Marriage Equality in the U.S.
by chawacha
Publication: The Arizona Star Date: May 14th, 2012
Cartoonist: David Fitzsimmons Location: U.S.
Title: Parade of Progress Number: 111709
This cartoon shows a wedding planner, a caterer, a florist, a marriage counselor, and a divorce attorney all holding signs supporting gay marriage.
Tone of cartoon:
Framing of sexual minorities: Positive
Framing of equal rights for sexual minorities: Positive
Although this cartoon does imply that divorce attorneys support gay marriage due to the likely increase in divorces if gay marriage is national recognized, it still shows different sides to the issue as well. First off, the fact that all these different people are associated with marriage, shows that gay marriages are just like straight marriages. They will buy food, flowers and decorations. They want to have wonderful marriage ceremonies just like straight couples do.
Secondly, gay marriages will support the economy! It might seem a little humorous, but to the people in the wedding industry, it is completely true. This is their livelihood and they want everyone to be a part of it.
Publication: Townhall.com Date: February 28th, 2011
Cartoonist: Lisa Benson Location: U.S.
Title: N/A Number: N/A
This cartoons shows a cake labeled marriage. On top of the cake are a straight couple, a viking, a dog, a clown, a cross dresser, and others. Climbing up the cake is a gay couple.
Tone of cartoon:
Framing of sexual minorities: Negative
Framing of equal rights for sexual minorities: Negative
This cartoon would have us believe that all sorts of different marriages are going to spring from gay marriage. On top of the cake is a dog. So the cartoonist is alluding that gay marriage is just as wrong as marrying an animal.
So many people try to make the same argument over and over again. “If we allow gays to marry, where will we draw the line?” Well the difference between other sorts of marriages and gay marriages is this: gay marriage is between two consenting human adults who love each other. We will not ever be forced to legalize marriages between non-human, non-adult individuals. The issue is framed to be much more complicated than it actually is, possibly to delay what some consider the inevitability of gay marriage. Assuming that all sorts of different marriages will be allowed just because we choose to include LGBT individuals is a false assumption.
______________________
Cartoon Sources:
http://www.caglecartoons.com/viewimage.asp?ID={37B4C6CA-5634-4753-B3D7-D26FDCC47AE4}
Spectrum of Caricatures 