The relationship between cartoonist and stereotyping is inseparable. In the realm of cartoonist’s, the term stereotyping was first used to depict the instance where the printing method of the time would consist of using a metal plate were formed from the movable parts in which plates would be used to alternate the different types of movements that the cartoons take in their creation. The history of stereotyping dates way back in European realm of humor. In most of the cases stereotypes have been used to represent ideas that are reflective of the human experiences. Moreover, some of the subjects that are stereotyping in cartoons depicts are very critical within the context that they are used (Davis, 2011). For this reason, cartoonist’s find it a better way to shed light on very patient issues using the stereotyping. Similarly, over the years it has proven to be an amicable way of handling critical problems that would have been sensitive if talked about in a manner that is not amicable. Another particular reason that cartoonist find stereotyping as a means of helping out to address the critical issue is that stereotyping is already a reflection of the subject under discussion to be criticized without much causing any sensitive harm to the people or the concept under consideration (Glendinning,2007). There is a wide range of ideas that stereotyping do cover when used by cartoonists. In Europe’s history, the notion of stereotype was majorly used to address issues of racism, the slave trade, economic depressions and so many other social ills that are and have been problematic to Europe.
To begin with, in 1789, William Dent produced the cartoon that majorly contributed to the then ongoing debate on whether to abolish the slave trade or come up with proper regulation strategies. The animation was majorly influential in the discussion against eliminating the slave trade. The cartoonist would depict the stance they have relating to a matter that is under consideration (Hari, 2005). In drawing the image of the black cartoonist represents the idea that abolishing slave trade would not be something that even the blacks themselves would allow. Moreover, it strikes the audience with a vast dramatic irony seeing the black master punishing the white individuals who are advocating for the abolition of the slave trade.
Another typical instance where stereotype brought in n a considerable controversy was in the movie 12 years a slave. About main one of the leading acts in the film, Lupita Nyong’o, whose image was the representation of the African American and the black concept of beauty, the image of Lupita was alternated as a part of the stereotype. In the cover of the Grazia UK magazine, Lupita Nyong’o hairstyle was modified to represent those of the Eurocentric ideology and concept of beauty (Julie, 2018). The stereotype in the magazine had a propensity of depicting a very different notion of beauty as reflected initially from Lupita.
In the series Little Britain, the fictional character Vicky Pollard is used to depict some of the misconceptions of the collective identity struggles. The stereotyping is meant to give more of a paradigm shift in the way the life of the middle-class lives. The essential thing that adds to the stereotype is the manner in which she is dressed. Her props are a typical representation of the type of confusion the middle class has to put with. In the series the character, the Vicky Pollard moreover is used to show defiance of the standards that are set by the middle class (Jones, 2012). Her character development is clear indication of the fact that she is a representation of the violation of the norms that are set by the middle class. In the series, she has a lot of kids that is against what most of the European middle-class citizenry advocate. She has a total of 12 children form the very different fathers from the very mixed races something that goes against the grains with the set cultures and norms that are set by the various members of the middle class in Europe culture (Judah, 1999).
In every social setting where there are numerous groups of people, there are alan ways the marginalized that are representing the minority groups. Over the years the disabled groups have been described by cartoonists to fight against some of the descriptions and stigmatization on people with disabilities (Richard, 1999). It is a significant initiative to have that kind of a channel to help such people with disability gain some identity and the feeling of inclusivity in the society. One of such cartoons is the cartoons of Trevelyan 1876. The cartoonist depicts the ranking system for the mental deficiencies which is very vital in understanding the problems that stem from psychological deficiency problems.
Feminists support the idea of representing women overcoming the challenges of oppressive communities. Within the realms of cartoonists, such representations have been used to try and advocate for the hidden place of women in societies that are majorly dominated by men (Tyler, 2008). Women have been reeling under such oppressive systems that have equally classified them under the same categories as those men with mental problems. In the paintings of Convicts and Lunatics of 1908, the image representing a woman who has an academic gown locked up with men. The man standing behind the woman is a typical representation of the oppressive systems have continued to face even after acquiring an education (Emily, 1908). However, one outstanding thing about the cartoons in the drawing is that the woman in the drawing has a key to the prison that she opens as the men behind her watch. It is a vivid indication that women in the picture are on the verge of emancipating themselves from oppressive systems (Graphic Novels, 2001 p 280). The woman is also depicted as eugenically superior whereas the men in the film are represented as the degenerated types. This kind of portrayal puts the woman on the pedestal to overcome the stereotypes that have for so many years captured woman as inferior members of the European Communities.
In conclusion, stereotyping and cartoons are inseparable in the manner in which they play an integral role in communicating concepts and realities. Moreover, the ideas that highlighted in the cartoonist are to portray the different views of the proponents have on the subject matters. Though some of the stereotypes are entirely controversial, they offer a platform that can be used without adverse implications of the notions that they convey. Similarly, concepts of monstrosity and villainy are majorly used by cartoonist that is informed by stereotyping.
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