Comparing Cartoon to Ad/Genres in Arguments

In our Writing Arguments book, there is a cartoon on page 1 and an ad on page 24 that express the same feeling about “GE” foods and how bad they are. Although they were presented in two different ways, they are both still criticizing genetically engineered food.

The cartoon uses visual pictures to get a response from the audience. It’s a political cartoon that makes an implicit argument. It presents a problem that creates an animosity toward the large man with the corn. The picture is of this larger man carrying a guitar is shown with an ear of corn that has been genetically altered and is holding it in front of starved little boy. The man tells the boy that he doesn’t want that piece of corn because of what has been done to it. From what it looks like, he is pointing out that taking away genetically engineered food is the same thing as keeping food away from the poor. (At least that is what I’m getting from it.)

The ad on page 24 is of the writing on a can and is about labeling foods correctly. The ad tries to appeal to the reader’s reasoning and the reader’s thoughts on organic food. According to our book and the different types of genres, this is a pubic affairs advertisement. It explains how genetically engineered foods should have labels warning customers of what’s in them.

I personally don’t think it’s as strong as the cartoon because of how it creates a more realistic and accurate point. The cartoon makes the reader stop and think, while the ad has more explicit argument. The cartoon has a visual appeal and provides more room for interpretation. It tries to get you to agree with the author and to be persuaded by presenting facts.

Genre is a major aspect of an argument. The style that you present your opinions can ride on whether people will support your side or not. With the ad, its genre helps its argument because it’s in a specialized magazine called the Vegetarian Times. The audience who reads this ad will more than likely agree with it because it’s put in a magazine that is based on their feelings already. On the other hand, the cartoon is from a news service. As I said earlier, this is a public affairs advertisement. This news service is for people to talk about and get different standpoints on current events. Whether the readers agree with this cartoon or not, it adds to their thoughts on politics.