Craig Mckenzie
Analysis of a cartoon
AFST.
This image showcases many issues. The most obvious is
America’s dedication to imperialism in the late 19th century, while
ignoring several domestic issues, including racism. Instead of dedicating
resources to deal with domestic problems, the curtain hides the problems and
turns focus to the more abstract challenges on a poster: the capturing of the
Philippines. The man in the picture is portrayed as a well off man, likely a
politician with a collared shirt and heavy build. He has his back against the
curtain and all of the problems facing America domestically showing that he has
no desire to deal with those pressing issues. The scales behind him are tipped,
meaning that there is clear inequality and that attention must be given to
provide justice. The picture behind the curtain, which is used to hide the
horrors, shows lynching as well as African Americans being shot and killed. The
image is gruesome and while usually hidden, they are being revealed. Justice
begins with an acknowledgement of a problem, which is currently being grossly
ignored. The man’s ignorance with his back turned against the battle-esque scene
behind him, is likely the cause of the chaos and has the power to stop it, if
he cared. He continues to exploit foreign resources while ignoring the outcries
on the home front.
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