The Cartoons

Presidential Seal

 

This cartoon was published by Bennett in response to President Barack Obama’s announcement about his stance on same-sex couples on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. In the interview Obama said, “For me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” This cartoon is based on the United States Presidential Seal. Instead of being in color, most of this seal is in black and white. In the actual presidential seal, the middle shield is filled in with a U.S. flag. In this version of it, the middle shield is filled in with six stripes representing the six colors of the rainbow. Since 1978, a flag with six different colored stripes known as “The Rainbow Flag” has been a symbol of gay and lesbian community pride. By putting this symbol in the middle of the presidential seal, Bennett is making a statement that the lesbian and gay community is important to Obama and is at the center of his presidency. The framing of this cartoon is positive and supports equal rights for sexual minorities. The reality of this cartoon is that the lesbian and gay community is being heard by the presidency and their rights are important to the Obama Administration.

Team Member Name: BECKY EISENHOWER

Publication: CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS

Date: MAY 13TH 2012
Cartoonist: CLAY BENNETT

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: PRESIDENTIAL SEAL

Cartoon #: ONE

 Obama's Gay Marriage Stance Evolves

This cartoon was published a few weeks after Obama’s announcement about his stance on same-sex marriages. It satirizes the changes he made in each of his statements about the topic since 1996 when he ran for Illinois state Senate. That year he filled out a questionnaire and wrote, “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.” Two years later, in 1998, Obama filled out a second questionnaire and wrote “undecided” to the questions of legalizing same-sex marriage and supporting a bill to repeal an legislation in Illinois that would prohibit same-sex marriage.  In 2004, while running for the U.S. Senate, Obama told reporters, “I am not a supporter of gay marriage.” In 2008, Obama told Pastor Rick Warren, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman.” Shortly before this cartoon was published, Obama shared with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America his conclusion on the issue of same-sex marriage. He said, “I’ve just concluded that for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” 

On the far left side of this cartoon there is a drawing of a man’s dress shoe with the name “Obama” written on it. On the far right side of this cartoon there is a drawing of a flip-flop with the name “Obama” written on it also. In between these two shoes is an arrow pointing from the left to the right in front of faint drawings of the dress show changing into a flip-flop. This change is symbolic of Obama’s change in his same-sex marriage stance over the years. On PolitiFact.com, the “Flip-O-Meter” rates Obama’s evolution as a “Full Flop” which is why the flip-flop is used in this cartoon. Obama’s stance on same-sex marriage moved up and down just like the heels of flip-flops do. This cartoon displays negative framing of Obama it shows he is not consistent in his beliefs. The framing of this cartoon is neither supportive nor opposed to equal rights for sexual minorities. Since the main subject of the cartoon is Obama’s views, the framing for sexual minorities is unclear. The reality that is constructed in this cartoon is that even the President of United States can’t make up his mind on the issue.

Team Member Name: BECKY EISENHOWER

Publication: THE GLENN BECK PROGRAM

Date: MAY 19TH 2012
Cartoonist: ROB SMITH, JR.

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: OBAMA'S GAY MARRIAGE STANCE EVOLVES

Cartoon #: TWO




 I Do

This cartoon is a response to Obama's decision to support gay marriage and his call to eight black pastors to discuss the matter. Obama made a phone call to eight black pastors two hours after he decided to support same-sex marriage. This cartoon shows a black priest wedding a same-sex couple and asking them if they think Obama will be remembered for more than being African American. Their response is "I do." The cartoon shows that Obama will be remembered for more than being just the first African American president to the lesbian and gay community -- he will be remembered as the first president to accept and approve of same-sex marriage. Obama will be remembered by same-sex couples because of his stance and how it will effect their lives forever in a positive light. Now, because of Obama, same-sex couples will have a better chance at getting married. This cartoon frames sexual minorities positively and is supportive of equal rights for sexual minorities. The reality of this cartoon is that same-sex marriage is normal, but only because Obama has approved it. Obama is the reason why same-sex couples are able to be married in the first place.

 
 Team Member Name: BROCK BIRD
Publication: ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION
Date: MAY 5TH 2012
Cartoonist: MIKE LUCKOVICH
U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: I DO
Cartoon #: THREE




Changed My Mind
 

This cartoon addresses Obama's decision to change his mind on same-sex marriage. Obama's face in the cartoon shows that it was a struggle for him to decide that he should change his mind on this issue. But, after listening to his Christian heart, discussing with his wife and kids, and observing the people that work for him in the White House who are gay or lesbian, he felt that it was the right thing to do. He also felt that the word "marriage" was special and that it evokes special tradition and meaning. He thought that same-sex couples deserve to have that right as well. This cartoon shows Obama's evolution on this subject with the words, "I was against it, before I was for it." This cartoon also gives the lesbian and gay community hope, that if Obama can change his mind and evolve, so can the nation as a whole. This cartoon frames Obama negatively, but frames sexual minorities positively and is supportive of equal rights for sexual minorities. The reality that is constructed in this cartoon is that Obama changed his mind on the very important issue and now is in favor of same-sex marriage.

Team Member Name: BROCK BIRD
Publication: JOURNAL REGISTER NEWSPAPERS
Date: MAY 10TH 2012
Cartoonist: TOM STIGLICH
U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of Cartoon: CHANGED MY MIND
Cartoon #: FOUR





Obama For Gay Marriage
 
This cartoon addresses the recent proclamation made by President Obama about his support for same-sex marriage. Obama and Biden are carrying a cake that says “gay marriage” on it which displays that they are willing to hold up their stance on gay marriage. This cartoon shows that Obama and Biden are now “catering” to same-sex marriage. It puts same-sex marriage in a positive light because marriage in general is viewed as positive, but a lot of times same-sex marriage is not viewed in such a manner. It’s really interesting that Biden and Obama’s hats say “political catering” because the government is supposed to “cater” to everything and everybody not just one walk of life, so it’s contradictory. What is also interesting is that Biden & Obama both have whopping smiles. This sends the message that they are obviously very happy about this decision and plan to do a lot about it. This cartoon positively frames sexual minorities. It is supportive of equal rights for sexual minorities and the reality of this cartoon is that it frames same-sex marriage as an issue that is normal and important.

Team Member Name: ELISABETH GEE
Publication: DAVE GRANLUND'S EDITORIAL CARTOONS
Date: MAY 5TH 2012
Cartoonist: DAVE GRANLUND
U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: OBAMA FOR GAY MARRIAGE
Cartoon #: FIVE





Finally
 

The context of this cartoon is bringing to light that policies are being changed in favor of same-sex marriage and that gay couples can finally be legally married. Those changes are laid out in this timeline provided by CNN.com. The action that is taking place is the marriage of a gay couple. Their suits state HOPE and CHANGE on them, advocating that there is a way for gay couples to finally be legally married.This cartoon frames sex-marriage in a positive light by establishing the ritual of same-sex marriage with “hope” and “change" -- that “finally” homosexuals will be equal to heterosexuals and that there will be a change in the policies regarding same-sex marriage. This cartoon also hints that there has been a long awaited stance that is coming to light and being changed by proclaiming “finally” at the bottom of the cartoon. Same-sex marriage advocates can “finally” have “hope” because policies are being changed. The reality that is being framed is that gay couples are finally able to be equal to heterosexuals in the fact that their marriage will be recognized by law.

Team Member Name: ELISABETH GEE
Publication: HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Date: MAY 11TH 2012
Cartoonist: NICK ANDERSON
U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: FINALLY
Cartoon #: SIX

 Untitled
 

This cartoon was created in response to Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy's statement proclaiming his stance on same-sex marriage. There was quite a huge stir about this particular event and thus the poking fun at Chick-Fil-A begins. The negative framing in this cartoon establishes Cathy as an idiot. When Sesame Street first came out some people assumed that The Muppets characters Bert and Ernie were homosexuals, however, not many people believed that because of Bert and Ernie’s loving and adorable nature. This cartoon is using the love people have for Bert and Ernie as a juxtaposition to put Cathy in a bad light. The artist uses that to portray Cathy as an idiot or that he is clueless as to what is actually happening in society. The context of this cartoon is that our society is changing at a rapid pace, which means that more and more people are becoming more accepting of the legality of same-sex marriage. This cartoon negatively frames sexual minorities, however it is supportive of equal rights for sexual minorities. The reality that is being constructed is that policies are changing. The way America views same-sex marriage is finally at a stage where people are more accepting of new things and that includes legalizing same-sex marriage.

Team Member Name: ELISABETH GEE
Publication: THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS
Date: JULY 27TH 2012
Cartoonist: JOHN COLE
U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: UNTITLED
Cartoon #: SEVEN



 

Evolved
 

This cartoon was also published a few days after President Obama’s big announcement about his stance on same-sex marriage. Like many of the other cartoons drawn around this time, it points out Obama’s evolved beliefs on the topic. In this particular cartoon, there are four cavemen in a cave and one is drawing on the wall. The caveman who is drawing on the wall is drawing a man walking upright and donkeys being shot by arrows. The donkeys represent the Democratic Party and the man has large ears which is a satirical symbol of President Obama. The caveman behind the artist caveman has the words “Anti-same-sex marriage states” written on his shirt. In the cartoon he is asking the artist caveman, “What is that scary unnatural upright beast?” The drawer replies, “An evolved president.” The caveman who asks the question, as well as the other cavemen, represents the states that are against same-sex marriage, which are stereotypically Republican states as well. By drawing those states as cavemen, the states are framed in a way that makes them look prehistoric or old-fashioned. Obama’s evolving stance is shown as the new age belief. Also shown in this cartoon is the Democratic Party, or the donkeys drawn on the wall, being shot down. One donkey even has an arrow stuck in it. This is a representation of the Republican Party trying to shoot down the Democratic Party.

This cartoon frames sexual minorities in a positive way because it doesn’t necessarily have any negative connotations about sexual minorities in the cartoon. However, the framing is opposed to equal rights for sexual minorities because of the arrows being pointed at the Democratic Party and the representation of the states that are against same-sex marriage. The reality that is constructed about sexual minorities and their rights in this cartoon is that people who are anti-same-sex marriage are old-fashioned and Obama’s beliefs are constantly evolving. 

 

 Team Member Name: BECKY EISENHOWER

Publication: PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Date: MAY 13TH 2012

Cartoonist: ROB ROGERS

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: EVOLVED

Cartoon #: EIGHT 





Obama On Gay Marriage


This cartoon was created in response to Obama announcing the change that is about to take place in the United States regarding same-sex marriage. The cartoon is a picture of Obama giving a speech in which he announces, with conviction, his decision on gay marriage. The cartoon shows that Obama has changed his views and turning to a new light regarding the topic. The cartoon shows a fraction of his face dark with most of it turning to light. His eyes also show that he is looking up into the future with the new colors of the flag in the background. Those colors represent the LGBT community. The LGBT community is now being accepted in the United States. They now have the right to legally be married with a country and president to support them. The cartoon is positively framing sexual minorities and is supportive of their equal rights. The reality that is constructed is the changes in our country that are being made to support the LGBT community.

Team Member Name: BROCK BIRD
Publication: ALEX FALCO INTERNATIONAL
Date: MAY 10TH 2012
Cartoonist: ALEX FALCO
U.S. or International: UNITED STATES
Title of cartoon: OBAMA ON GAY MARRIAGE
Cartoon #: NINE





Sanctimonious

This cartoon about gay marriage points out how people are viewing marriage. The husband in this cartoon is complaining about gay people ruining the sanctity of marriage, while he himself is neglecting his own marriage. The cartoonist wishes to call people to the attention of their own relationships in their lives rather than the outside dealings of others. The tone of framing sexual minorities is negative, proclaiming that their marriage is ruining others. But the actual cartoon is in favor of equal rights by pointing out how hypocritical it is to be calling out other people on their beliefs. Also during this time that the cartoon was published the Supreme Court was dealing with California’s ruling of Proposition 8. John Stewart provides his commentary on the ruling with this clip. The reality that is being shown in this cartoon is that before we start judging the way other people live, we need to evaluate what is going on in our own lives so that we can view same-sex marriage with an open mind.

Team Member Name: MARLEY MCCLUNE

Publication: ARTIZANS SYNDICATE

Date: DECEMBER 13TH 2012

Cartoonist: ED HALL

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: SANCTIMONIOUS

Cartoon #: TEN 

Untitled

The reason we included this particular cartoon is because we wish to highlight the attack on Chik-fil-A. Back when Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy announced that he was anti-gay marriage there was a lot of outrage. Using the signature cows from the company the cartoon calls attention to the fact that we as a nation are given the right to our own opinion. The cartoonist may/or may not agree with the company’s opinion, but is reminding us that freedom of speech still exists, even in the topic of gay marriage. This cartoon does not frame sexual minorites in a positive or negative light, but it could be viewed as against equal rights for sexual minorities. The reality constructed in this cartoon is that everyone has a right to their own personal opinion and they are protected by the first amendment in the U.S. Constitution.

Team Member Name: MARLEY MCCLUNE

Publication: JOURNAL REGISTER NEWSPAPERS

Date: JULY 27TH 2012

Cartoonist: TOM STIGLICH

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: UNTITLED

Cartoon #: ELEVEN

Dominos

The cartoon depicted shows a “domino” affect that is happening with gay marriages throughout America, one state after another going forward with banning Proposition 8. During the time of this cartoon's publication many Americans felt gay marriage was “inevitable”. This cartoon highlights, how as Americans, people are looking at gay marriage more openly. This cartoon is positively framing sexual minorities and is also setting a positive tone on equal rights. The reality that is constructed in this cartoon is that legalization of same-sex marriage is inevitable and one by one the states will pass laws to allow it.

