Conclusion

By Mason Lenches-Jhamb

The political cartoons that we chose to analyze were divided amongst support, neutrality, and opposition. The subject matter of the cartoons varies from portrayals of the Catholic Church to President Obama, and even so far as Chick-fil-A. Across the spectrum of subject matter there exists a number of arguments both for, and against same sex marriage. Such justifications are grounded within certain ideologies ranging from religious to political orientation. With the variety of approaches to this issue, political cartoonists have raised the level of awareness, creating an active public discourse. Marriage equality, as revealed through our choice of cartoons, is a multifaceted issue. The sides are not so easily demarcated, as the ground continues to shift.

The cartoonists successfully expose the nature of the opposition, despite whether or not the cartoon in question is a negative portrayal. The Catholic Church advocates against marriage equality with a moral and biblical basis, hoping to protect the sanctity of marriage. President of Chick-fil-A, Dan Cathy, proclaimed his defense of marriage and the institution of family. Certain Conservatives assert that President Obama’s fluctuation in support for same sex marriages is born out of self-interest. Or, is it merely an evolution of opinion? The answer is dependant upon to whom the question is addressed. Then, there are the myriad individual perspectives. There are some that consider same sex marriage unnatural, whereas others see it as defying tradition. The grounds for opposition are expansive. What of the advocates? To what do they belong?

The support for same sex marriage is malleable, and continues to take root in even the most unlikely demographics. Consider the groupings of opposition. Contained within all the assemblies are certain individuals that advocate marriage equality. The diverse camps fail to take into account individual belief. Yes, the Catholic Church is inherently against same sex marriage, although there are scores of Catholics that believe in anyone’s right to marry. Likewise, some Conservatives don’t support equal marriage rights, yet others may. Marriage equality pleads to the morality in all of us, no matter our ideological orientation. Is it just to deny humans their basic rights in a country at the forefront of civilized society? Are we so different as we would like to believe? As awareness is raised, and debate initiated, the resolution nears.