Insider Spotlight: Cathy Collins

Welcome to the Insider Spotlight section, where we feature real questions from our team and answers from educators who are making a difference teaching news literacy. This month, our featured educator is Cathy Collins from Boston, Massachusetts, where she is a library media specialist. 

Q: What makes editorial cartoons a valuable subject for students to study?

A: Editorial cartoons convey complex ideas concisely, making them accessible for students to interpret and analyze. Students today are very familiar with GIFs and memes, and so editorial cartoons have a familiarity to them in today’s digital world. The visual elements require students to engage with both visual and textual information. The humorous, satirical nature of editorial cartoons tends to especially speak to teens and encourages them to look beyond the literal to find the deeper meaning. By exposing students to a range of cartoons expressing differing views on a wide range of issues, we encourage them to consider multiple perspectives and help them develop empathy.

Q: How can analyzing political cartoons deepen students’ understanding of media representation and bias?

A: Analyzing political cartoons helps students begin to question dominant narratives in news, social media and other information sources. Visual cues and symbols can contain fair representation or bias and, with practice, students learn how to interpret these cues and symbols for themselves.

Q: What insights can students gain about the power of visual storytelling in shaping opinions?

A: Through analysis of editorial cartoons, students learn that visual storytelling reflects cultural values, providing insights into the power of art and the ways in which imagery shapes public opinion. Students learn that part of the power of visual storytelling is that it hits us on an emotional level and impacts us on a personal level, influencing our perceptions and beliefs. Visual messages tend to stick in our heads.

Q: In what ways might understanding the watchdog role of media inspire students to question authority or advocate for change?

A: Political cartoons hold authority figures accountable by critiquing their actions and decisions. Studying them, students are reminded that questioning authority and not being what I refer to as a “sheeple” is important. Cartoons that highlight social issues, injustice or political corruption may inspire more students to engage in activism and to strive to make a difference in their home communities and the wider world. By demonstrating the media’s role in monitoring government actions, cartoons can motivate students to participate in civic processes and to find their voices in our democracy. We all stand to benefit!