Smokey Bear Cartoon

[priyap09]

Daryl Cage, MSNBC.com, 11/11/08

The cartoon portrays a compelling icon Smokey Bear who signifies the mission to raise public awareness to protect American forests by stopping wildfires. Once a powerful and influential icon, the Smokey Bear is portrayed as injured and battered by the wildfires. The twinkling stars, bandaged leg, arm, and torso, cut on his cheeks, a black eye and ripped jeans all signal towards the injuries that the Smokey Bear has suffered due to the fires. His burning pants and wounded body inform the audience regarding the damages of wildfires in Southern California on both humans and nature. Smokey Bear uses the shovel as a support which usually is meant to promote growth and restoration of the forests. The dead trees are an antithesis of the shovel, since it represents fertility and abundance. Due to these fires, many species of plants and animals die, while firefighters risk their lives to stop the conflagration. The cartoonist’s main argument is for Americans to understand the gravity of wildfires and the urgent need to prevent future fires which lead to destruction of land and species.
The causes of fire are due to the actions of man and nature. The fires tend to expand quickly due to drought conditions, hot winds and low humidity. Moreover, development and human land use leads to an increase in wildfire ignition. Mankind still has not found a way to control and pacify nature; therefore, it falls upon us to remain cautious to prevent future wildfires. Research reveals that many of the wildfires are accidentally caused by humans through campfires, sparks, house equipments and debris burning. People should follow the safety tips (http://www.smokeybear.com/wildfires.asp) regarding the incidents that can cause large fires, burning down copious acres of land.

[sijunlisrad]

Smokey was definitely a pretty cool icon in our generation. He promoted safety to humans as well as nature. However, this cartoon made me realize how Smokey, along with his importance, has declined. I remember watching his commercials when I was younger and for a while now, I haven't seen the safety-loving bear anywhere. I really liked how you explain the importance of everything in the cartoon, especially the part about the antithesis of the dead trees and Smokey's shovel. Like you said, people should definitely follow safety rules; it's sad when wildfires are due to our own lack of attention.

[Mr. Wells]

Description: 10
Interpretation: 10
Knowledge of Topic: 10
Argument: 10
Reply to Classmate: 10

Great discussion this week, particularly your reply to the India/Pakistan cartoon. You were passionate, yet delivered a controlled, logical response.