There are many different ways a cartoonist can use humor in a political cartoon. One common method is to use caricature, or exaggeration, to make a point. Another common method is to use irony or sarcasm to poke fun at the subject. Regardless how the cartoonist uses it, humor can be a very effective tool for political communication.
Here are a few examples of how humor has been successfully used in political cartoons:
- During the 2012 U.S. presidential election, the website "The Onion" posted a cartoon of President Obama holding a phone call with then-candidate Mitt Romney, titled "Obama Gives Romney Unimpeachable Advice on How to Appear More Likable." The cartoon humorously conveyed a point about the difficulties that Romney was having in his campaign.
- In a series of cartoons, editorial cartoonist Steve Benson used the metaphor of "The Big Stick" to comment on the foreign policy of President Theodore Roosevelt. Through humor and exaggeration, Benson pointed out that while the policy of "speaking softly and carrying a big stick" may have been effective in the early 1900s, it was no longer appropriate for modern times.
Political cartoons can be humorous, but they can also be biting, cutting, and satirical. They are effective form of visual commentary that offers critique and insight into current events.