Comic/Article Genre Analysis

For this assignment I had to compare a cartoon and an article both about the Mexican Drug War. It is sufficient to say that the article genre > cartoon genre in terms of information, credibility, and presentation. The cartoon I used is at the bottom of the post be sure to view it before you proceed. Without further ado I present to you my Genre Analysis in all its glory.

Violence in Mexico: Cartoon & article genre analysis

Pedro Torres

University of Texas at El Paso

Violence in Mexico: Cartoon & article genre analysis

Just a short distance from the University of Texas at El Paso rests Ciudad Juarez the capitol of drug violence. The problem originates from the relaxed gun laws in the U.S. and Americans’ insatiable appetite for drugs. This destructive cycle has armed the various drug cartels with serious firepower rivaling that of Mexico’s own military and federal police. “Nearly 35,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence since late 2006” (Miglierini, 2011). This catastrophic loss demands attention. That is why it is important to analyze how two distinct genres address the issue of drug related violence that plagues Ciudad Juarez.

The first genre that will be examined is the article “Crunching numbers in Mexico's drug conflict” about the death statistics in Mexico. The articles’ main purpose is to inform others of the situation going on south of the border. Within the confines of this article the numbers of the deceased are ingeniously correlated to their proper faction. This article distinguishes between those who were affiliated with drug cartels, police, military, and the unfortunate civilians caught in the crossfire. Also, the concentration of this violence in regards to location is revealed. This volley of information is intended for those who live close to the border of Mexico. The simple fact that it’s written in English indicates that it’s geared towards Americans.

In comparison, the cartoon offer a friendlier premise and its purpose is immediately understood. This cartoon quickly portrays “USA users” and “Mexican drug cartels” as hideous obese trolls. Its purpose is to bring current issues to light and portray the situation through caricatures. This comic illustration quickly establishes its purpose and does it effectively with little text. The cartoons’ humorous depiction makes its audience broader than the articles. Given the quality of this cartoon and depiction of drug usage it would never be published on a newspaper. Precautions would be taken to hide this from children as some parents might label this as inappropriate.

The article pulls its figures directly from the Mexican federal government database. Many reputable Mexican officials are quoted. Various polls and surveys are cited too. These factors lead one to believe that the author does have some insight about this issue. Authenticity is the quintessential factor in conjuring an article. These article authors have a reputation to uphold for their companies. Deprived of credibility, nobody would take an interest, and would swiftly toss the article away without hesitation.

As for the cartoon there is not a grain of truth to be found. However, it was never meant to be taken seriously. For cartoons, their strength lies in evoking emotion. When a reader finds this cartoon particularly humorous they are more likely to remember it. The humor also calms the reader and lets their guard down towards the cartoon. This makes the reader more susceptible towards the artist’s message.  The article can’t hold a flame to the cartoons’ superior utilization of pathos.

 Aside from playing with emotions and reinforcing their credentials a genre has to make sense.  As in the case of this cartoon for example, most drug users generally are not aware of where their vice comes from. It would be unlikely that they would be within hearing distance of Mexican drug cartels. Such far-fetched scenarios are to be expected of the cartoon genre. The article depicts the issue chronologically and includes any relevant information about that period of time. The article has the upper hand in logically explaining the issue.

Style is correspondingly crucial to the article. Typically the authors own opinion is subtly imbedded. From the first glance the reader understands that much of the article is just facts. Yet, as the article progresses the facts all lead towards a certain direction. At the forefront of the article a valiant troop is displayed, armed to the teeth with full body armor, finger on the trigger just moments away before unleashing a torrent of bullets at any drug cartel member. While trying to describe the violence, a sense of security is vaguely implied. “Meanwhile, in states like Tlaxcala, only 13 people have been killed in the conflict since 2006” (Miglierini, 2011). This is actually a very small amount of deaths in a period of 4 years. “Officials point out that violence is confined to specific areas” (Miglierini, 2011). So, not all of Mexico is afflicted with drug violence and bloodshed. “Government security spokesman Alejandro Poire points out that the number of drug-related murders decreased by about 10% in the last quarter of 2010” (Miglierini, 2011). Finishing off with a nice statistic that emphasizes the positive outlook on Mexico’s drug war is a nice way to wrap up the article.

The cartoon style is informal as is only inhibited by the artists’ imagination. Some jargon is used because “Shooting Up” means completely different things for the characters. Much can be said about the way this artist chose to draw the characters. Depicted, as repulsive heaps of flesh, both of the characters do not seem friendly. The man who represents the drug cartels is equipped with more bullets that he will ever need. His shirt boldly labels him as “Mexican drug cartels”. Absolutely no man would ever dress this way in real life. This exaggeration is the style that the cartoon genre follows.

Both genres have their perks and handicaps. In the case of the cartoon, it instantaneously addresses its purpose successfully without ambiguity. The article tends to get more loquacious to fully grasp its purpose. However the article is something that one can trust in, with its bona fide statistics, officials’ quotes, and genuine survey results. Also, the article dives deep towards the subject in all aspects while, the cartoon barely scratches the surface. The artist most certainly could have added more symbolism or perhaps a background for the characters. These details set each other apart.

            Choosing the right genre is vital to effectively conveying the right purpose to the intended audience. As we have seen some genres are more prepared than others. Addressing a problem of this magnitude is no easy feat. However, the article was by far the best genre used to convey the issue of the violence pertaining to Mexico. Quite simply because of its seriousness and professionalism that comes from the article genre. And the cartoons lack of content. There is only so much one can draw on a single cartoon.

References

Miglierini, J. (2011). Crunching numbers in mexico's drug conflict. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12194138

Granlund, D. (2009). Mexican drug war. Retrieved from http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/d95e45be-03c6-486c-8f14-12f84c6bc4e7.html