Cameron Trujillo October 20, 2013 Visual Analysis Final Draft During the 2012 election cycle there

were many hot topics debated by both parties. Both sides of the debate used political rhetoric and tag lines to convince the voters to support their party. As a conservative I have examined this cartoon from the right leaning perspective. One of the hot topics within the campaign cycle surrounded the idea of every American paying their fair share as described by the Obama campaign. By this tag line, paying their fair share, President Obama suggested that the wealthier Americans should pay a higher tax rates on their income. He argued that the wealthiest Americans should not receive tax breaks and exemptions that the middle class was not also entitled to. By paying higher tax rates, he argued that the playing field would be more evened. However, the Republican opposition saw this as redistribution of wealth, and taking from one to give to another. The cartoon I chose demonstrates the idea of redistribution and the idea of the wealthiest Americans paying their fair share in a way that is simple for most to understand, trick-or-treating. The political cartoon was sponsored by Asian conservatives group. It also went viral on websites such as Facebook and Twitter which is where I first saw the cartoon and it first caught my attention. Asian conservatives is a group within America that pushes for more conservative leaders and policies with American government. Other groups similar to this one would be Young Conservatives, Top Conservatives on Twitter (TCOT), and Freedom Works. All of these groups oppose big government, and specifically within this cartoon, oppose the idea of redistribution of wealth .Through the use of a humorous cartoon and pathos appeal the author/creator of this cartoon is trying to create support against the Obama administrations

stance and his push for a more socialized society in which wealth is taken from top earners and redistributed to lower income families. Historically, America was founded on the idea and actualization of capitalism. Many inspired leaders including philosopher Adam Smith believed that government should play a very minute role in the economic system of the nation. Since the founding, slowly, that thought has shifted. Many Americans today, would prefer to have the government provide for them the basic necessities rather than earn them for themselves. This idea has become evident in the passing of the legislation known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Known as Obama Care to the common American, this legislation seeks to provide basic healthcare to all Americans regardless of pre-existing conditions, income, and social standing. In order to provide for all of these individuals, a mandate is included within the legislation requires all Americans to have healthcare or pay a tax. The legislation depends on healthy Americans paying higher rates than perhaps they previously had in order to afford care for those that cannot pay for themselves. Redistribution can be found within the healthcare legislation package through that mean. This demonstrates the support for the government to provide basic needs even if it takes from others, in this example, by paying higher rates. This change in thought, however, is controversial between the Democrat and Republican parties. Democrats argue that all Americans are entitled to basic necessities, like healthcare and that it is a basic right for each individual to have health insurance. However, the means by which these ideals are accomplished is where the controversy lies. Democrats strive for equality within America while republicans argue that each individual has an equal opportunity to create wealth. Because this was published during the election cycle the cartoon was an attempt to sway voters against President Obama and instead, encourage them to vote for his opposition. Through

the use of the pathos rhetoric appeal the author/creator of this cartoon was trying to invoke frustration in the conservative base voters, as well as explain the fair share economic idea in a familiar content to undecided voters. In all honesty, how frustrating would it be to spend all night in the cold going door to door to earn your candy to only have it taken from you to give to someone else who was not putting in the same work as you? Creating a cartoon at such a simple level provides a way by which any American, Republican or Democrat, can understand the concept of redistribution. Humor is used within the cartoon again, to simplify a complex economic concept. Humor also allows the cartoon to be relatable. Trick-or-treating is an experience that any American has a memory of or can relate to. This allows the message of the cartoon to be more personal and more widely accepted. Through the use of a humorous trick-or-treating experience the idea of fair share as described within the text of the cartoon is more easily understood. Through the use of the pathos appeal and humor this political cartoon concerning the redistributing of wealth, in my opinion, effectively takes that which is complex in nature and makes it so easy even a child could understand. I believe this ad is effective in communicating its purpose and reaching its intended audience. I believe that the goal of this cartoon, communication to voters, is achieved.