How to Read Political Cartoons
Cartoons in the newspapers can be hilarious. These are often hinting at recent events of national importance and the politicians are often the butt of the jokes. This is a practice that is generally found the world over and one cannot completely absolve the politicians of their part in becoming the target.
However, these cartoons are not everyone’s cup of tea and some struggle to understand them. If you are one of those people, this is not a big problem and a bit more understanding of both politics and humour can fix it for you.
Instructions
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1
Follow the News
The articles are based on the news. These will often be about some statement made by a person in position of power or some news that just broke. Chances are that the cartoon will highlight the problem related to the statement or the action and will do so in a satirical manner. So stay in touch with what is going on around you and you will get an idea. -
2
Sense of Humour
Everyone has a different sense of humour and if you are one of the more articulate types, you will certainly not be a fan of everyday humour that goes around in masses and probably do not understand most of it either. It’s time to change this trend and start this by joining some guys whom you would generally not hang out with. Listen to their jokes and try and understand. The ones you do not understand ask about them later on. Generally a pal who can understand your trouble with these jokes can come in handy to guide you. Most often the undertone in these political cartoons is based on common humour and you must understand it to read the cartoon. -
3
Read Books
There are always some fantastic books which are based on political satire. They will not only help you understand the history of politics as they generally carry loads of it and how and why the satirist targets others. There will certainly be some cartoons that will further enhance your vision. -
4
Ask
Do not be shy and ask other around you the significant of a certain political cartoon that you do not understand. Seek their perspective and understand how they feel about the cartoons themselves as well as what they feel the cartoonist tried to imply. This will help you in understanding more and more as you keep on following these and soon you should be able to read them yourself in no time.
