Stereotyping has, unfortunately, always been a part of American humor. Cartoonists use stereotypes to communicate complicated ideas quickly and effectively. Stereotypes may represent ideas, nations, or groups of people. In addition to racial and ethnic characteristics, indicators of economic status, such as clothing, may be used in cartoon stereotypes. Without easily interpreted stereotypes, cartoons would require paragraphs of text and much more detailed drawings to transmit information. If the reader does not understand aspects of the characters or dialogue included, then they will not understand the underlying joke and the comic is pointless. With stereotypes and symbols, the reader can with one quick glance understand what is going on and what is implied. Without certain stereotypes and well known symbols, it would take the reader too long to think the cartoon over and try to figure out the meaning. Or, they may not be able to figure it out at all. At one time or another every race, gender, nation, etc... has been the object of stereotyping. Some say that these cartoons are not meant to display prejudice or racist attitudes, but to get it's message across quickly and easily.
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