Analyzing Editorial Cartoons
1. What event or issue is the focus of the cartoon? Briefly describe and explain the cartoon’s social and/or political context as thoroughly as possible.
The topic this cartoon is addressing is the ad made by Gillette encouraging men to “get closer to their best” by learning to lose their so called toxic masculinity. There has been a lot of backlash because of this ad, many people saying that it stereotypes men as misogynists and bullies.
*2. Who or what is the target of the satire/humor expressed in the cartoon?
I believe Gillette is the target.
3. Who is the audience for which the cartoon is designed? What leads you to believe this?
The audience is men and anyone familiar with their products. I believe this because it is trying to make Gillette look dumb, asking the question of why a shaving razor company needed an ad campaign about toxic masculinity.
*4. What is the purpose of the cartoon?
To make Gillette look foolish, and to attack the stereotype that Gillette has made for men.
5. Can you find out who this cartoonist is and for whom they do their work? What does the cartoonist’s background/biography reveal about the argument presented in the cartoon?
The cartoonist is Cristine Floweres, from Philadelphia. She also mentions being a teacher at one point in her article.
*6. What inference can you draw from the cartoon? In other words, what central argument does the cartoon seem to be making?
I think it’s making an argument against toxic masculinity and why Gillette was making it part of their campaign.
*7. What specific details in the cartoon have led you to make this inference about the cartoon? What images, symbols and cartooning techniques can you point to that reinforce the cartoon’s main point? She uses a normal razor blade with Gillette branding but then ads “Toxic Masculinity ad campaign.” On the bottom of the razor, which to me makes it look silly.
8. What point of view or attitude has the cartoonist taken position regarding the subject? What is the cartoonist’s perspective on the topic portrayed in the cartoon?
She writes stating that she doesn’t agree with the ad and brings up how the hostility towards men can be hurtful.
9. What’s your evaluation of the cartoonist’s attempt at satire and humor? Briefly justify.
I think it does a good job of making Gillette look silly and is able to question their arguments. Her full stance is not really shown but the broad idea is.
*1. What event or issue is the focus of the cartoon? Briefly describe and explain the cartoon’s social and/or political context as thoroughly as possible.
The event being shown is a version of the social media challenge called the “ten year challenge” where people are posting pictures of themselves from 10 years ago to now to show how much they have changed and progressed. This cartoon takes it and makes it the 72 year challenge and shows that Trump has had little change throughout his life. Trying to belittle him.
*2. Who or what is the target of the satire/humor expressed in the cartoon?
Donald Trump
3. Who is the audience for which the cartoon is designed? What leads you to believe this?
The main focus would be Americans but lots more people could enjoy this from other places as well.
*4. What is the purpose of the cartoon?
The purpose is to attack Trump and say that he is just as smart and talented as his baby former self. Showing that he does not handle things in a professional way and is just a baby trying to get what he wants.
5. Can you find out who this cartoonist is and for whom they do their work? What does the cartoonist’s background/biography reveal about the argument presented in the cartoon?
Bart Van Leeuwen, a freelancer from Amsterdam. His background kinda gives an outside view of Trump since he is from Amsterdam, and could be how a lot of people from all over the world think of the president.
*6. What inference can you draw from the cartoon? In other words, what central argument does the cartoon seem to be making?
I believe the argument is trying to show that Trump is a immature, if he wants something he has to have it. And he has no real knowledge of what’s going on. Since the cartoon shows his before and after with almost no change, it feels as that its saying the traits of a baby and Trump are similar.
*7. What specific details in the cartoon have led you to make this inference about the cartoon? What images, symbols and cartooning techniques can you point to that reinforce the cartoon’s main point?
Using the 10 year challenge to show the passing of time but then keeping the images very close to the same to show that he has not learned or grown.
8. What point of view or attitude has the cartoonist taken position regarding the subject? What is the cartoonist’s perspective on the topic portrayed in the cartoon?
The cartoonist does not like Trump and sees him unfit as the president and very childish.
9. What’s your evaluation of the cartoonist’s attempt at satire and humor? Briefly justify.
I think he used the challenge to express his point of view pretty clearly.