The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor with her torch held high, symbolically lighting the way to freedom. The monument serves as a reminder that the United States has long been a symbol of hope and liberty around the world—including to millions of immigrants.
However, many people today fear that those ideals are being overshadowed by political divisions. Some Americans are at odds over how they think the government should address certain issues. Rather than looking for common ground, they are focused on their differences.
In this cartoon, the Statue of Liberty is no longer championing her lofty message on her own. She’s getting a hand—several, actually. And instead of the usual flame, an American flag billows out of her torch. Here, the flag represents democracy, unity, and—like Lady Liberty herself—freedom.
Why might the cartoonist have chosen to include these details? Study the cartoon, then answer the questions below.
1. What details do you notice about the various hands in the cartoon?
2. What are the hands trying to do?
3. Why do you think the cartoonist has them doing this?
4. What statement about American democracy is the cartoon making?