Emmarie Ann A.

Sese
IV- Galileo
EDITORIAL CARTOONING

The cartoon in the editorial page is an important part of the medium. The word cartoon came from two words
caricature and lampoon. It gives visual impact to the meaning of the editorial itself. It should immediately catch the
attention of the readers since it is usually the first thing that can be recognized in its page. The cartoon, just by looking at
it, gives an idea of what the editorial is all about. It can either be humorous or solemn depending on its content and the
interpretation of the readers. Subjects are used to symbolize ideas such as political and social states. Its target is to amuse
and influence the readers.
CARTOON SUBJECTS
Inspirational: The soldiers are represented by shields and swords.
Satirical: The embarrassment of having boys wearing earrings.
Correctional: Problems involving the people approving abortion.
Source: Advanced Campus Journalism (1
st
ed.) Cecilia-Jose Cruz

CARTOONING TIPS
1. The subject used should be appealing, not offending and should portray its purpose.
2. Words may be used but limit their use. Long words or sentences may only mislead the readers. The drawing
should be enough to speak for itself.
3. Make your cartoon interesting. Exaggerate the effect of the issue.
4. Symbols should be comprehensive for the readers to easily understand the message that the caricature would like
to convey to its reader.
5. To catch the attention of the readers and be effective, cartoons should deal with just a single idea.
6. Your cartoon should simplify a complex topic.
7. Plagiarism is a no-no in cartooning. One should have his or her own style.
8. Study some editorial cartoons drawn by professionals before trying to create one of your own.
9. Choose long term issues. The issue today may not be an issue next week.
10. If a funny caricature is drawn, do not bare the person/ subject to contempt. Remember, giving false information
may lead you to libel.
11. Cartooning should be kept simple, limited and uncluttered to catch the attention of the reader to read the editorial.
12. Let others criticize your work without explaining the concept. If they get the drawing, youve done a good job!
13. Remember the catchphrase, Think outside the box-- ponder unconventionally and brainstorm for new ideas.
Sources: Advanced Campus Journalism (1
st
ed.) Cecilia-Jose Cruz, http://www.slideshare.net/jareleny/editorial-
cartooning-24848392, www.newscurrents.com/intro/edcartoons/carcon3.html

POLITICAL CARTOON SYMBOLS
Symbols used in editorial cartooning are the best part of it. It activates the minds of the readers to have them
interpret what you are trying to convey. Symbols are also a way to make the drawing funny and captivating. There are
already universal symbols for particular subjects but you can try to come up with your own. Just remember keep it
connected with what it is portraying. Here are some examples of symbols used in editorial cartooning.



Philippine Government - president, Philippine flag
freedom and democracy - flying eagle
warfare - hawk
new generation - fetus, baby
peace - dove, olive branch, peace symbol
time - hourglass, big clock
death - skull and crossbones
danger - cliff, falling objects, skull and crossbones,
dark shades

hope - rainbow
slow pace - snail, turtle
wealth and power - money bags, large and fat people
weak - small, thin people
court - bench
corrupt - crocodile
justice- blind-folded woman
press - typewriter
poverty-salakot
Source: http://artists-spot.blogspot.com/2012/10/cartoon-symbols.html

EXAMPLES





















The blind-folded woman symbolizes justice The turtle symbolizes the slow pace of the Philippine
economy















The dove and the olive branch symbolize
peace offered to MILF
The salakot symbolizes the poor and weak






TOOLS OF CARTOONISTS

Symbols: Symbols are simple pictures that represent the idea that the cartoonist would like to extend to the
readers. These would make the readers explore their imagination to explode. For example, a pencil or pen represents a
journalist. Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer.









The human Earth symbolizes people around the
world and shows how grateful they are to
Nelson Mandela after dismantling the Apartheid System.






Caricatures: Caricatures are drawings of people that overemphasize or exaggerate certain features to make the
cartoon or caricatures humorous. These make the readers continue to read particularly the editorial. Source: Philippine
Daily Inquirer.




We can easily tell that the caricature is former
President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo.
The way she was drawn adds humor to the
editorial cartoon itself.















Stereotypes: Stereotypes often found in editorial cartoons include the lazy, rich congressman; the old fashioned,
bespectacled teacher; the sneaky, fast talking lawyer; the rumpled, disorganized scientist and many others. Source:
Zamoracartoons.





This cartoon shows
that we have a fixed idea that politicians are corrupt.












Analogies: Cartoonists make us recognize from this to that. They often compare a current issue to a well-known
historic event, story, book, movie, superhero, fairy tale or nursery rhyme. Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Senator Francis Escudero, in a Batman
costume, opposes the emergency powers proposed by
the congress.



























ACTIVITY
A. List figures that may be symbols of the following:

1. Ambition 6. Courage
2. Justice 7. Violence
3. Education 8. Terrorism
4. Struggle 9. Drug abuse
5. Failure 10. Illegal logging

B. Analyze the editorial cartoon and answer the following questions. Source: Zamoracartoons










Look at the picture.
What images do you see?
What does the text say?
What looks familiar in the cartoon?

Look at the BIGGER picture.
What present event is shown here?
What is the artist trying to say?










QUIZ
A. Draw an editorial cartoon about the following issues:










PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND MILF









PRICE HIKE OF MERALCO













B. Read the articles below and interpret them by drawing an editorial cartoon for each article.

1.






















2.






















MANILA, Philippines - Rights group Karapatan on Wednesday said the internet libel provision in the
Cybercrime Law will most likely be used by the Aquino administration against its critics and political foes.
"The libel provision in the cybercrime law will most likely be used against those who criticize President
(Benigno) Aquino III's anti-people policies and programs and those who expose corruption and rights
violations," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.
She said that the libel provision online will prevent people's organizations, like Karapatan, from "looking
deeper into the roots of poverty, coming out with the right solutions and plan of action."
"Such lies serve as blinders and prevent the people from pursuing the real path to development," Palabay
added.
Karapatan was among the organizations that filed a petition for a Temporary Restraining Order at the
Supreme Court.
In its petition, the group said that the measure "poses serious threats to the right to privacy, freedom of
speech and expression, among other civil and political rights."
Source: Philippine Star (February 19, 2014)



Officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated 50 container vans of household garbage shipped all
the way from Canada in an inspection at the Manila International Port on Monday, Feb. 10.

Authorities said the shipment was declared as "plastic scraps" to be recycled in the Philippines.

Instead, BOC officials found household garbage including plastic bags, containers, and even adult diapers
items which are not allowed to be shipped from one country to another to prevent the transfer of hazardous
wastes. The shipment was said to be worth US$222,800.15 or more than P10 million.
Nevertheless, the Basel Convention, to which the Philippines is a signatory, prohibits the trafficking of
waste. The Basel Convention is described as "is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the
movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from
developed to less developed countries.
Thus, the BOC said the company that shipped the garbage in will shoulder expenses for the return of these
containers to Canada while the local consignee will be penalized.
Source: www.anc.yahoo.com/news (February 11, 2014)




C. Study the cartoon below and draw your own version of the topic.
1.









Source: The GUIDON: Official publication of the Ateneo de Manila University


















2.









Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer