TOW #2 - Visual Text: Increasing Environmental Issues (cartoon)

                As technology develops and humans begin caring less and less about the natural world around them, a change occurs in nature, one that cannot be undone. Oil production, waste levels and the human race’s carbon footprint are all factors that are leading to global warming, loss of natural resources and the ultimate downfall of the environment. Although many are aware of this issue and are making an effort to turn the fate of the environment around, too many are oblivious to the destruction they are causing. Many efforts are being made to make these oblivious people understand the damage they are doing.

            This political cartoon is an example of an effort made to help their audience, people oblivious to the harm they are causing to the environment. The author successfully shows the audience what the world may turn into if their habits continue. The author of the cartoon is trying to uncover reality for the people blind to it. The cartoon reads “Earth Day 2035” in the top right corner, telling the audience that the setting is the future. The rest of the cartoon shows various camera men taking pictures of what seems to be a political leader in front of a backdrop of a healthy forest. Yet, surrounding the backdrop is the reality of the time period: cut down trees, fossil fuels, trash and more. The reasoning behind the creation of this cartoon is to take action on a problem much bigger than people realize, to spread awareness about our slowly dying environment in the hopes of causing a positive reaction.

            The author of this political cartoon uses many rhetorical strategies including satire, imagery and mood. The author is using humor to criticize the immaturities of the human race. Imagery is also being used by taking different elements and describing a situation without directly saying the context. Lastly, the mood of the cartoon makes the audience want to take action and make a difference.

            The author created this cartoon to raise awareness on the downfall of the environment. The author accomplished this successfully by appealing to the audience’s emotions and making them open their eyes to the harsh reality.