Unequal Laughter: Cartoons and Gender Stereotyping in Modern Kerala

Abstract

The present study analyses different gender images in the cartoons and comic strips that appeared in magazines and newspapers of 20^th century Kerala. The study explores the nature and depth of stereotypical and archetypical representations of women and men involved in cartoons. Stereotyping tends to occur where there are gross inequalities of power (Hall 258). Here power is directed against the subordinate group, women. Women are the main subject matter of laughter in cartoons, and women-specific humour/cartoons are overloaded with stereotypes. Women’s craze for new dresses and ornaments, passion for fashion, imitations for western ideas and styles, images of women active in the club, women’s pompousness, etc., are some aspects of stereotyping. Women and their character traits appear as a laughing matter in cartoons and comic strips. However, man is laughed at for being a ‘henpecked’ husband who fears his wife. Here too, a woman is the reason behind laughing at men. In most of the cartoons, women are seen as a product and taste factor for laughter. Such stereotypes are still continuing to play a powerful role in the popular perception of gender.