Do political cartoonists really justify their effort?

Answer 1

The best political cartoonists cause the people to think, whether they agree with the point of the cartoon or not. They do so more effectively than the editorials or indepth analyses, what have you, because they're concise and easily accessible.

Answer 2

Your question, possibly unintentionally, means that you want to know if the cartoonists have given an adequate explanation for why they spend time drawing political cartoons. They don't have to give an explanation- their cartoons should be that explanation.
I think that what you mean is 'Are political cartoons useful?'

Political cartoonists sometimes, but not always, get paid by newspapers or magazines or book publishers. They get some fame. They get the satisfaction of seeing their work in print. They are part of a long and arguably noble tradition in satirism. In the 1980s, the popular Spitting Image programme was basically a moving political cartoon- a political pantomime that actually humanised its characters (the creators have mulled over whether the show actually increased Margaret Thatcher's popularity by making her seem all-powerful). Not all political cartoons are humourous. There have been some very moving ones on the horrors of war or ones about key historical events. Cartoons are regarded as works of art in their own right. Sadly, for all their thought provoking and sharp wit, they probably haven't influenced much sway of political power.

Answer 3

It's a tradition.

My favorite is Ben Franklin's snake cut into parts to signify the several colonies before the American Revolution.

Answer 4

I believe they do!