Political cartoons have always been a powerful weapon against corruption and hypocrisy, but they are vanishing at an alarming rate. From Thomas Nast exposing political corruption to Herblock calling out McCarthyism, these illustrations have shaped public opinion and held power to account. Yet, today, they are being pushed out, dismissed as relics of the past, and that should concern anyone who values free speech and artistic resistance.
Independent journalism, a crucial safeguard against unchecked power, is under attack, and political cartooning has become one of its many casualties. As newsrooms shrink and publications become increasingly susceptible to bias and pandering, those who once relied on press freedom to challenge authority are finding fewer places to publish their work. Political cartoonists, in particular, are being edged out, their once-vital role in shaping discourse now seen as too risky or too controversial for an increasingly cautious industry driven by corporate interests.
The firing of Rob Rogers from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for his critical cartoons about Donald Trump and the termination of Michael de Adder from Brunswick News after his scathing illustration of Trump and migrant children both serve as clear examples of how cartoonists are being silenced for challenging powerful figures.
Even worse, political and corporate censorship is choking the life out of cartooning. Newspapers and media outlets increasingly fear backlash from advertisers, governments, and an easily outraged public. Many would rather avoid controversy altogether than risk the wrath of an influential corporation or political figure. Cartoonists who dare to challenge the wrong target – whether a head of state, a multinational company, or a sacred ideological position – find themselves out of work, their voices systematically erased. This isn’t just unfortunate; it’s dangerous. When press outlets self-censor to avoid backlash, they become complicit in silencing dissent, allowing power to operate unchecked.
The rise of digital media and social platforms has also contributed to this decline, though less as an active suppressor and more as an unintentional competitor. Political cartoons, which thrive on careful nuance and layered critique, struggle to find footing in an ecosystem driven by bite-sized, fast-paced content. Instead, memes and quick-hit satire dominate, favoring instant gratification over thoughtful analysis. While these formats have their place, they cannot replace the depth and artistry of a well-crafted political cartoon.
This erosion of political cartooning is more than just the loss of an art form – it is a threat to democracy itself. These illustrations transcend language and educational barriers and social divisions, offering a form of critique that is both accessible and immediate. Their disappearance signals the erosion of a crucial space for dissent, reflection, and resistance. Without them, press freedom weakens, critical thinking declines and those in power face fewer challenges due to eroding class solidarity.
This isn’t just something we should mourn – it’s something we should fight against. Supporting independent cartoonists, demanding courage from publications and valuing sharp, thought-provoking satire over disposable internet humor are all ways to push back. If we allow political cartoons to disappear, we are not just losing a form of journalism. We are surrendering one of our most potent tools for holding power to account, and that is a loss we cannot afford.
