Sunday, September 23, 2012

Gas Prices Political Cartoon

Link to Cartoon


            This political cartoon refers to two heated topics in politics right now: Iran’s nuclear development program and the rising price of gas.  The top portion depicts and Israeli fighter jet that is assumed to be heading towards Iran to attack them, while on the bottom there is a regular citizen complaining about how the gas prices are rising due to tension in the Middle East.  This cartoon is drawn for U.S. News by an author in San Diego.  This means that there is American bias in the cartoon and that it is from an American perspective.  Currently, Iran is developing nuclear energy that is very controversial because many nations and leaders believe that their intention is to develop nuclear weapons.  These would most likely be used against Israel, which is why they are very concerned and are depicted through the fighter jet.  However, Americans are interested in the situation not only because of Israel, but also because all of the controversy drives the gas prices up because the majority of oil is exported out of the Middle East. 
            The author likely drew this cartoon because they wanted to further explain, with an American point of view, the conflict with Iran.  He created it for Americans and with an American eye because he didn’t focus on the potential consequences for Israel but rather shows the effect on gas prices and how Americans will struggle to keep up.  In order to do this, the author based his cartoon in a cause and effect format, showing how the war would kill Americans’ wallets.  Also, the word choice in the Israeli speech bubble includes the phrase “pay a steep price,” which is easily converted in to a monetary context.  The author did a good job portraying his purpose because the reader was able to take away the implications of the tension in Iran and the reader understands how America would be hit.

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