The Politics of Ink: Visual Appeals in Editorial Cartoons

The Politics of Ink:  Visual Appeals in Editorial Cartoons

Since the advent of editorial cartoons in the 1700’s, the ability to explain complex subjects in a single box has made them an effective forum for influencing public opinion. The recent Syrian refugee problem has provided cartoonist with a wealth of material. Drew Sheneman’s editorial cartoon uses symbolic imagery and rhetorical exaggeration in an attempt to draw public attention to the absurdity of lengthy refugee vetting timeframes.

Symbolic imagery is used within the cartoon in order to set up the argument. The “Uncle Sam” character represents the Obama Administration. It is separate from the metaphorical “life-raft” labeled “USA.” The refugees are all facing the raft (potential asylum) for safety from an impending doom that the ocean represents. The people in the water are labeled “Syrian Refugees” to avoid any ambiguity and to inform the audience that this commentary is specific to the current crisis.

The cartoon attempts to influence public opinion by drawing attention to the absurdity of the lengthy vetting process for refugees facing immediate threat of harm. The key to understanding the cartoon’s appeal is in the caption found along the bottom. It reads, “We need to run background checks to make sure you’re not terrorists. Can you tread water for 18 to 24 months?” The question is obviously rhetorical. No one can tread water for that time. The average person could not do so for more than a day. The use of exaggeration and the absurdity contained within the question represents a common literary device used by Sheneman to appeal for a more reasonable vetting timeframe.

Hindsight is extremely useful when analyzing the effectiveness of an editorial cartoon. While it cannot be ascertained to what extent, there can be no doubt that Sheneman’s piece contributed by shaping public opinion as to the absurdity of lengthy vetting processes. Earlier this year, the current administration opened a new resettlement center for Syrian refugees in Jordan and reduced the processing time to just 3 months (“PRES. OBAMA). The symbolic imagery, use of exaggeration, and rhetorical arguments contained within the caption contained within this example demonstrates an effectual construction of a visual argument.

Works Cited

"PRES. OBAMA REDUCES SYRIAN REFUGEE SCREENING PROCESS TO 3 MONTHS."     Numbers USA - For Lower Immigration Levels, 7 Apr. 2016. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.   <https://www.numbersusa.com/news/pres-obama-reduces-syrian-refugee-screening-            process-3-months>.

Sheneman, Drew. "Editorial Cartoons on the Refugee Crisis." 14 Sept. 2015. USNews. 28 Sept.    2015. http://www.usnews.com/opinion/cartoons/2015/09/14/editorial-cartoons-on-the-      refugee-crisis