Gay marriage has been and will continue to be a heated topic of debate. Supporters feel that it is a simple matter of equality, while others say that marriage must be between a man and a woman. This argument seems to be one that is constantly repeated, adapted, and repeated again. Recently, many states decided to resolve the matter. This past election, many citizens of Idaho hoped that they would become yet another state to do so. This effort was unsuccessful. This cartoon, created by Steve Sack, depicts the predicament that Idaho currently faces. Sack uses parallelism and humor to convey his message.
The caption on the right of the cartoon reads, "Equality to our North! Equality to our South! Equality East and West! Holy Matrimony, We're Surrounded!!!" This caption utilizes anaphora with its repeated use of "Equality" at the beginning of the sentences. This ultimately creates the image the equality is everywhere.... except in Idaho, of course. This style of repetition allows this message to be felt the strongest because in only three short sentences, the Idaho resident realizes that he or she is literally surrounded from all sides with equality. It also begs the question, "If everywhere else, why not here?" The last sentence uses humor. "Holy matrimony" is used as an indicator of the policymakers surprise, but it is also a term that is used to represent the institution of marriage that is causing the commotion. In the context of how it is used, the policymakers are portrayed as childish and immature. This adds legitimacy to the supporters' argument by degrading their opposition, and may be intended to sway the majority in their direction.
Steve Sack created this cartoon with many things in mind. The boiling situation in Idaho has left many people upset. This cartoon portrays the scenario that policymakers face who are responsible for quelling this conflict. It is ultimately due to Sack's use of parallelism and humor that strengthen the effectiveness of his message.
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