Title: HONG KONG PROTEST EBBS (by Patrick Chappatte) Adapted from:http://www.cagle.com/2014/10/hong-kong-protest-ebbs/
If you ask me what could probably represent Hong Kong in the year 2014, I would tell you it was the “umbrella”. The cartoonist, Patrick Chappatte, also used this symbolic item in his drawing entitled “HONG KONG PROTEST EBBS”. This editorial cartoon was published on 6th October, 2014, when the “Umbrella Movement” was taking place in full swing in Hong Kong.
At first glance, the most eye-catching elements in this cartoon must be the person who is holding an umbrella and the big hand over him/her. Here the cartoonist makes use of symbolism, using a person holding an umbrella to represent those people participating in the “Umbrella Movement” and striving for democracy in Hong Kong. This can be further affirmed by the banner alongside the person and the landmarks behind. All these provide evidence that the main character is a protester in Hong Kong who is pursuing democracy for the sake of Hong Kong’s democratic development. Besides, the design of the shirt button gives hints to readers about the identity of the guy with an extremely big hand. Beyond doubt, we know that it is the Communist government as we can see the “five stars” pattern on the button. Another notable detail of the cartoon is the great difference in the size of the person representing the democrats and the size of that “Communist hand”. It is believed that the cartoonist is trying to depict the relationship and great contrast in terms of power between the democrats, who can either be a normal citizen in Hong Kong or a member of the pan-democracy camp, and the central Beijing government. The man holding an umbrella is clearly weaker as he/she is clenched by the extremely big hand.
This political cartoon has apparently, if not perfectly demonstrated the contemporary relation between Hong Kong and the Beijing government. The cartoonist uses a big hand to illustrate the power of the central government. Some people may ponder whether the cartoonist has exaggerated the power difference between the two parties. Nevertheless, in my point of view, this cartoon has reflected what is in the reality precisely.
All in all, it is my earnest hope that we, Hong Kong people, can establish a real democracy in this lovely city, and this is also a promise made by the central government itself.
If you ask me what could probably represent Hong Kong in the year 2014, I would tell you it was the “umbrella”. The cartoonist, Patrick Chappatte, also used this symbolic item in his drawing entitled “HONG KONG PROTEST EBBS”. This editorial cartoon was published on 6th October, 2014, when the “Umbrella Movement” was taking place in full swing in Hong Kong.
At first glance, the most eye-catching elements in this cartoon must be the person who is holding an umbrella and the big hand over him/her. Here the cartoonist makes use of symbolism, using a person holding an umbrella to represent those people participating in the “Umbrella Movement” and striving for democracy in Hong Kong. This can be further affirmed by the banner alongside the person and the landmarks behind. All these provide evidence that the main character is a protester in Hong Kong who is pursuing democracy for the sake of Hong Kong’s democratic development. Besides, the design of the shirt button gives hints to readers about the identity of the guy with an extremely big hand. Beyond doubt, we know that it is the Communist government as we can see the “five stars” pattern on the button. Another notable detail of the cartoon is the great difference in the size of the person representing the democrats and the size of that “Communist hand”. It is believed that the cartoonist is trying to depict the relationship and great contrast in terms of power between the democrats, who can either be a normal citizen in Hong Kong or a member of the pan-democracy camp, and the central Beijing government. The man holding an umbrella is clearly weaker as he/she is clenched by the extremely big hand.
This political cartoon has apparently, if not perfectly demonstrated the contemporary relation between Hong Kong and the Beijing government. The cartoonist uses a big hand to illustrate the power of the central government. Some people may ponder whether the cartoonist has exaggerated the power difference between the two parties. Nevertheless, in my point of view, this cartoon has reflected what is in the reality precisely.
All in all, it is my earnest hope that we, Hong Kong people, can establish a real democracy in this lovely city, and this is also a promise made by the central government itself.