Twitter Trouble

Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen posted this picture on his twitter account today. He has received backlash from both liberals and conservatives. The cartoon Cohen tweeted is placing blame on the NRA in the midst of the Navy yard shooting. The ad doesn't directly correlate with the Navy yard shootings but the Congressman's timing says it all. The rifle has the capitol and the Washington Monument as a symbol of the power the NRA holds over the government.
There are many aspects of the cartoon that make it so controversial. The first characteristic is the NRA branding on the side of the gun. The type of gun is also important; it's an assault rifle. The same type of gun used in many major shootings all over he US.
The second detail is the Washington Monument and the Capitol mounted at the edge of the gun. This is showing the government's support and also the NRA's power over the government. The last characteristic are the dark colors used to depict how grim and scary the NRA can be. The cartoonist did a wonderful job of putting the blame on the NRA for the recent shootings in America. Many politicians lately have been getting into trouble on twitter because of pictures they have posted or statements they have made.
I love how the meaning of this picture is so multidimensional. It began as an artist's opinion, then was used to convey an opinion of Congressman Cohen, and finally it was used as a way for the public to react. Cohen changed the way I viewed this comic than if I would of seen it a week ago.

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What Politics Means to Me

            This photo is a perfect visual symbol for politics because it stands for controversy and the need for change. This image leaked the internet the day that Obama announced his plans for Syria. Millions and millions of people from all over the world will see this and form an opinion about the work. It is an emotional, simplistic and it makes a huge statement on the politics of today. This is image also takes on two different art forms: street art and photography. The photographer made sure that the street art had an interesting background that correlated the message the artist was trying to make. The barbed wire is sending a feeling of persecution. Obama has a look of disappointment as well as compassion, while Bush has a strong, forceful look of evil tyranny. A once great leader who promised change has been reduced to a mask that reveals the same mistakes as the past leader.

Syria: The Meme Reaction

            Obama’s plans to bomb Syria launched an Internet freak-out. Both supporters and non-supporters had their share of opinions on Obama’s decision. The most interesting reaction from the internet came in the form of memes. Only 9% of Americans agree with our intervention of Syria so it comes as no surprise that everyone has an opinion. In our generation people want their news fast. Memes are a perfect way to express an opinion in an entertaining and easy way. They can be funny as well as emotional.The witty and satirical works of internet memes have captured a huge audience. It forces the viewer to choose a side in a split second. It allows us to not think about the details and only to concentrate on the bigger picture. For example I'm sure that most of the American people don't know the reasons behind Obama's decision on Syria. Memes allow us to be loud and opinionated, but not necessarily more educated on the issues.