POLITICAL CARTOON: DEFINITION, HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS, EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The political cartoon is a drawing made in order to convey an opinion about politics, its protagonists and current events. They are a tool for freedom of expression in which criticism is made through humor.

This type of expression occupies an important place in the opinion sections of the print and electronic media. In fact, they are as valuable and recognized as written opinion columns. Political cartoonists are highly valued.

Cartoon of US President Donald Trump.

The political cartoon that we have just seen represents Donald Trump, president of the United States, in his battle to build a wall that separates Mexico from the nation he governs. The cartoonist tries to reflect his obsession with building the fence even if it means "breaking" freedom, which is represented by the famous statue located in New York.

This is an example of modern caricature, a form of expression that plays a fundamental role in the construction of the political discourse of societies. In addition, it is considered a manifestation of freedom of the press and expression. Their content is focused on current topics of general interest, therefore they are aimed at an audience that has a minimum of knowledge about these topics.

History

It is estimated that the first manifestations close to the political cartoon occurred when the Romans drew the image of Nero on the walls of Pompeii.

However, later technological advances were necessary for the spread that this form of expression has reached today. In this sense, the engraving technique was one of the most important advances that made possible the development of the political cartoon.

First modern manifestations

In the 16th century, during the time of the Protestant Reformation in Germany, visual propaganda was widely used to represent political and religious figures as heroes or villains, according to their position within that conjunctural moment.

These artistic manifestations were developed in wood and metal engravings, and were very popular.

This is because there were very high levels of illiteracy, in such a way that images were the only form of communication that could reach the vast majority of the population.

During the 18th century, the Italian caricature emerged, which became the basis of the cartoonists of the time. They created images designed to influence viewers' opinions and at the same time make them laugh about serious issues.

With the passage of time it was possible to address and discuss more and more issues through cartoons. Therefore, the population's interest in these and their influence on decisions and the future of societies also grew.

In that same century, the copyright on satires related to current events was extended in Great Britain, which were reproduced through the new copper engraving plates; that is to say, about those primitive political cartoons that had begun to attract attention in bars, taverns and coffee shops.

The birth of the myth

Political cartoon from 1805 on the division of the world by William Pitt and Napoleon. James Gillray / Public domain

The awareness of the true power of the political cartoon originated in France. This happened during Napoleon's invasion of Italy, when a young soldier caricatured the tyrant, contributing greatly to his overthrow.

This fact, illustrated by Stendhal in 1839, showed that these humorous images were not just entertainment. On the contrary, it showed how they could manage to mobilize public opinion towards decisive political positions and actions.

In this same country, in 1830, Charles Philipon founded the newspaper La Caricatura, from which graphic criticism was launched against Louis Philippe and Napoleon III.

These publications reinforced the power of political cartoons and founded the myth of their ideological power.

Political cartoon from 1888 depicting the advance of British imperialism throughout the world. Unknown author / Public domain

First demonstrations in America

The first political cartoon of the American continent is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. In 1747 he drew a kneeling man praying to Hercules with the legend "Heaven helps those who help themselves."

This image sought to invite American settlers to defend themselves against native Indians without British help. In this case, the British crown was represented in the image of Hercules as a metaphor.

Later, in 1754, he would create a new cartoon of a snake cut into pieces. Each of these pieces bore the name of a colony and the drawing was accompanied by the phrase "Join or die."

In this case, he invited the colonies to unite against their common enemies through the allegory of the serpent.

This image became a message of great importance at that historical moment, demonstrating the power of influence of these short and symbolic messages.

Main characteristics of political cartoons

It deals with current events

The political cartoon is characterized by addressing real and current events through a metaphorical and satirical language. This resource is usually used to point out problems or discrepancies with a specific political situation.

Use paralinguistic resources

Literary and graphic resources are usually used that exaggerate the characteristics of the situations or characters that are addressed. These resources are not intended to distort reality; on the contrary, they seek to reveal the absurdity of the facts through hyperbole.

For this reason, different artistic resources are used, such as symbols and allegories. The artist tends to focus a lot on the use of these figures not to distort the message or make it difficult for readers to interpret.

Has a critical function

When a political cartoon is successful, it can serve an important function of social criticism within a given context. They are usually powerful weapons of emancipation, and at the same time of political control, because they affect the decision-making of citizens.

Since the eighteenth century, political cartoon is considered a means of criticism and combat against the characters of public life.

Use satire and humor

His humorous and satirical language is known as a way of ridiculing politicians to correct their mistakes or to motivate the people to fight against them.

Humor is conceived as the most civilized way to develop critical awareness in the population, even in the least informed.

This form of expression transcends mockery and becomes a whole political weapon that makes it possible to stir public opinion and change the way of thinking.

References

1. Dictionary of American History. (2003). Political Cartoons. Recovered from: encyclopedia.com
2. González, B. (SF). The political cartoon in Colombia. Recovered from: banrepcultural.org
3. Holtz, A. (SF). Are Political Cartoons Relevant? Recovered from: digitalhistory.hsp.org
4. Knieper, T. (2016). Political Cartoon. Recovered from: britannica.com
5. Study.com. (SF). What are Political Cartoons? - History & Analysis. Recovered from: study.com