AP Essay

Submitted By amerikaalexus97
Words: 440
Pages: 2

Amerika Gillett
Per. 3 –AP English
4/1/14
2010 AP* English Language and Composition Free-Response Questions
Question 3
A political cartoon is formed by allusion and caricature. They are the primary source that often intriguing and entertaining insights into the public mood, the under lying cultural assumptions of age and attitude towards current events. The content of political cartoons usually includes stereotypical highlights a particular viewpoint or idea using illustrations. The image can be humorous as well as informative, they can also be strategically and even serious. Cartoonists often use humor as a way to express their viewpoints in political cartoons.
Society allows humorists to say things that other people cannot or will not say. For example, in one cartoon, which was brought to attention, had an image of President Barack Obama holding an image of him that said “hope” and a quote that said, “Maybe I’ll try again”. This image had a negative meaning behind it. The cartoonist was implying that President Obama has done nothing over his last term and he recognizes it. The cartoonist used that specific image to express his opinion on the decision of the President. “ To convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” Societal contracts allow for political messages in ones humor if one wishes, but there is no imperative for a humorist does not wish to do so. In this day and age, arguing with society, people tent to laugh the most at was off limits for serious discussion. Being a humorist is also being a critic; many of the jokes are aimed at everyday life or group of people.