Deconstructing the Visual Elements
The American Dream cartoon analysis reveals careful attention to detail in Greenberg's work. The artist uses clothing, posture, and environmental cues to convey the stark differences between the two men's situations.
The white man is portrayed wearing a neat blue suit, tie, and leather shoes, standing upright with a content expression. His billboard features a sun replacing the 'O' in "Opportunity," symbolizing brightness and potential.
Vocabulary: Symbolism - the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
In contrast, the person of color wears worn, untidy clothes and bends over his billboard, which has a gaping hole instead of the 'O'. This stark visual metaphor emphasizes the lack of opportunities available to him.
Quote: "The 'o' is a hole, portraying the lack of opportunity."
The backgrounds further reinforce this disparity. The white man stands against a clear blue sky on green grass, while the person of color is positioned in front of a dilapidated building with broken windows on brown, earthy ground.
These visual elements work together to create a powerful commentary on the reality of the American Dream today, challenging viewers to confront the persistent inequalities in American society.