Charge is a humorous illustration that involves the caricature of one or more characters, made with the aim of satirize some current event.
The term charge comes from the French "charger" which means "load". The first cartoon published in Brazil was in 1837 and had the title "The Bell and the Whose". It was created by Manuel José de Araújo Porto-Alegre, who among his roles in politics and teaching, was also a painter and caricaturist.
The Bell and the Whose, considered the first cartoon made in Brazil.
Cartoons are widely used to make criticisms of a political nature. They are usually published in newspapers or magazines and are able to reach a wide audience. To interpret the meaning of a cartoon, it is necessary to be aware of the national and international political events.
Between 2005 and 2006, the publication of 12 cartoons about the prophet Mohammed, in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, caused much controversy and revolt in the Muslim community. The cartoons were designated by "the faces of Mohammed" and some showed a caricature of the prophet with a bomb in his turban.
Characteristics of a cartoon
- It depicts contemporary events;
- Disclaimer of exaggeration;
- It has a comic, satirical and ironic character;
- Considered a journalistic genre;
- It may represent an editorial position;
- Considered an ephemeral narrative, as it portrays news and factual matters;
- Its main theme is social and political issues, whether nationally or internationally.