Team Member Name: Kristen Steiner
Publication: The Cagle Post
Date: October 22, 2012
Cartoonist: Daryl Cagle
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: Romney and Woman
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, Mitt Romney is standing with his arm around a woman explaining his thoughts on women’s rights and how he portrays woman by eluding to them in the work place and in home as well as personal, important issues such as birth control, rape, abortion, etc.
In the 2012 presidential election, Romney made a few bold moves regarding the “war on women.” For decades, the issue of abortion and birth control have always been a controversial topic; however, it may seem that a lot of previous presidents and candidates are will to do what is best for everyone. Romney announced during his campaign that he is pro-life and is sticking to his guns. Romney proposed the overturning of the Roe Vs. Wade, a decision that served as guarantee of abortion rights for almost four decades.
During one of the presidential debates, Romney made a comment stating that he did indeed support women who worked; however, they should have flexible schedules so that they can be a wife and a mother as well. This comment, the idea to overturn Roe vs. Wade and his stunned silence when asked his position on equal pay for men and women all contributed to a negative image regarding the candidate and his positions on women's rights.
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
The cartoonist makes it known that Romney tends to dig himself deeper into a hole when it comes to women’s rights and equality. Throughout his campaign, Romney made several references and political stances that the cartoonist felt detracted from women’s rights. Through his art, we see that Cagle supports the fact that feels a woman’s place is in the home as mother raising and revering life. This is not a bad idea and it appeals to many women. However, we live in a world of growing feminism and sexual equality movements. Cagle does a good job of framing the reality that due to several of Romney’s comments, that is no how he sees the issues.
Due to how this cartoon was constructed, the cartoonist does an excellent job favoring gender sexual equality and women’s rights. He portrays Romney in a way that makes him look egotistical and one-sided. Gender inequality is still a real problem in our society today, however, as time has gone on, women are no longer seen as innocent housewives. Women are revered as leaders and examples who have rights and privileges just the same as any man. Cagle implies through this cartoon that very thing. Through satire, he shows that women do have those rights and that it is not fair or just to take them away.
Team Member Name: Theodore Royer
Obama is under fire everyday from conservatives who seek to blame him for everything going wrong in the country, including a supposed mishandling of renewable resources and the job market. Cartoons such as this usually are not based on as much fact but more of an appeal to the ideals of the reader and seeking to further the insight to those who are already at odds with Obama. At the same time, it is also making a jab at legislation, which, as of August 1, requires insurance companies to provide free contraception. This cartoon makes it look as though Obama is hiding behind this one success.
The New York Times published an article in December addressing the fact that the majority of Obama’s staff is male. According to the article, it is no more female than the Clinton administration and it does state that “Mr. Obama’s recent nominations raised concern that women were being underrepresented at the highest level of government and would be passed over for top positions.”
Team Member Name: Erik Dalton
Publication: Editorial Cartoons by Branch
Date: August 21, 2012
Cartoonist: John Branch
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: Legitimate Looney
Cartoon#: 57
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, Republican Todd Akin, a former congressman supported by Mitt Romney, pats Romney on the back saying, “War on women is hell, Mitt…” This quote refers to the numerous mistakes made by both Romney and Akin in aiming for the women vote. Todd Akin said over an interview that victims of “’legitimate rape’ very rarely get pregnant.” In doing so, Akin upset thousands of voters, man and woman alike. “Legitimate Rape”, these are two words that should never be paired together. This blunder caused Akin his race for Missouri Senator, and since Mitt was affiliated with Akin, this may have caused him a loss of many votes. The “war on women is hell” quote is also referring to some of the mistakes Romney also made such as want to overturn Roe vs. Wade, that would get rid of funding for Planned Parenthood. Romney rolls his eyes, because Akin is making it seem like they both made equal mistakes, but when put together, Akin’s comment was a much bigger mistake, offended many more people, and probably lost Romney more votes.
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women's and their rights?
