Figure1. A cartoon named Syriza wins Greek elections by TOM JANSSEN, posted by http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/406aa86e-266b-4fc2-afe1-e4ee041c098b.html
On January 25th, the Greek election of 2015 eventually ended in the compelling victory of Syriza, a left-wing party led by Alexis Tsipras. This result that came out under the tensive economic status not only means the establishing of the first anti-austerity government in Europe, but also means the claim of Greece’s consideration of quitting EMU made by Alexis Tsipras, the firebrand of Syriza, may come true. (The Economist, 2015)And since this may have huge influence on the Europe pattern or even the world economic trends, it has become a hot topic and drawn the whole world’s attention.
This editorial cartoon created by Tom Janssen also tried to illustrate the contemporary embarrassing situations. It reveals the Syriza government’s intention of seceding Eurozone to transfer the heavy debt along with the financial risks to the troika. And the worry of the serious threat that may be brought by Greece’s exit was also showed by the frightening facial expression of the “troika” in the comic.
Labeling as a device is adopted in this comic by using the famous sculpture Discobolus to symbolize the new elected coalition party. Because Discobolus is always seen as an emblem of strong and power, this labeling shows Syriza’s tough position to oppose the lasting austerity policy and to reduce the debt by consulting with the troika. In addition, since Discobolus as a symbol of the once prosperous Ancient Greek civilization is now used to indicate kind of political ploy played by the new government, this can also be seen as applications of satire and irony that expresses the cartoonist’s critical attitude towards the Syriza government’s action. These kind of devices used all help to make this comic impressive.
However, the use or you may say misuse of the exaggeration conveys wrong message that may lead to bias. The artist exaggerated the fear of the troika and make them look weak and powerless in the comic. This may intended to call for sympathy and consideration for the future of the whole Europe initially, but actually left an impression that the troika is in a passive position and can do nothing but wait and pray now. And this kind of negative message in fact will increase the depression of the public and reduce their faith in Trioka’s future plans and dose harm to the process of European unity. Besides, the Eurozone, in fact, has already began to prepare for the impact that may be brought by Greece’s exit and showed the ability to get through without much trouble.
Reference:
The Economist. (2014). Greece's election Syriza wins. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2015/01/greeces-election
LI Yijing
SID:54017374
This editorial cartoon created by Tom Janssen also tried to illustrate the contemporary embarrassing situations. It reveals the Syriza government’s intention of seceding Eurozone to transfer the heavy debt along with the financial risks to the troika. And the worry of the serious threat that may be brought by Greece’s exit was also showed by the frightening facial expression of the “troika” in the comic.
Labeling as a device is adopted in this comic by using the famous sculpture Discobolus to symbolize the new elected coalition party. Because Discobolus is always seen as an emblem of strong and power, this labeling shows Syriza’s tough position to oppose the lasting austerity policy and to reduce the debt by consulting with the troika. In addition, since Discobolus as a symbol of the once prosperous Ancient Greek civilization is now used to indicate kind of political ploy played by the new government, this can also be seen as applications of satire and irony that expresses the cartoonist’s critical attitude towards the Syriza government’s action. These kind of devices used all help to make this comic impressive.
However, the use or you may say misuse of the exaggeration conveys wrong message that may lead to bias. The artist exaggerated the fear of the troika and make them look weak and powerless in the comic. This may intended to call for sympathy and consideration for the future of the whole Europe initially, but actually left an impression that the troika is in a passive position and can do nothing but wait and pray now. And this kind of negative message in fact will increase the depression of the public and reduce their faith in Trioka’s future plans and dose harm to the process of European unity. Besides, the Eurozone, in fact, has already began to prepare for the impact that may be brought by Greece’s exit and showed the ability to get through without much trouble.
Reference:
The Economist. (2014). Greece's election Syriza wins. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2015/01/greeces-election
LI Yijing
SID:54017374