Project #1: Aaron McGruder (Character Development)
Discussion Questions:
Play Malvina Reynolds’s song “Little Boxes” in rap version and discuss Suburban life.
Compare inner-city life with Suburban life and stereotypes associated with both living circumstances.
Allow students to view the cartoon “The Boondocks” by Aaron McGruder and read Q & A with Aaron McGruder as he briefly discusses the characters he developed for the strip and television show.
Discuss characters characteristics by asking:
Have students choose their favorite character to write a short description of that character using concepts from previous discussions.
Have students share their descriptions with the class.
Show students George Cruikshank’s “ A Free Born” and talk about what social, political and economic critics is this comic.
Q & A: http://animatedtv.about.com/od/theboondocks/a/amcgqanda.htm
Official Boondocks Site: http://www.boondockstv.com/
Activity:
Students will begin to create a cartoon character based on their identity, culture and life experiences. They must address their opinion of social, political or economic circumstances. This character will be developed through a series of drawing lessons on the knowledge of basic shapes and the ability to visualize turning those shapes into body parts, hair, and clothing. Students must bring in family pictures, clothing, and heirlooms as proof of their research.
Materials:Sketchbook, graphite, variety of erasers, colored pencils or markers, sharpie markers (fine and extra fine point) Optional materials: Adobe Illustrator, color printer, printer paper
Assessment: To what extent did the students incorporate their opinions and life experiences into their character?
Discussion Questions:
- How do artists portray their cultures and identities through artwork?
- How are the cartoons the Boondocks and Peanuts (Charlie Brown) interrelated?
- Why is the show called The Boondocks?
Play Malvina Reynolds’s song “Little Boxes” in rap version and discuss Suburban life.
Compare inner-city life with Suburban life and stereotypes associated with both living circumstances.
- Who lives in the suburbs?
- Is there anything wrong with that life?
- What is Malvina Reynolds opinion of suburbia?
Allow students to view the cartoon “The Boondocks” by Aaron McGruder and read Q & A with Aaron McGruder as he briefly discusses the characters he developed for the strip and television show.
Discuss characters characteristics by asking:
- Are these characters descriptions of real people or are they stereotypes?
- What makes them real?
- What social, political and economic issues is “The Boondocks” addressing?
- What is Aaron’s opinion of suburbia and what makes you think that? Do you agree?
Have students choose their favorite character to write a short description of that character using concepts from previous discussions.
Have students share their descriptions with the class.
Show students George Cruikshank’s “ A Free Born” and talk about what social, political and economic critics is this comic.
- What concerns are still the same today?
Q & A: http://animatedtv.about.com/od/theboondocks/a/amcgqanda.htm
Official Boondocks Site: http://www.boondockstv.com/
Activity:
Students will begin to create a cartoon character based on their identity, culture and life experiences. They must address their opinion of social, political or economic circumstances. This character will be developed through a series of drawing lessons on the knowledge of basic shapes and the ability to visualize turning those shapes into body parts, hair, and clothing. Students must bring in family pictures, clothing, and heirlooms as proof of their research.
Materials:Sketchbook, graphite, variety of erasers, colored pencils or markers, sharpie markers (fine and extra fine point) Optional materials: Adobe Illustrator, color printer, printer paper
Assessment: To what extent did the students incorporate their opinions and life experiences into their character?