There is a positive tone towards women’s rights in the cartoon because the cartoon uses satire to make fun of all the huge mistakes Romney made in his campaign concerning women. It also associates him with the blunders of other GOP figures. There was an “18 point gap” in the 2012 presidential election and according to CNN’s exit polls, 55 to 44 percent of women voted for Obama.
Mistakes, including Todd Akin’s “Legitimate Rape” comment may have caused this. This cartoon shows the reality that women have a big influence in elections. Women’s issues matter; the women’s votes matter. Obama supports certain women’s rights such as Planned Parenthood, so considering that most women voted for Obama, it shows the reality that the majority of most people are in support of women’s rights.
Team Member Name: Erik Dalton
Publication: The Lowe Down, SunSentinel.com
Date: February 10, 2012
Cartoonist: Chan Lowe
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: The Birth Control Brouhaha
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, Obama is seen “splitting hairs” over a new bill that would require all private insurance companies to cover contraceptive use for women. According to Chan Lowe, the cartoonist of this political cartoon, “most women feel entitled to birth control.” This contraceptive bill proposed by Obama requires even companies owned by the Catholic Church and catholic Universities like Notre Dame to do this as well. The issue presented is that the Catholic faith does not believe in contraceptive use; religion is being brought into politics. Democrats took the side of women’s rights, while Republicans took the side of religious freedom. “Democrats accused Republicans of infringing on women’s rights and focusing on issues long settled while Republicans accused Democrats of threatening religious freedom and violating the Constitution.”
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
Obama is trying to find a balance here on the issue, however slim cut that may be, however, in general, he wants to aid women. Overall there is a positive tone towards women’s rights in the cartoon. The cartoonist makes it seem as though women have a strong point. Even though the Catholic Church does not believe in contraceptive use, it does not mean that there should not be use of contraceptives. The human rights of the minority outweigh this and because of that, women may have a big influence in the upcoming presidential election. Obama is willing to “split hairs” in a chance to win over more votes. The reality constructed in this article is that women do have a say and substantial influence in the presidential election.
Publication: The Cagle Post
Date: October 22, 2012
Cartoonist: Daryl Cagle
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: Romney and Woman
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, Mitt Romney is standing with his arm around a woman explaining his thoughts on women’s rights and how he portrays woman by eluding to them in the work place and in home as well as personal, important issues such as birth control, rape, abortion, etc.
In the 2012 presidential election, Romney made a few bold moves regarding the “war on women.” For decades, the issue of abortion and birth control have always been a controversial topic; however, it may seem that a lot of previous presidents and candidates are will to do what is best for everyone. Romney announced during his campaign that he is pro-life and is sticking to his guns. Romney proposed the overturning of the Roe Vs. Wade, a decision that served as guarantee of abortion rights for almost four decades.
During one of the presidential debates, Romney made a comment stating that he did indeed support women who worked; however, they should have flexible schedules so that they can be a wife and a mother as well. This comment, the idea to overturn Roe vs. Wade and his stunned silence when asked his position on equal pay for men and women all contributed to a negative image regarding the candidate and his positions on women's rights.
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
The cartoonist makes it known that Romney tends to dig himself deeper into a hole when it comes to women’s rights and equality. Throughout his campaign, Romney made several references and political stances that the cartoonist felt detracted from women’s rights. Through his art, we see that Cagle supports the fact that feels a woman’s place is in the home as mother raising and revering life. This is not a bad idea and it appeals to many women. However, we live in a world of growing feminism and sexual equality movements. Cagle does a good job of framing the reality that due to several of Romney’s comments, that is no how he sees the issues.
Due to how this cartoon was constructed, the cartoonist does an excellent job favoring gender sexual equality and women’s rights. He portrays Romney in a way that makes him look egotistical and one-sided. Gender inequality is still a real problem in our society today, however, as time has gone on, women are no longer seen as innocent housewives. Women are revered as leaders and examples who have rights and privileges just the same as any man. Cagle implies through this cartoon that very thing. Through satire, he shows that women do have those rights and that it is not fair or just to take them away.
