The Ground Hog
Comes Out
Team Member Name: Mallory Sandberg
Publication: Date: January 28, 2016
Cartoonist: Paul Berg U.S.
Title of cartoon: Display
Cartoon #: 12
What action is taking place in the cartoon?
What is the context?:
What “reality” is constructed/framed about
your issue?
The subtext of the cartoon is the play on words of
“coming out”, used as a metaphor here. Having the
ground hog come out of its hole, while dressed and
speaking in a way stereotypically associated with
someone who is gender queer, is used as a symbol.
A Ground Hog wearing a rainbowed tank top, pink
hat, and earrings is being held by an official. The
ground hogs name, Phil, is labeled along his opened
home. Both are on a stage in front of a crowd. Phil
the ground hog is snapping his hand and has a
thought bubble saying “I’m here, I’m queer, and
girlfriend, its winter. Get used to it.” The title along
the bottom reads “The ground hog comes out and
sees his shadow.”
The context of the cartoon is ground hog day. Where
every year on February 2 a ground hog by the name
of Phil comes out of its hole, and if its shadow is
seen, there will be six additional weeks of winter,
while no shadow means an early spring. (History.
com)
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:
Berg, P. (2016, January 28). Display [Cartoon]. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from
http://editorialcartoonists.com/cartoon/display.cfm/148090/
History.com Staff. “First Groundhog Day.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
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