The news can be stressful. New Yorker cartoonist Barry Blitt wants you to laugh at it

Barry Blitt, a renowned cartoonist for The New Yorker, recently discussed the challenges facing editorial cartoonists in today’s political climate. With the decline in support for editorial cartooning and the departure of high-profile artists, such as Ann Telnaes and Michael de Adder, the future of the art form seems uncertain. However, Blitt believes that laughter is the key to dealing with the heavy political tensions in the U.S.

In his three decades at The New Yorker, Blitt has created over 140 covers for the magazine, showcasing his talent for finding humor in even the most serious of topics. As the publication celebrates its 100th anniversary, Blitt reflects on the changing landscape of editorial cartooning and the importance of satire in today’s society.

When asked about the current relationship between Canada and the U.S., Blitt humorously suggests drawing Trump being attacked by moose and geese. He admits to feeling a sense of anger and uncertainty in the current political climate, but remains dedicated to finding ways to express his views through his illustrations.

Blitt’s approach to creating cartoons is simple: he aims to make himself laugh. By riffing off of current events and coming up with clever metaphors, he is able to capture the essence of a situation in a unique and humorous way. While he describes his graphic style as passive-aggressive, he believes that humor is a powerful tool for addressing serious issues.

One of Blitt’s most controversial covers depicted Barack and Michelle Obama fist bumping, a gesture that was criticized by some as being disrespectful. However, Blitt explains that the cartoon was intended to highlight the absurdity of the racist innuendo surrounding the Obamas during the 2008 presidential campaign. Despite the initial backlash, the cover ultimately sparked a conversation about the role of satire in political commentary.

In today’s divisive political climate, finding humor in serious issues can be a challenge. However, Blitt believes that laughter is a coping mechanism that allows us to shrink the enormity of difficult situations. By poking fun at the absurdity of politics, we can find a way to navigate through the chaos and uncertainty of the world around us.

As an award-winning cartoonist, Blitt continues to push the boundaries of satire and humor in his work. His ability to find levity in even the most contentious topics is a testament to the power of laughter in times of adversity. In a world filled with tension and seriousness, Blitt’s cartoons remind us of the importance of finding joy and humor in the midst of chaos.