Source : http://www.scmp.com/photos/recent/76670/1204371
Editorial cartoon by Harry Harrison on April 12, 2013
Editorial cartoon by Harry Harrison on April 12, 2013
This editorial cartoon was published on the South China Morning Post on April 12 in 2013. Harry Harrison, the well-known editorial cartoonist in Hong Kong, is addressing the issue about the increasing number of nuclear and missile tests in North Korea after Kim Jong-un become the supreme leader of North Korea.
In this cartoon, there are three characters. A man who wore the suit with the pattern of the United States’ flag represented the United States. He is also recognized as Uncle Sam, a common national personification of the American government. There is also a panda in this comic. Panda represented China because it is known as China’s treasure. On the painting, there is a North Korea’s emblem on the sword. With the help of this cue, it is easy to recognize that the man represented Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. Harry perfectly drew the characteristics of Kim in this portrait. Three missiles behind Kim implied that this editorial cartoon was related to the recent nuclear and missile tests in North Korea.
North Korea has been causing crises since the end of the Korean War 60 years ago. Northeast Asia and the United States hoped a cycle of provocation and demands would end with Kim Jong-un taking power, but he has proven even more antagonistic than his father and grandfather. More nuclear and missile tests seem likely. The North Korea’ ally, China, is under intense pressure to force a climbdown. However, Kim wanted to show that China could not influence his regime. He refused to stop preparing the upcoming nuclear tests.
Harry used symbolism to represent the U.S. and Chinese government. From the comic, it showed that they were discussing how to solve the crisis. The U.S. government urged Chinese government to warn North Korea to stop being provocative. Since the distance between Uncle Sam and panda is close, it showed that China has already worked closely with the U.S. as she released North Korea has become a headache of China. She wanted to give a lesson to North Korea. However, from panda’s facial expression, it can also be predicted that China chose to do nothing about this crisis now because China wants a stable environment. She didn't want to involve too much in this crisis because it may destabilize her regime. The dialogue of panda has further proven this prediction.
Harry conveyed his opinion through the facial expression of Kim and the word on the painting. Kim held the sworn with a malevolent face and evil glint in his eyes. These showed that the determination of Kim to test the missile. He wanted to scare other countries, especially the U.S. and South Korea, through the testing. However, Harry used ‘unhinged’ as the caption of painting to say that Kim’s decision is not smart. Kim did not have a comprehensive planning before taking this decision. As Beijing certainly aware that the recent moves by North Korea have a significant impact on China, what Kim has done may lose his ally and will only bring North Korea into danger.
In this cartoon, there are three characters. A man who wore the suit with the pattern of the United States’ flag represented the United States. He is also recognized as Uncle Sam, a common national personification of the American government. There is also a panda in this comic. Panda represented China because it is known as China’s treasure. On the painting, there is a North Korea’s emblem on the sword. With the help of this cue, it is easy to recognize that the man represented Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. Harry perfectly drew the characteristics of Kim in this portrait. Three missiles behind Kim implied that this editorial cartoon was related to the recent nuclear and missile tests in North Korea.
North Korea has been causing crises since the end of the Korean War 60 years ago. Northeast Asia and the United States hoped a cycle of provocation and demands would end with Kim Jong-un taking power, but he has proven even more antagonistic than his father and grandfather. More nuclear and missile tests seem likely. The North Korea’ ally, China, is under intense pressure to force a climbdown. However, Kim wanted to show that China could not influence his regime. He refused to stop preparing the upcoming nuclear tests.
Harry used symbolism to represent the U.S. and Chinese government. From the comic, it showed that they were discussing how to solve the crisis. The U.S. government urged Chinese government to warn North Korea to stop being provocative. Since the distance between Uncle Sam and panda is close, it showed that China has already worked closely with the U.S. as she released North Korea has become a headache of China. She wanted to give a lesson to North Korea. However, from panda’s facial expression, it can also be predicted that China chose to do nothing about this crisis now because China wants a stable environment. She didn't want to involve too much in this crisis because it may destabilize her regime. The dialogue of panda has further proven this prediction.
Harry conveyed his opinion through the facial expression of Kim and the word on the painting. Kim held the sworn with a malevolent face and evil glint in his eyes. These showed that the determination of Kim to test the missile. He wanted to scare other countries, especially the U.S. and South Korea, through the testing. However, Harry used ‘unhinged’ as the caption of painting to say that Kim’s decision is not smart. Kim did not have a comprehensive planning before taking this decision. As Beijing certainly aware that the recent moves by North Korea have a significant impact on China, what Kim has done may lose his ally and will only bring North Korea into danger.
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