Stereotypes In Political Cartoons

As time has gone on throughout the world, to need to speak “politically correct” has increased. People all over the world have become over-sensitive to words and phrases spoken every day. This need to speak politically correct has limited the subjects and conversations in which people speak of regarding to sensitive subjects. Although these subjects are viewed as being delicate, it is necessary to discuss them in order to make society aware, to handle issues that arise concerning them, and to allow people to form their own views and opinions. Although it is not considered acceptable for just anyone to talk of these issues, humorists are able to talk of these subjects with impunity. Alain de Botton is correct in his assertion that humorists
serve a vital role in society. As many controversial topics are not portrayed with more than one side (some not being discussed at all), it is hard for people to form their own opinions on the matter.
Many subjects concerning the government are put out this way, as article are filtered to what the politicians want published. Political cartoonists portray different sides to these situations, usually contrary to the government’s view, in a comical way, making it acceptable to the public. Thomas Nast, one of the most famous political cartoonists in history, published views contrary to the government many times; one of his most popular cartoons being centered around Boss Tweed, bringing awareness to the dangers of a political machine. Dr. Seuss, a well-known children’s author, also published many political cartoons challenging the government, many of his concerning his disapproval of America’s decision to go to war. As these sides of situations we not published before, comical cartoons allowed people to realize there are other sides to the story, as well as their ability to form their own opinions and views; therefore, these humorists become vital to society in this
way. Many controversial topics remain unknown to many people until spoken about on mediums other than newspapers and newscasts, such as talk shows and comedic shows.
As many do not keep up with informative outlets, entertainment shows are able to reach a broader audience and portray these situations; therefore also allowing people to form their own opinions as well. Saturday Night Live performs sketches regarding many controversial topics, one of the most recent being “The Day Beyoncé Turned Black”. This sketch acknowledged the recent attention Beyoncé has drawn to the Black Lives Matter movement. As this is a controversial topic for many, it is not typically addressed in everyday conversation. Because Saturday Night Live addressed this topic in a comical manner, it was accepted within society while still conveying the issue and their point of view on the idea. Having previously starred on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon, a late night talk show host, parodies many political events on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Recently, Fallon portrayed the ideas and views of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in a sketch in which Fallon portrayed him. As many were probably not aware of some of Trump’s views and stances on issues, this comical sketch allowed his views to known to them, while poking fun at Trump at the same time—something that many would not attempt due to the controversy of the manner. These humorists in entertainment outlets reach a larger audience
in addressing current events and controversial topics, therefore making them vital to society. As many humorists are constantly looking for new content, some look to crude topics that cause much controversy when talked about publicly. Although people are not happy with hearing about these things, they ultimately have to be talked about among one another. Daniel Tosh is a comedian who hosts the television show Tosh.0. Among some of the topics he has joked of are women’s rights, rape, and terrorist attacks. Many people are not happy with discussing these things, but if they continue to be bottled up the willingness to talk about it will eventually be diminished. During the times following the Russian Revolution of 1917, George Orwell did not like that Stalin was held in a very high esteem. Contradicting society’s view of the Soviet Union during this time, Orwell published Animal Farm which spoke of how harsh the Soviet Union’s government was during this time. This had not been discussed before because of the United Kingdom’s alliance with them at this time. But, if Orwell had not written a satire of this event, the cruel actions of their government could have continued to be ignored. Although many topics are uncomfortable and awkward to discuss among others, it is necessary or they will become forgotten, never addressing the subject. Humorists such as Tosh and Orwell open up conversation about such topics in a way more comfortable to the public, proving these humorists have a vital role in society. Whether events seem one-sided, uncomfortable, or unknown, it is difficult to get society engaged in such events as they see it deemed inappropriate. Humorists cross these boundaries by presenting topics in a comical manner, making society view them with a sense of impunity. Because of their ability to easily discuss these topics, humorists serve a vital role in society in which no others can; they can speak the words all others kept unspoken.