DiscussionWe found that cartoonists on both ends of the ideological spectrum positively frame the social issues; for the most part, it is not a matter of equality they disagree on, it's the perpetrator. As it always is with politics, the blame is shifted to "the other guy." Naturally, the conservative who the democrat finds bigoted and intolerant finds that democrat to be those very same things. There are few in this world who want or claim to be a bigot, but it is a matter of what defines bigotry that divides us.
Conclusion
A common theme throughout the majority (88%, see breakdown below) of our cartoons is the direct alignment of equality with humanity. Those who, in one way or another, are illustrated as equality's antagonist are portrayed as heartless, inhumane, cruel, etc.
For example:
In this cartoon, Romney looks like a slimeball.
In this cartoon, Obama looks unprepared.
Speaking out of the side of your mouth is rarely illustrated for good.
Hiding something is the worst crime a politician can commit.
However, while we felt both candidates were denounced in varying degrees, Mitt Romney was portrayed significantly more frequently as the criminal. Because conservatives tend to rely on religious values, what they consider to be honest, pure and righteous is consistently scolded by those who feel their positions on women and sexual minorities are outlandish and tyrannical.
Socially-oriented attacks were harshest against the Republican nominee, but artists on both sides framed the issues in a supportive fashion. Right-leaning cartoonists (at least those artists who lean right on social issues) constructed a reality in which Obama was the offender, while left-leaning cartoons (at least those who lean left on social issues) portrayed Romney as the offender -- all a result of selective processes. Regardless, the cartoonists illustrated social issues as important, worthwhile causes. Much like a syndicated columnist or polarized news station, we feel cartoonists have the ability to rally like-minded troops to a cause but have a harder time changing opinions (because they use gatekeeping to push their own opinions and agendas). A Romney supporter would likely scoff at the image of him hiding his former staff member in a closet as a poor attempt to make him seem hateful. An Obama supporter would ridicule the image of a naked Obama hiding behind a "Free birth control" sign and chalk it off as a misinformed attempt to paint the president as a failure.
In summary, while the cartoonists had varying opinions on the candidates they used to illustrate their arguments, they agreed - as evidenced by their cartoon's existence - that social issues are an important issue worthy of discussion. Though there is clearly more progress to be made, recent efforts to discuss these issues provide hope for citizens nationwide.
