Article of the Week 3: Obama Political Cartoon

This political cartoon is the work of Toles from the Washington Post, meant mostly for the people who work and live in Washington D.C. and the citizens of America. This work was made after the election of Obama to the presidency. Chosen because of its comments on society, this work is reminiscent of the Rosa Parks cartoon previously shown in class. By citing the Constitution, Toles uses common memory as a rhetorical strategy. He also includes the application of a strong enthymeme by using a major premise with which most Americans would agree. Then, he undermines that statement by using a minor premise: that not all people were equal until minorities (especially African-Americans) had the opportunity to become president. His conclusion: now all people are created equal because now African-American citizens have been given equal unspoken rights.

In addition, Toles plays up this size difference between Obama and the White House in the image. It seems imperial and cold in nature, maybe anticipating the challenges that the lone Obama will face later on. Obviously meant as a criticism of America up to this point, Toles congratulates the country as well as satires the lack of opportunity for people who are in minorities.