EC - What Makes an Editorial Cartoon Unique? Lesson

How are editorial cartoons different from other printed cartoons? Both types of media reflect on the culture of everyday life and often the current issues or events with a satirical approach; however, editorial cartoons often work to educate the viewer. An editorial cartoon has to reduce an entire point of view to simple pictures. Ever heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words?

Another difference between the two types of media is that editorial cartoons often criticize political figures and their policies. The example here is a caricature, a drawing technique often employed by cartoonists, of President Barack Obama that exaggerates his personal characteristics to make the picture more humorous as well as immediately recognizable.

Editorial cartoons also work to change public opinion. The ideas drawn are a reflection of the artist's thoughts about some issue of public concern. This is why editorial cartoons can also be referred to as political cartoons.

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