Okay, all right. Just one more cartoon on national political affairs, and I’ll try to turn my attention back to more Michigan-based shenanigans. But I couldn’t let this one go — it’s been festering for some time.
There is not a whole lot to add because we’ve all just experienced it. For the entire election season Americans have been managed and categorized, sorted and labeled, diced and sliced by both major political parties.
We are not individual voters with actual thoughts and real concerns. We are herds of demographics who think in lock-step on singular issues.
Analyzing data may bear this out to be approximately true (sometimes), but only with broad stereotyping, and the effect is awful. We are driven to fall in line with what the data says we ought to be. It drains away both the importance of free-thinking and our empathy for others. A group of people who are black become “the blacks.” Rural white people become “hillbillies.” Women become something less than a “real” person.
I would think that the first political party to be truly authentic and make us feel less managed would have a real advantage. I know that’s asking a lot, but if I had a wish list, that would be near the top.
Now then, what’s all this about Nestle trying to sneak our drinking water out of Michigan?
John Auchter draws cartoons. Lots and lots of them. You can find them at his incredibly popular website auchtoon.com. You can also find his stuff on Michigan Public Radio’s website under Opinion.
Tom says
Did you ever see the old singles ads? Lots of initials, e.g. SWSF seeks YMABCLM = Single White Straight Female seeks Young Married Asian Bisexual Cheatin’ Large Male.
So… In political terms, I might be a MFWEWMWMWVNA. Married Fairly Well Educated White Male from the Mid West With a Very Nice Apartment. That is my demographic. How do I fit into their political preconceptions?
Tom says
We should add WPB to my description. = With Pot Belly.
Cal Lamoreaux says
I am still confused that the civil right to bear arms is opposed by supposed liberals who support most civil rights.
Tom says
So, Cal, it appears you are being intentionally simple-minded about this important issue. You will not convince anybody by acting this way, my lamb. Who killed yo mama with a second amendment machine gun? Was it an NRA member? Was it Charleton Heston? Please try to be realistic rather than posing purposely simple-minded dopey conundrums. Solve this gun problem, rather than just posing arguments!