Cartoon Reflection

This cartoon is extremely relevant to the present and future of our lives. We are becoming increasingly reliant on technology, and this cartoon displays a common family’s use of such technology. The main visual elements help illustrate the author’s point. The contrast in height between the parents and the child represents the relationships between these people. The repetition of shapes, such as the parents’ packs, creates a unified look to the cartoon. Lastly, the use of black and white throughout the piece defines objects, creating a pleasing alignment. Using these visual elements, the artist clearly displays the issue of technology taking over personal interaction. The quote clearly explains that the child no longer needs to discuss his daily life with his parents because he has used a blog to express himself. The cartoonist is using irony to create an effective cartoon. The artist uses the slouch in the parents to portray disappointment. They would like to hear from their child about their day, but the child’s far off expression display his lack of concentration. The irony manages to come through this cartoon because this is being viewed through several computers, and commented upon in blogs. We, as a class, are reviewing this piece through our blogs for a public audience as we do every week. Therefore, it relates to our study of technology and the future because we, average students, are using such technology to get our ideas across. But not only is technology being taught in school, we use it for many other things, such as social networking. The child now does not need to speak, or relate with his family when he can just use his blog to describe his daily activities. In the future, this might continue until there is no family interaction, only technology interaction. This, technological interaction, is one of the many negative affects humans suffering from technology. One thing the artist could have improved upon would be making this cartoon more detailed. Whether it is pixilation from the computer, or just how the cartoon has been made this piece come across blurry and unfocused. However, this cartoon is very relevant to our world.
Image: Mr.Coyle's Blog