Cartoon Australia Day Analysis
Pictured in the cartoon by Knight as featured in the Herald Sun, is Prime Minister Julia Gillard & leader of the Coalition Tony Abbot along with their security detachment, police and angry Aboriginal protestors who represent the Tent Embassy who are reacting after inflammatory comments from Tony Abbot.
Gillard is depicted in an unflattering manner with her exaggerated features such as her red hair and over-sized proboscis. Furthermore, her body language, which sees her almost falling over, makes her look vulnerable. Also, the absence of a shoe makes her look pitiful. Her derogatory comment involving the word “bloody” is designed to shock audiences, as it is not language that should be readily used by a prime minister. Bringing up the rear is Tony Abbot who cuts a laughable figure in his speedo swimming trunks. His body is depicted unfavorably with his scrawny appearance, pointed nose, oversized ears and lips. The security detachment in the form of the police and the bodyguards are seen to be masculine and this is especially evident in their oversized torsos and jawlines. The Aboriginals are depicted as a formidable force that ascend above those below them. They are represented in their sheer numbers that literally surround and outnumber the Gillard and Abbot entourage. They clearly are seen to have the upper hand as Gillard and co flee. The spear that rests against the car door is seen to be symbolic of the first Australians encounter with members of the First Fleet and is paired with the date “1788” that appears in the comment bubble.
Overall, Knight’s contention is sympathetic to the Aboriginal cause as illustrated by the unflattering way in which he depicts the politicians in retreat juxtaposed against indigenous members of the Tent Embassy who clearly have the upper hand.