Political Cartoon Essay

The government is issuing a new tax on the public; this tax was Obama’s idea. The tax requires the richer, or more well off people, to pay more taxes to cover the lack of taxes, or the small amount paid, by the poor people. In the political cartoon “The Oracle of Omaha Obama,” the artist is portraying how this tax may have come to be created. This idea is shown through the artist’s use of the seven features. However, the viewer must know background information about this new tax to fully understand this cartoon.

            The caption itself describes the cartoon and puts a mental tone in the viewers’ mind about how they will perceive the cartoon and its message. The caption “The Oracle of Omaha Obama” is intended to make Obama and the Government look bad and show how he is using the public to prevail in attempts to make new laws.

            By his use of visual irony, the artist states that Obama is taking what one man says and is using it to his advantage. He is taking “I’m not paying enough taxes…” out of context and using this to prove his point in the new taxation plan. Obama takes what the “Oracle of Omaha” says and uses it as well as saying the “Oracle of Obama” said it.

In efforts to make Obama more recognizable the artist uses caricature, and highly exaggerates Obama’s physical features. The artist gives Obama big ears, a big nose, and an exceedingly large chin. He also gives Obama an extremely happy expression, this expression is happy to the point of appearing foolish. His smile is so large it easily takes up half of his face. Obama is so happy, because he agrees with what the “Oracle” says about “not paying enough taxes…” and he can use this statement to his advantage as evidence for his new taxation law.

            This statement made by the man next to Obama; “I’m not paying enough taxes…” is highly exaggerated. No one would say they were not paying enough taxes. No one wants to lose more money to the Government no matter what it may be intended for. This statement was intended to be more sarcastic than serious, yet Obama took this comment out of context to use it in a campaign for new taxes.

            Although this cartoon is lacking three of the seven features, the artist does an amazing job of rendering his views of Obama and the Government. He effectively shows what is happening to the public through his political cartoon. It portrays the president, Barrack Obama, as using the public for his own benefit. This cartoon gives off a blunt, callous tone about the Government. However, it is what the public deserves to see; considering what decisions are being made by the Government, for the country. In which the outcome of these decisions may affect the entire nation as a whole.