When Congress starts its new session this month, it will include a record number of women—126 of its 535 total members (see "Their Decisions Could Change Your Life"). That milestone has inspired people to call 2019 the “Year of the Woman” for Congress. Similarly, 1993 was also nicknamed the “Year of the Woman.” That year, Congress was a then-record 10 percent female.
Still, many Americans believe Congress should better reflect the country’s actual gender makeup. The U.S. is more than half female. But women will make up less than 25 percent of the new Congress.
This cartoon comments on the situation. Study it, then answer the questions below.
1. Who are these people? Where are they, literally and symbolically?
2. How would you describe their mood, and why?
3. What is their goal? How do you know?
4. What is the cartoon’s message? How do the signs help tell it?