The image to the right is the latest "South Park" spin on Shepard Fairey’s ubiquitous "Change" poster, and it’s a timely example to illustrate the way in which contemporary cartoons are used to comment on society.
The political cartoon is nothing new, but televised cartoon sitcoms like "The Simpsons," "South Park" and "Family Guy" are known for their subversive takes on pop culture, society and politics. Watching these shows has empowered a nation of young adults to question authority and societal norms, which is a good thing. It also means that cultural icons and politicians like President Obama have been unwitting subjects of irony, sarcasm and satire.
Check out the "South Park" episode featuring the amended Obama poster here, and check out other cartooned social commentary below.
20 Pieces of Cartooned Social Commentary
19
‘The Simpsons' Street Art
Rebellious Cartooned Graffiti That Would Make Bart Proud
18
Viral Celeb Weight Wars
Is New York Post Cartoon With Super-Obese Jessica Simpson Cruel or Comedy?
17
Real-Life Cartoon Violence
'Splatter' Sparks Controversy in London
16
Shocking Kids' Shows
Cute Hitler and Swastika-Inspired Cartoons
15
Political Cartoon Ethics
Drawing Obama Without Offending Or Being Boring Proves Tough
14
Clever Movie Poster Spoofs
If Cartoons Were Films
13
Political Comedy Holiday Specials
Stephen Colbert's ‘A Colbert Christmas'
12
Iconic Cartoon Changes
‘The Simpsons' Gets HD and All-New Opening Sequence
11
Viral Folk Comedy Duos
“Flight of the Conchords” Returns for a Second Hilarious Season
10
Racist Cartoons
NY Post Obama ‘Chimp Attack' Crosses The Line
9
Fundraising Cartoon Specials
Simpsons Stand Up to Cancer
8
Google TV Ads
Family Guy Roll-Over Ads
7
Cartooned Gadget-Bashing
'The Simpsons' Mocks Apple
6
Ad-Supported Comedy Shorts
Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy
5
Experimental Comedy Revivals
Tim and Eric on Adult Swim
4
Batmobama and Robiden
Partisan Political Cartoon Prints
3
Anime Government Messages
Japenese Cartoon on Global Food Supply
2
Cartoon Sitcom Spinoffs
Seth MacFarlane Releases 'The Cleveland Show'
1
Prime-Time Political Cartoons
Homer Simpson Tries To Vote for Obama
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