Performance of Humour in Political Cartoons

Abstract

This chapter problematises the dynamics of political humour. Beginning with the hypothesis that language is inherently violent and diabolic in nature, the study discusses the double-edged nature of language. The chapter opens with a section on language and violence and gradually moves toward the equivocal nature of political humour as seen in cartoons. The chapter further discusses the nature of political humour and how it functions as a safety valve for democracy. Through this discussion the study places the relevance of humour research in political cartoons, which lies between political critique and public entertainment. The section primarily seeks a discussion on cartoon controversies such as the Danish cartoon crisis, the Charlie Hebdo case and the NCERT controversy which prompted the study. The section ends with a discussion on Navasky’s Art of Controversy, which in a way attempts to decode the rhetoric of political cartoons. Analysing the pros and cons of the theoretical analysis of Navasky the study moves towards the model and states how the model is more accommodative and strategic in its functioning.