Propaganda: Pro-mask political cartoon
The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth a wave of influential propaganda ranging from the existence of the virus itself to the health effects of vaccination. This propaganda was both beneficial and harmful to society, convincing the populace to protect themselves through social distancing and leading those to believe injecting themselves with dangerous chemicals and poisons to cure them of the virus. Among these, many pieces were centered around the at the time controversial topic of wearing masks, the above image is a perfect example.
The political cartoon When did wearing a mask become political? by Dave Whamond is a form of propaganda released June 30th, 2022 during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic commenting on the state of American society. The cartoon depicts a white, American, Trump supporter insisting his rights outweigh basic public safety, whether it be wearing a mask, driving on the correct side of the road or wearing a seatbelt. The fundamental purpose of this cartoon is to sway people into accepting and wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Whamond’s statement that wearing a mask is the same as wearing a seatbelt or driving on the right side of the road attacks anti-mask supporters mocking their refusal to comply with basic life saving regulations such as wearing a mask. At the same time, Whamond’s propaganda comments that refusal to wear a mask as a political statement is turning a blind eye to science which supported the light saving capabilities of wearing a mask.
This piece of propaganda attacks opponents while having a somewhat beneficial impact on society. First, the cartoon depicts anti-mask supporters simply as white, fat, Trump supporting Americans, a somewhat demeaning appearance. At the same time Whamond activates emotions with the coffin symbolizing death, depicting refusal to wear a mask the same as refusing life saving methods accepted by society such as wearing a seatbelt. Lastly, Whamond keeps the viewer’s attention by having an overall humorous depiction of this dark topic of death.
At the time of publication, masks were recommended as a form of protection against the spread of COVID-19 by the CDC, but still ridiculed by many such as President of the time, Donald Trump. This cartoon would have been found in the comic strip Reality Check or on other publications, and thus may only come into contact with those that read these particular comics or are intentionally looking for pro-mask related news. Many who supported masks at the time or were on the fence would agree or be persuaded by the message of this comic strip. However, I feel that those with strong anti-mask beliefs would view this propaganda as demeaning while conversely stating that wearing a mask is nothing similar to wearing a seatbelt or driving on the right side of the road.
As a cartoon can not depict the whole story, this piece also leaves out crucial information of the situation. At the time, masks were simply recommended by the CDC as research was still being done, and the mask mandate had not been announced. In addition, the controversy on whether or not being forced to wear a mask was still a hot topic. Although COVID-19 took many lives and still is, Whamond’s extreme depiction of death exaggerates the effects of COVID-19 on a healthy individual.
Coming into the third year of COVID-19, many would express this political cartoon as beneficial propaganda. Whether or not one opposes wearing masks, now it is generally accepted that they prevent the spread of the virus and the advocating for masks at the time was much needed propaganda. Whamond’s cartoon tries to change the idea that wearing masks is not a political statement but a necessary safety measure to protect all of our lives. Many view propaganda as evil lies that lead society into an illusion of a false reality, but it also can be used for good. Whether it is convincing children to brush their teeth, tennagers to avoid smoking cigarettes or in this case society to wear a mask, propaganda is not evil in nature, but how it is used and interpreted by us, that makes it “evil.”
