartoons.
• L - Language:
  • Scrutinize words for connotation/denotation and irony.
  • Language often reveals the punchline of satire.

Example Cartoon Analysis

Cartoon by Patrick Chappat (2012) - "Drowned in La Pondesa"

• Context: Addressing the European refugee crisis during the Syrian civil war.

Applying the Mnemonic

1. Composition:
   • Foreground: Dark shading of immigration officers, dead refugee.
   • Background: Sinking boat representing tragedy.
2. Narrative:
   • Story of refugees trying to reach shore, authorities' indifferent posture.
3. Objects/Symbols:
   • European Union flag: Collective responsibility.
   • Sinking boat: Represents death and misery.
   • Authority's uniform: Contrast between power and the dead refugee's clothing.
4. Color:
   • Use of black and white shading to convey mood and graphic weight.
5. Language:
   • Speech bubble: "He drowned before we could do anything to expel him."
   • Focus on the word "expel" indicating lack of intention to help refugees.
   • Use of verbal irony: Authorities lacking empathy for refugees.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the responsibility to care for refugees and the human aspect of the crisis.
• Reminder to use the mnemonic "Coral Needs Our Care and Love" for analyzing political cartoons.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more content and resources related to IB English.