------------------------------
Team Member Name: Theodore Royer
Publication: Conservative Daily News.com
Date: March 14, 2012
Cartoonist: A.F Branco
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: Political Cover
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
Obama is hiding behind a sign titled FREE BIRTH CONTROL. Behind him, we see representations of the country's economic situation, highlighting high gas prices and the $16 trillion DEBT.
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Negative (seen as a distraction)
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Neutral/opposed
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
In this cartoon, Obama is being portrayed as the classic fool. The cartoonist uses his ability of agenda setting to have his audience see what should to be the bigger issues at hand. Obama hiding behind a sign is reminiscent of a corner bum hiding behind his “The world is ending” sign. It makes him look, and seem, desperate to the viewer. As far as his stance on free birth control, it seems that he really does not care about it, but is hoping to claim any type of success in the face of so much disaster instead. As the cartoonist portrays, the reality facing Obama is that he is a failure of the highest degree, and what small things he has done is so pale in comparison to the mess he has made.
Women's right portrayed in this cartoon is of minimal importance to the cartoonist through his use of agenda setting. The portrayed image of Obama holding the sign shows that the author, and more than likely the readers, put little emphasis on the actual issue. The more important issues being depicted are those that fill up the landfill in the back such as the debt, Obama care, gas prices, renewable energy, the economy and jobs.
------------------------------
Team Member Name: Theodore Royer
Publication: Politicalhumour.com
Date: October 14-20, 2012
Cartoonist: Mike Luckovich
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: Romney's Binder Full of Women
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context
Mitt Romney is sitting at his desk, which is covered with a bunch of binders. The binders are labeled with “types” of women and all, according to the author, are negative views of women, or those that will suffer if Mitt's agendas are passed.
The main aspect of this cartoon is taken from a comment made by presidential candidate Mitt Romney during the second presidential debate in which an answer to the question, “In what ways do you plan to rectify the inequalities in the work place” he recounts a situation in Massachusetts when, as governor, he sought to increase the amount of qualified women in his cabinet. He went to different parties focusing on women equality and asked them to put together lists of qualified women for his review. He then states, “They brought us whole binders full of women.” According to Maria Cardona, a CNN reporter and a Democratic strategist, “The 'binders' moment went viral immediately on twitter”, which in turn, resulted to a negative jab towards Romney.
Tone of the cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
This cartoon is taking a comment that Presidential candidate Mitt Romney made at the second presidential debate. The amount of publicity this comment received is in part why the cartoon was created on this issue. It takes one comment, which to many viewers could have sounded crass, insensitive, and labeling, then by adding other whole or partial truths from other of Romney's platform or comments turns the comment from binders of potential cabinet members, to binders full of, “those we pay less, those who were hysterical after planned parenthood's killed, those who were shrill when I end contraceptive coverage, and those who will lose their freedom of choice.” A harmless comment meant to be a positive one has been twisted to attack multiple views of the Romney campaign. It is creating the reality that Romney has no intention of helping women in the work place or rights of women in general. The cartoonists portrays that Romney views women as nothing more than second rate citizens and as such, they do not have, or are not entitled to, same pay or a say in their own personal life.
------------------------------
Team Member Name: Theodore Royer
Publication: Gocomics.com
Date: January 10, 2013
Cartoonist: Matt Wuerker
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: N/A
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
Obama is reading a newspaper that has a headline of “Top White House Staff: All Men” and talking on a red phone, which indicts an emergency, to Mitt Romney, who earlier last year during a presidential debate, had mentioned that he had “Binders full of women.” Obama asks Romney to use those binders because his cabinet comprises mostly of males.
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
The reality being portrayed by the cartoonist is that Obama's staff is all men. In the cartoon he is calling up Mitt Romney asking to borrow his “binders full of women.” Romney was seriously attacked because of that comment and using it here is making Obama look like he needs Romney's help. Obama during his campaign strove for equality among sexes and races. This cartoon is making Obama out to be a hypocrite or even possibly incompetent because he is unable to live up to the promises that he made when it came to women in the work place.
