Judge Not
Team Member Name: John Cawley
Publication: The Scranton Times-Tribune
Date: 4/10/2015
Cartoonist: John Cole U.S.
Title of cartoon: Judge Not
Cartoon# 3
What action is taking place in the cartoon?
What is the context?
This cartoon depicts an elephant that is dressed
up like a Christian preacher of some sort with a
makeshift halo on its head and a newspaper in its
hand. The events that triggered this cartoon were a
string of religious freedom laws in several southern
states including the state which the artist primarily
writes for, North Carolina (Holbrook). These laws
which allowed for the owners of business to refuse
to do business with people based on their sexual
preference caused economic decline in those states.
The symbols in this cartoon include the elephant
which often represents the Republican Party, The
halo which is a symbol of piety or saintliness, and
the dark suit commonly worn by Christian church
leaders.
What “reality” is constructed/framed about
your issue?
This cartoon represents the Republican Party as being foolishly concerned only with money or “profit”
and that they are willing to change on an issue based
solely on how it impacts their monetary success as
well as based on public opinion and not only by how
their moral and religious beliefs impact them.
Any additional discussion or analysis?
The fact that the cartoon uses religious symbols
such as the halo and suit as framing by metaphor,
as well as wording that is reminiscent of scripture,
evokes an image that undermines the credibility
of religious authorities who take stands on moral
issues. It suggests that these moral authorities are
easily swayed by public opinion or monetary gains
and losses. It suggests that they are willing to preach
whatever is good for business rather than stand for
what they believe.
Tone of the cartoon:
1) positive or negative framing of the issue
2) Framing is supportive of or opposed to supporters
3) Framing is supportive of or opposed to opponents
Bibliography:
Holbrook, T. (2016, March 8). Georgia, N.C. bills are about LGBT discrimination. Period. Retrieved March 28, 2016, from
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/25/opinions/georgia-religious-freedom-law-threatens-lgbt-rights-holbrook/
Cole, J. (2015, April 10). Judge Not [Cartoon]. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://www.caglecartoons.com/viewimage.
asp?ID={9C9EE098-FD52-45E4-9EB6-13968E82F8FD}
Cole, J. (2015, April 10). Judge Not [Cartoon]. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://www.caglecartoons.com/viewimage.
asp?ID={9C9EE098-FD52-45E4-9EB6-13968E82F8FD}
9
10