Political Cartoon Analysis 2h2w15

Political Cartoon Analysis

1. The Rise of a Fallen Star - Brexit. Brexit is the popular term for the prospective withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Britain’s planned withdrawal from the European Union, has been on everyone’s mind since the

announcement a few months back. It’s in newspapers, televisions, radios etc. But as a matter of fact it’s also there in cartoons i.e. Political Cartoons. Considering, the European flag symbolises both the European Union and the identity and unity of Europe. It features a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background. They stand for the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe. But the following cartoon says it all different, one can clearly notice that one of the star is moving out of the formation and leaving the circle which specifies that the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony for which these golden stars stood for is at stake. The star is even carrying a suitcase with him which shows that he may not return again which signifies the Britain’s decision of leaving European Union. His eyebrows are frowned upon which means that he is clearly annoyed and irritated and wants to leave soon. Whereas, the remaining 11 stars are looking at him with disappointment and frustration. The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity. The cartoon clearly portrays that EU will no longer be the same as it used to be and there are many things which are about to change in the long run. With one of the country leaving the European Union, unity of the organization will suffer in the long run. Maybe will encourages other countries to ask for an exit poll.

2. Migrants and the European Union by Patrick Chappatte

This cartoon by is drawn by the famous Political Cartoonist – Patrick Chappatte appeared in the April 25, 2015 International New York Times edition. He titled the cartoon "Migrants and the European Union," and further on added the caption, "Europe looks for an answer to the migrants reaching for its shores." The following cartoon is full of paradox, irony and a little satirical in nature. An official from the European Union (EU) is seen sitting on the life guard chair and a ferryboat full of migrants is sailing towards the coast to which the life guard (EU) is shouting “Go Back”. One can even notice few people drowning in the sea but life guard is taking no interest in rescuing them. The cartoon actually portrays the European migrant crisis, or the European refugee crisis, a term given to a period beginning in 2015 when rising numbers of people arrived in the European Union, travelling across the Mediterranean Sea or overland through Southeast Europe. These people included asylum seekers but also others, such as economic migrants and some hostile agents, including Islamic State militants disguised as refugees or migrants. The irony in the cartoon is that a life guard is employed to save people usually from drowning. But in the cartoon, one can clearly notice that he is taking no interest in saving the life of the people instead he is telling them to go back from wherever they came. Another paradox, in the cartoon which can be noticed is that the lifeguard is dressed in a formal suit rather than a swimming suit which clearly states that he is some official representing any government or organization or particularly the European Union itself.