This cartoon is a great representation of what many people are seeing in the United States lately. More than likely the cartoon was addressing the readers of whatever newspaper the cartoon was featured in and it would have appeared in a political cartoon section, or accompanying an article involving debt and possibly poverty. Some of the things that could have pushed the author to depict this could have been from the news the author has observed recently through current events.
One of the primary things that this political cartoon draws from is the historic image of the United States as “Uncle Sam”. This was once an image promoting the United States army and was a symbol of strength and power. However in this depiction of him, he is nowhere near in as good of condition. Although Uncle Sam is an old reference, it is still used today for many politically motivated things such as this cartoon. Since it is used throughout our culture currently the representation is drawing from the past, but people in the present can relate as well.
If one was to look into the credibility of the author of this cartoon, Dave Granlund, they would find a long list of credits towards his merit throughout the 39 years he has been making cartoons. He has also won a long list of awards for his comics and has been entered into the pulitzer prize multiple times. The main way his credibility can be noted is through the list of accomplishments he has listed on his website's biography. Although the only real authority to write on these subjects is a college degree and personal experience, he does seem to appeal to more high brow audience. The only real bias he shows is in his opinion of the Patriots football team.
It is very easy to recognize the emotional connection that is made in this political cartoon because it is the focus point of it. The entire family with their children and dog are all begging for money, or asking for help while “Uncle Sam” or the United States responds with “I was going to ask you the same…” This forces the audience to interpret the fact that the rhetor does not believe the U.S. is in good financial standings at all. One of the main presuppositions might be that the U.S. is struggling as much as it is depicted. Another presupposition the rhetor makes is the image he uses of the family in need. This most likely is not what all the families in need look like, and it may not be so easy to determine who is, and who is not struggling. The rhetor actually highlights the audience's concerns, or gives them something to be concerned about. For many, seeing a visual interpretation of what the rhetor sees in the U.S. is a powerful enough image in itself. Since it is a cartoon there can be no real source of information. However, the newspaper that it was featured in could have some impact, and who the author of the comic was could pertain value as well.
The message in this cartoon is fairly direct. It is strongly suggesting that the citizens of the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet, and are asking for ‘help’. The country itself is showing how poor of a state it is in by turning out empty pockets and offering no help. The purpose of the rhetor’s message in this piece would most likely be to show the audience how he feels about poverty in the United States and controversy over the debt the country is in. The cartoon is serving as a reminder of how bad the financial status of the United States is right now as a whole, not just individuals below the poverty line.
The evidence shown in this cartoon is displayed through the clothes that the family is wearing, and the sign they are holding that is begging for help. Some of the counterarguments to this stance could be people who do not see the U.S. in a bad position currently. Although our debt is becoming enormously high, the country is still functioning and is not at all showing signs of weakness.
Finally it is important to remember what the primary message this cartoon sends is. That while there are a large portion of people in this country living below the poverty line, the country itself is also still struggling in many ways, and if it is not addressed it may go on unnoticed.
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