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Questions

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who is a socialist, promises if elected, he will make all city buses free, give free child care for every family for children under five, open city-run non-profit grocery stores to make food more affordable, and freeze the rent for rent-stabilized tenants. Supporters have been seen with “Free rent” signs.

Mamdani said he will fund all the free things he promises by raising taxes on millionaires and corporations in New York City, framing it as a wealth redistribution effort to increase affordability and public services for all residents. Supporters also hold signs with “Tax the rich” slogans.

Editorial cartoonists often use humor to make light of serious situations. Which comic device does the cartoonist use to take a lighthearted approach to the real possibility of NYC voters electing a socialist mayor in the free market capital of the world?

a) parody
b) pun
c) caricature

Mamdani has also expressed support for defunding the police, which he has since walked back – most likely to appeal to more voters. It is not known what he will do if he is elected mayor.

He has stated he will create a new Department of Community Safety consisting of social workers, counselors, and mental health outreach workers who would respond to non-violent calls from the public — especially those involving mental health crises — rather than sending NYPD officers. He will leave it up to the 911 operator to determine whether to have police or social workers respond to a 911 call for help.


Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.

Cartoon by Chip Bok

Answers

ANSWER:
c) caricature, which is a picture, description, or imitation of a person that exaggerates or distorts a character’s prominent features in order to create a comic effect

Mamdani has a big smile on his face almost constantly. The cartoonist exaggerates Mamdani’s huge smile by giving him big teeth.

THE CARTOONIST DID NOT USE:

b) pun, which is a “play on words” – a type of humor using a word or phrase that has two meanings

a) parody, which is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing; a work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule