Political Cartoon Representations of Freedom of Information in Canada
Kevin Walby, Sanjam Panag · Canadian Journal of Communication · 2022
Background: This article examines political cartoon depictions of access to information and freedom of information appearing in Canadian newspapers published between 2005 and 2019. Analysis: It focuses on three dimensions of these cartoons. First, many of these cartoons mirror the categories of political cartoons devised by Ray Morris. Second, several spatial metaphors regarding blockages, walls, and locked doors are used to represent government information control. Third, many of the cartoons suggest secrecy is germane to government across Canada and that transparency and secrecy are imbricated. Conclusion and implications: The implication of the findings for literatures on freedom of information, transparency, and political cartoons is assessed.