Editorial cartoon are a way to lighten the subjects of America and make issues more tolerable. I do not read comics very much so I don’t get a lot from them but humor always makes things less complicated in our minds, I think. Cartoons are entertaining but they are only that way because we can relate and understand from experiences that make it funny. Comics joke about their wives, which is mean, yet the joke is stereotypical of women so we laugh. Jokes are based on what we know; blonde jokes, for instance, are funny but why? Stereotypically blonde women are dumb so when a blonde joke is told and it is funny, we can draw from this reasoning to make sense of it. All blonde women aren’t dumb and biologically it has no connection so we logically know it is not true. Of course, funny might be going out of style now that we seem to take everything so literally. People can’t voice their own opinion about an issue without the fear of being sued or jumped. Being “politically correct” to some extent I think is good but the concept of it cannot include humor and that is a huge problem in we interpret the world around us. People are critical and offended easily so the cartoons may be helpful or cause more retaliation on a subject. Comics also help display what is going on in the world. The issues that are drawn in some cartoons are the latest on ongoing problem in America. Captain America is a comic book that portrays America pride through issues that America is dealing with, such as, drugs, war, and crime. Through this comic book people can get an idea of what issues the country is facing. Not everyone likes the newspapers or television, especially nowadays, so this comedy alternative is a great way to still be informed with the world. Comedy has a way to communicate in a more casual and informal way which is more comfortable to do about tough issues such as race, segregation, and disabilities. Comics have to be careful though in today’s society. Cartoonist, John Callahan, writes cartoons in a reflection of his reality of being handicapped and he does this to open people’s eyes to his reality. Callahan is trying to show people acceptance to what is real in the world. I’m looking at Callahan’s cartoon in the EL on page 364, the posse and the empty wheelchair. The text says, “Don’t worry. He won’t get far on foot.” The posse is evidentially looking for the guy in the wheelchair, no doubt. Who is the posse? Society, maybe? Cartoons are perceived from your point of view so it can easily be said that every cartoon you read is to your liking but it also can make your beliefs stronger in disagreeing. Editorial cartoonists are the same as any other media, if you don’t like what they are saying then read or watch something else; this is what we call freedom of speech.
I agree with you about how quickly when reading this book I knew I was in for a treat. Language and its power seem to be at the heart of the story and many people do turn to literature and find freedom from oppression of various forms.
ReplyDeleteLiterature is a way many open up and begin there adventure learning about themselves and others. By listening and thinking critically about things, we are able to become better people just by knowing ourselves more completely.
It was also a strong message from the book about how some can fear literature and even turn to censorship to quill those fears. That in itself is a testament to how powerful literature can be.
It was amazing to read of the different ways women would deal with the veil and use subtle methods to express their beauty. Some might paint there nails and others might wear none tradition colors. Others might even wear earrings all in the hope of having the feelings others worldwide are allowed to have.
Literature has been feared and used as a treasure of information and retreat to peace for humans for centuries and will continue to be so for centuries more.
I love how humor lightens very heavy subjects. It makes us able to laugh at ourselves and how serious we become as we grow up. Being able to laugh at yourself is one of the best things you can do, which is why I, a blonde, love to collect and tell blonde jokes. They remind me not to be so serious and judgmental, because there are times when my life is one big blonde joke.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this chapter. I enjoyed reading all the essays and looking at the cartoons. I particularly enjoyed the essay about John Callahan. I really appreciate his humor. It's so wrong, but so ridiculously funny. Your analysis of the cartoon "Wheelchair Posse" is really interesting. I never thought of it very deeply, but I can see what you said, also. It could very well be society, or perhaps it's the people that try to speak for the disabled and have turned into a demented version of the overly protective parents?
I agree that people should just watch or read something else if they don't like political cartoons, but unfortunately, people attack that which makes them uncomfortable, like political cartoons that question their beliefs. They just can't let well enough be.
Cartoonists really do walk a narrow line, though, don't they? Blonde jokes or Polish or Newfie jokes are one thing--humor at the expense of a particular group--but when the artist crosses the line to cause real harm, then it is not funny anymore. Callahan gets away with a lot, but as a disabled person he has more leeway there than a person who is not handicapped. But where is that line exactly that causes pain, and doesn't serve any greater purpose of revelation, social commentary, or just plain fun?
ReplyDeleteIf the cartoonist tries to please everyone, he will fail. There will always be someone sensitive to the barb. But if we cherish free speech, we must allow for the possibility of someone disliking the content in order not to have philosophical blinders put on our reading and viewing habits. But particularly in a sue-crazy nation, you wonder why anyone would risk being controversial!
I agree with you to vote with your feet. If you don't like it, don't read it. But if someone crosses the line to do actual harm or incite others to do harm in their attempt at humor, I guess at that point we draw a line.