The issue of women in politics is being framed as something that needs to be addressed. If the president is not able or willing to find women to fill top positions, how are other individuals or companies, both private and governmental going to do the same thing? The tone is ironic because Romney made the “Binder” statement and took a lot of flack for it and now, Obama is having to use it to try and make good on his promises.
------------------------------
Team Member Name: Erik Dalton
Publication: Editorial Cartoons by Branch
Date: August 21, 2012
Cartoonist: John Branch
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: Legitimate Looney
Cartoon#: 57
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, Republican Todd Akin, a former congressman supported by Mitt Romney, pats Romney on the back saying, “War on women is hell, Mitt…” This quote refers to the numerous mistakes made by both Romney and Akin in aiming for the women vote. Todd Akin said over an interview that victims of “’legitimate rape’ very rarely get pregnant.” In doing so, Akin upset thousands of voters, man and woman alike. “Legitimate Rape”, these are two words that should never be paired together. This blunder caused Akin his race for Missouri Senator, and since Mitt was affiliated with Akin, this may have caused him a loss of many votes. The “war on women is hell” quote is also referring to some of the mistakes Romney also made such as want to overturn Roe vs. Wade, that would get rid of funding for Planned Parenthood. Romney rolls his eyes, because Akin is making it seem like they both made equal mistakes, but when put together, Akin’s comment was a much bigger mistake, offended many more people, and probably lost Romney more votes.
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women's and their rights?
There is a positive tone towards women’s rights in the cartoon because the cartoon uses satire to make fun of all the huge mistakes Romney made in his campaign concerning women. It also associates him with the blunders of other GOP figures. There was an “18 point gap” in the 2012 presidential election and according to CNN’s exit polls, 55 to 44 percent of women voted for Obama.
Mistakes, including Todd Akin’s “Legitimate Rape” comment may have caused this. This cartoon shows the reality that women have a big influence in elections. Women’s issues matter; the women’s votes matter. Obama supports certain women’s rights such as Planned Parenthood, so considering that most women voted for Obama, it shows the reality that the majority of most people are in support of women’s rights.
------------------------------
Team Member Name: Erik Dalton
Publication: The Lowe Down, SunSentinel.com
Date: February 10, 2012
Cartoonist: Chan Lowe
Location: US
Title of Cartoon: The Birth Control Brouhaha
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
In this cartoon, Obama is seen “splitting hairs” over a new bill that would require all private insurance companies to cover contraceptive use for women. According to Chan Lowe, the cartoonist of this political cartoon, “most women feel entitled to birth control.” This contraceptive bill proposed by Obama requires even companies owned by the Catholic Church and catholic Universities like Notre Dame to do this as well. The issue presented is that the Catholic faith does not believe in contraceptive use; religion is being brought into politics. Democrats took the side of women’s rights, while Republicans took the side of religious freedom. “Democrats accused Republicans of infringing on women’s rights and focusing on issues long settled while Republicans accused Democrats of threatening religious freedom and violating the Constitution.”
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
Obama is trying to find a balance here on the issue, however slim cut that may be, however, in general, he wants to aid women. Overall there is a positive tone towards women’s rights in the cartoon. The cartoonist makes it seem as though women have a strong point. Even though the Catholic Church does not believe in contraceptive use, it does not mean that there should not be use of contraceptives. The human rights of the minority outweigh this and because of that, women may have a big influence in the upcoming presidential election. Obama is willing to “split hairs” in a chance to win over more votes. The reality constructed in this article is that women do have a say and substantial influence in the presidential election.
------------------------------
Team Member Name: Betsy Blanchard
Publication: Los Angeles Chronicle
Date: 2012
Cartoonist: David Horsey
Location: US
Title of the Cartoon: N/A
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
This cartoon features Mitt Romney, a Hooters girl, Rush Limbaugh and a Republican elephant. Romney asks the waitress why women do not like him, to which she responds, while eyeballing Limbaugh, that it is the company he keeps. The elephant, obviously representative of the Republican Party, tells Romney not to tip the waitress because she is “already overpaid.”
