Discussion Board: Great Scramble Political Cartoons Political cartoons provide an insight into even ...
Discussion Board: Great Scramble Political Cartoons Political cartoons provide an insight into events from the past. Review the resources covering the Great Scramble & find a political cartoon addressing the time period. After watching the video about analyzing political cartoons, share your political cartoon in this discussion board. Frame the political cartoon with the historical context, the metaphors & messages that are present plus the political messages that are being sent. What can you learn from your political cartoon? To receive full credit for this assignment your post must: Address the questions asked in the paragraph above in at least a 300-word post and cite all outside sources appropriately In your initial post, include at least one interesting question the readings raised for you Reply to at least two of your classmates' posts and attempt to answer their question (100 word posts minimum)Carla ContrerasApr 22 10:42pm| Last reply Apr 23 4:32pm Reply from Carla Contreras This political cartoon by Paresh represents the Great Scramble, emphasizing the challenges Africa faced during and after colonialism. In the cartoon, the African continent is surrounded by figures of the grim reaper, a common metaphorical symbol of death. Socioeconomic crises, such as famine, hunger, poverty, drought, and disease, are denoted within some figures. In addition, sociopolitical issues like rights abuses, civil war, dictatorship, and warlords are labeled, highlighting political instability. The grim reapers are tugging the African continent from different angles. The encirclement of these figures and words represents the inescapable and destructive forces Africa faced during that time. Additionally, "Governing the Continent unitedly: A Reality" is stated towards the bottom of the cartoon. This statement produces irony as it is the opposite of what the political cartoon represents. While unified governance is ideal, it is unattainable and unrealistic. Despite some efforts made, the present socioeconomic and sociopolitical issues, along with political instability, make it difficult to achieve unity. This emphasizes the need for a strong and responsive government that is capable of effectively addressing these challenges, which enables Africa's development. This political cartoon offers valuable insights, such as the importance of government responsibility and accountability. The challenges faced by Africa, such as the ones represented in the image, are not small problems that can be solved with a quick solution. Instead, these problems are deep-rooted within the African continent throughout history. Without an effective solution that creates lasting change, Africa's development is hindered. Therefore, government restructuring is essential. Ensuring that the government is accountable and responsible is crucial for political stability. In addition, leaders who are responsive to the needs of their people are important. This creates trust between leaders and people, fostering collaboration. These actions will enable the government to effectively address and alleviate people from socioeconomic issues. QuestionHow did the Great Scramble impact modern government systems in Africa? Expand discussion thread from Carla Contreras1 Reply, 1 Unread Reply to post from Carla ContrerasReply Mark as UnreadMark as Unread KDKayjonna DavisApr 22 5:39pmManage Discussion by Kayjonna Davis Reply from Kayjonna Davis One of the most recognized cartoons illustrating the Scramble of American was The Rhodes colossus, it portrays Cecil Rhodes, a British imperial standing on both continents South Africa and Egypt one foot on each continent. Cecil is holding a telephone cord in his hand. This symbolizes his idea of developing Cale to Cairo. A railroad that would unite British possessions across Africa. The conference in Berlin gave the setting for this cartoon. The removal of African nations and rulers was a metaphor for disrespect for their landss and independence. The idea that western countries viewed Africa as an area to be of ruler individuals is shown symbolically by splitting the continent like a piece of pie. A simple political statement is expressed by the illustration. British imperialism is broad, driven, and strong. The basic critique at the same time is the fact it overstimulates Rhodes power, possibly to demonstrate how arrogant and silly it was for one individual to assume he could govern a large nation by himself. Reply to post from Kayjonna DavisReply Mark as UnreadMark as Unread LGLance GreensladeApr 21 7:39pm| Last reply Apr 23 6:53pmManage Discussion by Lance Greenslade Reply from Lance Greenslade Historical context- The Great Scramble was about European Colonial powers in a mad dash to divide Africa up for its wealth and resources so that they would have to go to war over it they chose to meet in 1884-85 for the Berlin Conference to divide it up diplomatically. The cartoon below points out how there was only Europeans involved and the people of Africa got no say in the matter effectively robbing them of trillions.Metaphors and Imagery- The tug of war symbolizes the power struggle that was going on at the time between the Europeans, They where competing for global supremacy and unimaginable wealth so this is to be expected especially between Britain and France as there was no love lost between them throughout history. It also portrays the men in the clothes of their people, I think this emphasizes nationalism and that this was important for them to do this for their country. Also again notably the absence of any Africans pointing out once again the lack of control and input they had in the situation, purely at the mercy of their neighbors to the north.Political Messages- In my opinion this is high lighting the greed and violence that was involved during the great scramble, no regard for human life, they just say money and power and simply grabbed on to a piece of Africa and held on for dear life all in the name of wealth, fame and power.What Can we learn- I believe if you do a bit of thinking involving this cartoon you can clearly learn that imperialism was not about help the people of Africa because they are not even portray in the cartoon, it was only about European agendas and the advancement of self interests. This cartoon simply helps you visualize the heartlessness that went into the great scramble.
