This cartoon by Bob from The Telegraph relates to President Obama's visit to Britain last week, during which he made a strong case for Britain remaining in the EU, attracting an angry response from those supporting Brexit.
CARTOON
The cartoon shows Obama training a fierce-looking British bulldog. We can tell he's British because he's wearing a Union Jack coat. Obama is holding a book entitled 'Obedience Training' and telling the dog to 'Stay'.
COMMENTARY
The cartoon seems to reflect the view put forward by some that Obama is trying to frighten the UK into obedience (i.e., doing what the US wants and staying in Europe) with his talk of a ten-year wait for a new trade deal among other things. There has even been some talk of 'bullying'. However, a recent poll for Sky News suggests that Obama's support for Britain remaining in the EU has only had a marginal effect on voting intentions. We shall find out on June 23rd, the date set for the EU referendum.
WHY IS THE BULLDOG A SYMBOL OF BRITAIN?
The bulldog's strength, tenacity and willingness to fight larger animals appealed to 18th-century political cartoonists, who began depicting the female figure of Britannia being accompanied by both a lion and bulldog. As the phrase ‘British bulldog spirit’, meaning unrelenting courage, had evolved during the 19th century, plucky bulldogs soon became a regular fixture in World War I propaganda posters. But perhaps the most symbolism came when Winston Churchill became Prime Minister. His jowly face, broad body, and steadfast determination to overcome powerful Nazi forces in World War II made him an almost living embodiment of the heroic pooch. Read more >>
