Stereotypes arise in children's lives from both direct experiences and media. Television and movies now serve as an important way for children to learn about and form, change, or reinforce stereotypes. Researchers have found that exposing children to counterstereotypes in media at a young age can help reduce stereotypical thinking as they get older. Stereotypes are preconceived ideas that attribute certain characteristics to all members of a group. Cartoons and other media often rely on stereotypes, which can influence viewers' perceptions of different groups.

3. S te re otyp e s aris e in ch ild re n's live s
from th e ir d ire ct e xp e rie nce and
als o from th e m e d ia. Tod ay,
te le vis ion and m ovie s s e rve as
an im p ortant s ocializing fu nction
s u p p lying m any ch ild re n with
im age s th at can form , ch ange ,
and re inforce s te re otyp e s .
R e s e arch e rs h ave fou nd th at b y

4. stereotype is a p re conce ive d id e a th at
attrib u te s ce rtain ch aracte ris tics (in
ge ne ral) to all th e m e m b e rs of clas s
or s e t. Th e te rm is ofte n u s e d with a
ne gative connotation wh e n re fe rring
to an ove rs im p lifie d , e xagge rate d , or
d e m e aning as s u m p tion th at a
p articu lar ind ivid u al p os s e s s e s th e
ch aracte ris tics as s ociate d with th e
clas s d u e to h is or h e r m e m b e rs h ip in

5.  Use this guide to identify the persuasive techniques used in cartoons.
Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger
Symbolism
concepts or ideas.
Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical
Exaggeration
characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.
Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly
Labeling
what they stand for.
An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share
some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or
Analogy
situation with a more familiar one, cartoonists can help their
readers see it in a different light.
Irony is the difference between the ways things are and the way
things should be, or the way things are expected to be.
Irony
Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an
issue.

6. After the students have completed the questionnaire, discuss
their findings.

7.  What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon? How do you know?
 Are there any real people or places in the cartoon? If not, what images are
portrayed?
 Identify the specific artistic techniques used in the cartoon (e.g., symbolism,
analogy,exaggeration, labeling, and irony). What is the artist trying to show the
reader by using these techniques?
 Are there aspects of the cartoon (e.g., clothing styles, animals, or activities)
that serve as symbols (metaphors) that represent the cartoonist’s point of
view?
 What action is taking place in the cartoon?

8.  Do you believe the cartoonist intends to produce a particular emotional
response?
 Do you believe this cartoon is successful in producing the effect the artist
intended? Explain why or why not.
 How were the different groups (e.g., race, sex) portrayed?
 Do you think someone's opinions about other groups of people might be
influenced at all by the comic books read? How about you? Might yours?

9.  what do you think is the ‘message’ of
this cartoon?
 Who is the ‘target’?
 Do you recognize the character?
 Look at the expressions, are they
happy?
 Does this image send a good or bad
impression? Why?