http://www.uclick.com/client/nyt/bs/
Wall Street is known for it's immense amount of wealth and billionaires whom roam the streets. They're are also known for the lack of empathy not only towards the lower class but also the middle class. In Ben Sargent's political cartoon, a milk carton sits in the trash can displaying the words "Missing: Middle Class American Dream." The milk carton is something everyone can relate to because in the past, people have used them to publicize that someone is missing. This time though, it's publicizing that the American Dream is missing. This means that is is slowly disappearing as big businesses on Wall Street take over. Sargent's cartoon also illustrates a street sign that says in prominent letters "Wall Street." This is meant to symbolize that Wall Street is a a huge contributor to the elite's high status. When it comes to money, they dominate, and they're proud of it. The sign is placed above the trash can representing how Wall Street looks down upon the middle class and, like garbage, has no problem with letting go of the middle class.
One of the techniques that Ben Sargent uses is his placement of words. By placing the sign in the upper left hand corner, it catches the reader's attention immediately. The letters on the sign are thick and large to represent the reign that Wall Street has over society. This is supposed to make the reader think about the power that Wall Street has and how it's effected them and their lives. The reader's eye is then drawn to the trash can next, which is purposefully placed below the sign to emphasize anyone who does not have Wall Street status is considered "garbage." This is supposed to make the reader feel frustrated about the situations on Wall Street and fight against the elites of society.
Another technique Sargent uses is Ridicule. By placing the the "Middle Class American Dream" in the garbage, it emphasizes that it has become irrelevant to the elites. This is placing blame on Wall Street for their dominance over society and how it's become an issue. This issue has been publicized for weeks on the news, showcasing all the protests and riots that have been going on. The middle class makes up a huge part of America and people are fighting in order to keep this class around. Wall Street is the epitome of the Elitist Theory and that's not what America should stand for.
Sargent has a great point: the American Dream is missing. People have become hyper focused on who's holding the power rather than realizing that they can strive to accomplish the American Dream just like those on Wall Street. They do have an incredible amount of power but in order to take it out of their hands, people need to start working towards the American Dream again. Ben Sargent is probably a liberal due to the fact that he thinks the middle class is an important factor in society. Everyone should be well represented and most liberals believe that people can work towards wealth if they make the conscience decision to do so. Wall Street cannot keep people from working for what they want and they can stand up to the elites to start accomplishing the American Dream.
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