Will Political Cartoons Ever Go Out of Style?

In todays climate of cancel culture, hell yes. People have lost their sense of humor, especially the youth of today. However, one thing remains constant, and that is the enduring popularity of political cartoons.

Why Political Cartoons Will Always Have a Place

Exactly what do you think is possible to go out of style? Nowadays, political cartoons are a significant part of our cultural landscape, whether through words or illustrations, always reflecting the political climate of their time. They have been around in one form or another for centuries and continue to evolve with the times.

Historical Context

One of the oldest political cartoons originates from Ben Franklin's newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, dated May 9, 1754. This cartoon illustrates the disunited state of the British Colonies. Another example is the Alexamenos graffito, which dates back to approximately 100–300 AD. This ancient piece of art, found in Rome, mocks Christianity by portraying Jesus with the head of an ass.

The Alexamenos graffito tells us more about the clash of cultures rather than merely a clash of religious beliefs. The use of Greek over Latin in the text suggests this was a response to the religious and cultural assimilation of Rome.

Adaptability and Relevance of Political Cartoons

Modern political cartoons have evolved to include satirical depictions of contemporary figures, perhaps the most notable being Donald Trump. Cartoons will continue to mock Trump because he is a prominent and easily ridiculed figure. However, such art has a much longer history than the last decade or so.

Perhaps political cartoons could eventually go out of style, but it would likely indicate a significant change in society's attitude towards press freedom. Satire and political commentary have always played a crucial role throughout history, and the likelihood of this changing soon is slim.

Conclusion

No, never. Political cartoons are a form of free speech and expression that will continue to find audiences who appreciate their commentary, humor, and commentary on the political landscape. As long as there are politics, there will be political cartoons—they will evolve, but they will endure.