TOW #21- Visual Text: Political Cartoon (Security Blanket)

In this political cartoon, created by Eugene Payne, aimed at the second amendment, the man in the center is reclining against a tree and sucking his thumb. He is wearing a shirt that reads "National Rifle Association", which is an organization in favor of the right to own weapons and has much political leverage in Washington. He hold tightly to a blanket that reads "The right to bear arms", a direct allusion to the second amendment. His posture and stance creates a child-like appearance about the hunter. This slogan on the hunter's blanket shows that this is his "security" blanket, like a child would have. The blanket is something that protects the hunter. Leaning against the tree, is a gun with a flag on it that states: "Assault Hunting Weapon," implying that the hunter justifies his use of guns to "hunt," ever though the man is sitting idly by and apparently, napping. The hunter is in favor of gun control and against the NRA’s belief in owning weapons because the hunter is portrayed as childish and needing a “security blanket.” This particular political cartoon appeals mostly to those who are for gun control laws. On the other hand, this sketch specifically does not appeal to those who hunt or want less strict gun control laws. Due to this audience, this cartoon may appear in liberal media such as The New York Times, and NBC based networking because the pressure for more gun control laws and legislation is largely associated with the Democratic party. Payne uses exaggeration and ironic juxtaposition to achieve his purpose of portraying the NRA and anti-gun control enthusiasts in a humbling light.