Child Abuse: A Political Cartoon Analysis

An example of political discourse which addresses the social issue of child abuse are these political cartoons shown above. This form of political discourse addresses child abuse as a social problem within the institution of family. The first cartoon illustrates the magnitude that child abuse can reach. For example, the cartoon says “Growing up in an abusive house mangles the soul. You have been formed in an environment that guarantees you will forever see yourself hardened into a shameful, distorted lump, unworthy of love or affection,” followed by “But with my father finding his sobriety, some help, time and forgiveness I have gotten myself together” (Stantis, 2014). This portion of dialogue suggests that one direct cause of substance abuse is a parent or other caretaker’s own actions as a result of substance abuse. The cartoon hints towards these with drawings of a circle-triangle, symbolizing sobriety. In the next panel box, a closed door with a sign that says “counseling” demonstrates one solution. Consequently, the political cartoon suggests that the best way to address the problem
But the child in the dark still feels like I don’t deserve it. That’s the legacy of abuse. The beatings never really stop” (Stanton, 2014). Various forms of child abuse such as beatings become internalized and make victims feel like they deserve it; because that is all they know, they learn to accept and believe it. Opposite of the victims’ feelings, the abusers’ perspective is seen through the second political cartoon. In the political cartoon, a judge asks, “Where did you get the idea child abuse is acceptable behavior?” while branching out an abuser’s family history of child abuse (Fitzsimmons, 2013). This directly suggests that child abuse is more likely to occur when an abuser has had past experiences of abuse. As a result, the “victims” are the children who are products of these abusive