Team Member Name: MARLEY MCCLUNE

Publication: EUGENE REGISTER-GUARD

Date: FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

Cartoonist: JESSE SPRINGER

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: DOMINOS

Cartoon #: TWELVE

Gay Marriage

 

In this piece the cartoonist is criticizing North Carolina Republicans for being anti-gay marriage. The

artist highlights this by having the elephant exclaim, “What is this? The 21^st century?” which indeed it is. The cartoon wants to point out that those republicans are behind the times with accepting gay marriage, which they banned in North Carolina on May 11, 2012. Just a day after the cartoon was posted. The elephant also is wearing a cross, a symbol in Christianity to point out the number of Christians against gay marriage. Another point in the elephant believing in old school values is the fact that he gets his news from the radio, supporting that conservatives prefer the olden ways instead of new up coming propositions. This cartoon frames sexual minorities in a negative light. But also shows equal rights in a positive light by making those opposed seem old fashioned and ridiculous.

Team Member Name: MARLEY MCCLUNE

Publication: CARTOON MOVEMENT

Date: MAY 10TH 2012

Cartoonist: DEB MILRATH

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: GAY MARRIAGE

Cartoon #: THIRTEEN   

Untitled

This cartoon was published by Michael Ramirez on Investors.com on May 14th after President Obama publicly announced his new stance on gay marriage. This announcement raised the question as to whether Obama made the announcement because of personal beliefs or purely for political reasons. The Monday before his announcement, on an appearance on “The View” he said, “Congress is clearly on notice that I think it’s a bad idea,” referring to gay marriage. In this cartoon Ramirez voiced his opinion on the topic by depicting Obama getting paid off by the liberal elite to do them a political favor. This editorial cartoon frames gay marriage positively, but with a negative tone. The reality that this cartoon depicts is that Obama is in favor of same-sex marriage but only for money or political gain.

Team Member Name: MADIE STONE
Publication: INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY

Date: MAY 14TH 2012 

Cartoonist: MICHAEL RAMIREZ

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon:UNTITLED

Cartoon #: FOURTEEN

Ban On Gay Marriage

 

This cartoon was published in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on December 13, 2012, after the Supreme Court agreed to step into debates about gay marriage for the first time. The court agreed to hear two cases that challenges state and federal laws that define legal marriage. One of the cases concerned two New York City women, Edith Windsor and Thea Clara Spyer, who were married in 2007 in Canada. Ms. Spyer died in 2009, and Ms. Windsor inherited her property. But the law did not allow the Internal Revenue Service to treat Ms. Windsor as a surviving spouse, and she faced a tax bill of about $360,000 that a spouse in an opposite-sex marriage would not have. The cartoon by Bish reads, “years later some people are still denied their freedom” and depicts hands in shackles. This is in response to these events. This editorial cartoon shows negative framing of sexual minorities, however the framing is supportive of equal rights for sexual minorities. The reality shown in this cartoon is that sexual minorities do not have the same rights as heterosexual citizens.

Team Member Name: MADIE STONE

Publication: PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Date: DECEMBER 13TH 2012

Cartoonist: RANDY BISH

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: BAN ON GAY MARRIAGE

Cartoon #: FIFTEEN      

Obama Evolves on Gay Marriage

This cartoon appeared in Newsday on May 10,  2012 right after Obama made the historic announcement of his stance on gay marriage. In an interview with ABC News he discussed how he felt the evolution from anti same sex marriage to pro was one that mirrors much of the country. Hadelsman’s cartoon “Obama’s Evolution” reflects this interview by creating an image that looks similar to a car right after marriage. Instead of “Just Married” it reads, “Just Evolved” with cans dragging behind that read “gay marriage support.” This editorial cartoon positively frames gay marriage and is also supportive of equal rights for sexual minorities, but there is slight negative framing on Obama. The reality that is framed is that Obama despite his reasoning is now supportive of gay marriage.  

Team Member Name: MADISON STONE

Publication: NEWSDAY

Date: MAY 5TH 2012

Cartoonist: WALT HANDELSMAN

U.S. or International: UNITED STATES

Title of Cartoon: OBAMA EVOLVES ON GAY MARRIAGE

Cartoon #: SIXTEEN