Today’s Ted Toon

Listen, I may be overthinking this "cartoon," but here goes — The Crescent Moon with a Star is often a symbol of Islam, and of course, the Star of David is the symbol of Judaism. My own biases would have me say that only the Star of David should be on the tombstone since the war raging in the Mideast now isn't really about Judaism vs Islam but Israel vs Hamas. Hamas should never be shown sympathetically. In any case, if Litteford is looking for something more global, more broad-based, and historical in order to show the constantly ongoing fight between Islam and Judaism, then at least have two tombstones displaying each symbol on separate tombstones. Placing one symbol or one name above another is a well-known technique to create a sense of superiority.

Two democrat groups in the United States at odds over this conflict. Ted doesn't know what to do. Ted supports the Biden Admin and the billions given to Israel, Palestine, and Iran. Got to go to the Trump Vault I guess Ted, that is always so easy for you.

The intent of my cartoon was simply to express mourning for the dead on both sides, as Heather C so eloquently described it.

Further, I selected one tombstone to emphasize our universal humanity, that we are all one before our maker.

The idea that I positioned the Muslim crescent moon above the Jewish star to "create a sense of superiority" is ludicrous in the extreme.

I did it because the "promise of the moon and the stars" begins with the word "moon". Therefore that should go first.

There was no hidden conspiratorial design.

LucaD: Yes, you are "overthinking".

One further observation:

A mother has lost her child.

Regardless of whether that child is Israeli or Palestinian, we can all acknowledge the universal grief of losing a child. Because we are all human.

And for a single, precious moment, we are all united.

The hierarchy of information is the principle of arranging elements to show the order of importance. Artists, writers, designers, etc., will structure visual elements so users can understand information quickly. Laying out the elements logically and strategically can influence the viewer’s perceptions and guide them to desired actions and possible interpretations. The hierarchical arrangement of names, symbols, or elements helps guide the viewer’s eye, effectively communicates the intended message, and influences the overall impact of that message. Suppose we can accept that the Crescent Moon and Star symbol is often viewed as a symbol of Islam, and the Star of David is the universal symbol of Judaism. A logical inference is evident based on your hierarchical placement of these symbols on the tombstone, whether that was your intent or not. Remember the statement, “The Medium is the Message,” by Marshall McLuhan — the form of a message determines how that message will be perceived. Your written statement here that the deaths on both sides are tragic and sorrowful is so much more effective than your failed “artistic” attempt to convey the same.