A cartoon is usually a satirical drawing on an issue of the day. Works of this genre are classified according to the following criteria:
- by color (monochrome or color); by the degree of critical impact (offensive or friendly);
- by theme (political, social, domestic, scientific, religious, advertising);
- by technique (graphics, painting, collage, poster, installation);
- by application (for the print media, as book illustrations, in calendars, booklets).
Caricature plays an enormous role in shaping public opinion and people’s worldview. That is why it is widely used in state propaganda and political struggle. In the hands of scoundrels cartoon images often become an effective means to stir up religious and racial intolerance, nationalistic and other negative sentiments in society.