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Team member name: Mike Woodfield
Publication: Tribune Content Agency
Date: 9/30/2013
Cartoonist: Walt Handelsman
US/International: US
Title of cartoon: “Government Shutdown Cartoons”
Cartoon #3
What action is taking place in this cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon Walt Handelsman draws Speaker of the House John Boehener (Left) holding his hands over his mouth saying, “I’m ready to talk…” In the center President Obama is plugging his ears saying, “I’m ready to listen…” and on the far right we have Uncle Sam poking his eyes saying, “I’m ready to gouge my eyes out!!!” Symbolism was the persuasive technique that was detected in this cartoon. By using simple actions and short phrases, Handelsman shows unwilling and stubborn politicians. Uncle Sam is a symbol for the US Government and American people. (Forgotten Origins) By using him in this cartoon you can come to the conclusion that Handelsman wants the viewer to feel empathy for him/herself. (Library of Congress, 2012)
Which side is supported by the framing of the cartoon?
It is clear that neither the President Obama nor John Boehener is being supported here. Looking at it you are lead to believe that the American people are the ones supported. You also have to ask the question, what does Uncle Sam represent? Does it represent the government or the American people? Traditionally, Uncle Same represented the American
Government. (Forgotten Origins) You have to ask yourself, “If both parties are represented why would Uncle Sam represent the Government? Does it represent the politicians that are fed up with the shutdown or is it representing the American people whom are sick of stubborn politicians?” It is unclear to us who this cartoon is actually supporting.
What evidence can you give that the cartoon supports one side or the other?
You can tell that this cartoon is only in support of the American people because both Boehener and Obama are saying one thing and doing the complete opposite. The only speaking the “truth” is Uncle Sam. The message written above Uncle Sam’s head is the only one that actually matches the action that is taking place.
What “reality” is framed/constructed about your issue?
The reality constructed here is that both parties are expressing an unwillingness to figuratively kiss and make up. This cartoon leads you to believe that both Obama and Boehener are saying one thing and doing the complete opposite.
Analysis:
At first glance this cartoon is humorous and full of “truth”. From an outsiders point of view the Government is being stubborn and not willing to work together. What wasn’t clear is weather Uncle Sam represented the Government as a whole or if it he represented the American people’s attitude on the government shutdown. Overall it became more confusing the further we looked into it.