By M. Sakran
First, are cartoons like articles, short stories, essays,
and poems? Are they the same as
expressing something with words, even if they have no or only a few words? I think the answer is yes. Cartoons are a lot like poetry. They express an idea in a subtle way, even if
the main point comes across directly.
They make a person think.
Different people can gain something different from the same cartoon. They take an idea and express it using
imagery. A cartoon can get a person to
feel something the same way a poem can.
Second, should writers “write” cartoons? If cartoons are in some way like writing,
should this be another outlet? I also
think the answer is yes. Cartoons are
another way for a writer to express an idea and they can have advantages over
other types of writing in expressing ideas.
First, although often subtle, cartoons can be very direct. A simple picture gives the same idea as a
long article. Second, sometimes a writer
may have an idea but may not be able to turn it into an article or a poem. A cartoon can be a different way to express
the idea.
Cartoons also provide another
way for a writer to have something published.
Cartoons can be something in addition to the articles, stories, and
poems a writer writes. Lastly, cartoons provide
an opportunity for a writer to express art visually. Cartoons obviously take artistic skill, but
it is a different skill than painting or sculpting. A writer may be interested in painting or
sculpting, but may not have the right level of ability. A cartoon can be a way for a writer to get
involved in art.
I think that cartoons are writing and that writers should
write cartoons. Cartoons can express
ideas like poetry, provide another way for writers to be published, and provide
a way for a writer to get involved in art.
Go write a cartoon.
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M. Sakran has published short stories and essays.