In April 2012, Rush Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke, a young activist who argued the necessity of federal birth control coverage, a “slut” and remarked that the reason she could not afford the birth control was because she was having too much sex.
(cite original recording of Rush’s comment)
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights for women's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
The cartoon seems to imply that the reason Romney struggles to win over the ladies has less to do with his own politics (“it’s not so much you, Mitt) and more to do with the politics of those he’s associated with (“it’s the company you keep”), those being Rush Limbaugh and Republicans in general. The cartoonist uses framing by taking Hooters, a controversial restaurant, and putting Mitt and his "colleges" in the middle of it making regards to his previously made comments to show how far extreme people may see Romney taking his stance on women's rights.
The cartoon illustrates the GOP’s disconnect with female voters, an age-old struggle spurred by inappropriate comments made by well-known Republican figures. As the Republican presidential candidate, Romney is automatically associated with these characters. An unpopular comment made by someone who supports Romney will turn off voters, regardless of the fact that the candidate himself did not say it.
In the image, Limbaugh and the elephant, sporting menacing facial expressions, objectify the waitress. Rush implies she is a “slut” by making a reference to his Sandra Fluke comments, while the elephant claims the woman is “already overpaid” and in no need of a tip. This disturbing notion is not shared by most Republicans as the cartoon may indicate to some, but it is all too often spouted by outspoken ones. In doing so, these figures (Limbaugh, Todd Akin and the like) taint their party’s reputation and ability to connect to female voters.
The Republicans’ crude treatment toward the curvaceous waitress is clearly portrayed by the artist as the doings of ignorant and unrespectable people, a roundabout method by which he states that women are deserving of equal treatment (an example of agenda setting) because they are capable and intelligent (and everything the obnoxious pictured Republicans are not).
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Team Member Name: Betsy Blanchard
Publication: The Augusta Chronicle
Date: 2012
Cartoonist: Rick McKee
Location: US
Title of the Cartoon: N/A
Cartoon#: N/A
What action is taking place in the cartoon? What is the context?
A stay-at-home mom, clinging to her children, flies in the air after a bomb adorning the Obama “change” icon and the “You’ve never worked a day in your life!” mantra plummets into the ground below her. The woman wonders why it is that she only feels “attacked my Democrats” when the infamous “war on women” is typically associated as an attack instigated by Republicans.
Several polls – like this April 2012 Gallup one – revealed that women preferred Obama to Romney by more than 10 points. This lead was often blamed on a Republican war on women.
However, the bomb’s text was inspired by a comment made by Hilary Rosen, a Democratic National Committee adviser who said of Mitt Romney, “Guess what, his wife has never actually worked a day in her life.”
Tone of the Cartoon:
1) Framing of women's rights: Positive
2) Framing is supportive or opposed to equal rights forwomen's rights: Supportive
What “reality” is constructed/framed about women and their rights?
In this illustration, the artist does not challenge the notion that there is a “war on women” – the idea he does challenge, however, is who is behind the attacks. The war on women is typically blamed on Republicans. McKee, likely conservative, instead blames Democrats for the attacks on women, specifically citing Rosen’s comment. If nothing else, McKee declares that it is hypocritical of Democrats to solely blame Republicans.
Rosen, who implied that Ann Romney is in no position to represent women in saying they find economic issues to be among the most important, was heavily criticized for her comments. Though what she said may be technically true in the eyes of many, it offended women who felt their stay-at-home duties also warrant the label of work.
In order to drive his point home, the cartoonist’s inclusion of a young boy and small baby – gripped tightly by the pictured mother – symbolize the importance of a mother’s role in raising future generations. While the children seem to be flailing about, the mother, all things considered, remains fairly stable. She is pictured as strong and capable, a worker of a noble profession.
Rosen’s comments then appear cold and heartless for criticizing a woman protecting two small children.
However, it should not go without saying that McKee’s image is a bit hyperbolic – he’s citing the comments of a single person who was making those comments about another single person. The remarks did not come from the general Democratic populace and were not directly aimed at the general stay-at-home mother populace.
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