Irena Manukian

B block
Cartoon Analysis Argument
In recent years, the topics of food safety, pesticides, contamination, and genetic modification
have become increasingly controversial. There are many different opinions on the matter; many
believe pesticide use on crops is utilitarian and completely necessary, while others counter that
pesticides make food dangerous and unsafe for consumption. This political cartoon takes the latter
view, arguing that our current position on the issue is contradictory and we must protect ourselves
from the health hazards of spraying food.
The elements of this cartoon clearly point to a negative view of pesticide use. The ominous
skull and crossbones on the pesticide tank indicate the view that the substances used are toxic and
unsafe by comparing them with poison. The words of the rodent (Do you also eat these with that
mask on?!) indicate that the cartoonist believes that if protection is needed for the person spreading
the chemicals, then that proves they cross a certain threshold of toxicity unacceptable in food. This
phrase leads to the conclusion that the pesticides stay in the food, and that people are consuming
these deadly poisons without regard for the harm they might cause. It can be inferred that the
cartoonist is pushing for greater regulation of pesticide use (or a complete end to it) by virtue of its
danger. The use of a small animal to make such a simple point enhances the impact of the argument,
because if even a rodent can present the issue in such an obvious and clear-cut way, then the
authors point of view must be accurate.
In a world where food has dubious and often unrevealed ingredients, and where as a society,
having contact with dangerous chemicals on a regular basis is the norm, the cartoonists argument is
relevant and significant. Toying with the health of not only individuals, but entire populations and
ecosystems is no laughing matter. As this cartoon suggests, action must be taken before irreparable
harm is done to both peoples collective health and the environment. In the end, one value will take
priority: profit or safety. It is important that the decision not be made lightly.

Irena Manukian
B block
Cartoon Analysis Elements
In an image, even the smallest details add to the meaning and effectiveness of the argument.
In this cartoon about pesticide use on crops, there are a few major elements which are instrumental
in illustrating the cartoonists point.
The main focal point of the cartoon is the mask worn by the worker as protection from the
chemicals. Its size is exaggerated, and the shape is associated with that of a gas mask. Along with the
skull and crossbones on the container of pesticide, the mask works to instill fear in the viewer and
convey the danger presented by something most people think about as a routine household object.
Apart from the worker, the other major character is the rodent. As stated earlier, by
writing from the point of view of such a simple creature, the cartoonist makes his point accessible,
and reiterates its straightforwardness. Indirectly, the cartoonist is comparing the viewers intelligence
with that of a rodent, and suggesting that anyone who disagrees is not as smart. By playing on the
viewers emotions and sense of self-pride, he or she makes them more likely to accept the cartoon as
true. In addition, the earlier point about fear is echoed in the rodents body language and expression.
It asks a rhetorical question in order to make the audience consider the cartoonists point, but the
use of an interrobang in the voice bubble serves to convey the urgency and irony of the situation.
Behind the two figures, the background mainly consists of a row of carrots. Carrots are
considered a healthy food, so using them as an example shows that even foods considered good
to eat can be exposed to dangerous and unhealthy pesticides. Again, this contributes to the element
of fear generated by the cartoon, furthering the argument and call to action.
These central features demonstrate that the stylistic and content choices of the cartoonist are
vital in establishing the images argument. The use of a rhetorical question to incite thought, creation
of fear through symbols, and a straightforward, easily understandable argument are effective in
convincing the viewer to adopt a negative viewpoint regarding pesticide use. Similar techniques are
present in the images people are exposed to every day, especially those in advertisements; a closer
look at the elements of an image can be as surprising as it is educational.