Cartoon critique.

Here you will find a few cartoons that carry a racial or cultural message. Along with the image, questions that will promote discussion are listed to the left. Look to discussion starters like these as a way to bring up diversity. By sharing there opinions with each other students have the opportunity to hear new ideas and ways of thinking about racial topics.
You can find more cartoons to evaluate by clicking here.


Cartoon #1.

Start by looking at the images.
  • What does the background represent?
  • What does the hooded charter represent?

Now look at the words.
  • To whom is the figure talking? How can you tell?
  • Given what you know about the Arizona law, why does the character specifically address "citizens," rather than, say, "residents?"

The Cartoon's Strategy: Irony
  • This cartoon uses irony to make its point. Irony refers to a situation in which something happens that is the opposite of what was expected. Carefully read the bubble on the right. Why does the figure say   “prove to me you’re as American as I am” instead of just “prove you’re American”? What is ironic about this particular figure proudly proclaiming his American citizenship? What is ironic about the figure insisting that Latino citizens prove                 citizenship to him?

Picture
Discuss this cartoon with your class.

Cartoon #2

Start by looking at the images.
  • What does the statue represent?
  • What do the objects in the statues hands represent?
  • Who is the woman on the ladder and what does she represent?
  • What does the look on the statue's face represent?

Now look at the words.
  • What is the woman talking about doing and why?
  • Given what you know about how the statue should look and what the words are, what do you think is taking place and why?
  • Why is the statue titled that way?

The Cartoon's Strategy: Irony

  • Again, this cartoon uses irony to make a point. What do you think the point is this time? Why does the woman think the statue needs to take the blindfold off to judge cultural identity? How is this contradicting to the point of the original statue?

Picture
Discuss this cartoon with your class.