The Cartoon
Background
The chosen cartoon represents the decline of the Green Party of Canada. The picture demonstrates the pot with a dying plant surrounded by flies. It is an ironic cartoon since the party fighting for the ecological right is supposed to flourish. The critics claim that from the very beginning, the entire existence of the party was mere fiction as it was a party of one political leader (Murphy, 2022). Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the background of the party and recent political events related to its activity.
The Green Party of Canada was a highly influential party with a focus on green politics. It emerged in 1983 and kept the fifth seat in the House of Commons (Murphy, 2022). However, it is currently facing a rapid decline, for climate change is no longer a prime matter. Recently, the country underwent several hurricanes, experienced record heat, and massive wildfires (Thurton, 2022). These cataclysms made the party doubt their actions aimed at saving the environment, as some weather phenomena have brought about unrestorable circumstances.
Elizabeth May, the creator of the party, was always giving special attention to the issues of climate change and attempted to attract different stakeholders. Nonetheless, to no avail, her efforts were useless since she offered the conditions that would solely benefit her views (Star Editorial Board, 2022). For example, the party decided to follow the low-carbon emission policy when it was investigated that such an intervention was not helpful in fighting global warming. Yet, the initiative corresponded to the party’s primary mission and was used for a long time. It signifies that a party has literally alienated itself from the rest of the political structures.
Considering its isolation as an intentional choice, the greens were no longer capable of serving the community. Thus, it used to exist to serve and defend the interests of its followers, whereas now it makes ends meet to protect its members. It implies that the party is no longer viable during the selection as its actions are irrational and instead target its existence. As a result, many comics appear on the issue of the greens’ resilience.
Cartoon Analysis
The cartoon by Malcolm Mayes depicts a half-dead plant encircled by flies. The irony lies in the fact that the plant is still alive yet on the verge of death. It symbolizes the Green Party of Canada, which has become yellowish due to the inability to protect the population from climate change and almost gave up all its responsibilities. The greenness typical for the party is gone meaning there are no more environmental issues to worry about.
The flies are also symbolic, and they probably signify the political figures gossiping about the failures of the party. Additionally, these insects may stand for residents who criticize a declined party’s actions which have become meaningless since it does not help protect the environment. In addition, the flies mean that the entire political structure of the party has long been rotten, making rumors overshadow its reputation.
Finally, the pot itself stands for Elizabeth May, and the greens, who, despite the unviability of their actions, reside in the House of Commons. However, the pot is yet to be rotten, for the plant may excrete rot that would affect the pot’s walls. It is a metaphor suggesting that the greens will eventually fall apart. Therefore, Malcolm Mayes’ cartoon brilliantly represents the political story of the party, which is facing a decline.
References
Thurton, D. (2022). High-profile resignations force Green Party to consider scaling back leadership contest. CBC. Web.
Mayes, M. (2022). Malcolm Mayes cartoons for September 2022. Ask EJ Anything. Web.
Murphy, R. (2022). Canada’s Green party withers on the vine. National Post. Web.
Star Editorial Board. (2022). The sad decline of the Green Party. Toronto Star. Web.