North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has long insisted he will never give up his nuclear weapons, which he has used to threaten his country’s neighbors—and the U.S. (see "North Korea: Ready to Talk?"). So it was a surprise when, in March, Kim said he was prepared to talk to U.S. leaders about “denuclearizing.” But American officials don’t know if Kim would really be willing to give up North Korea’s nuclear arms program. They’re also concerned that he will change his mind later.
This cartoon addresses that uncertainty. Note that Kim, who is speaking here, is not identified with a label. Instead, the cartoonist uses the device of caricature—exaggerating certain characteristics of a subject to make him or her easily recognizable. Study the cartoon, then answer the questions.
1. Who is the speaker? How can you tell?
2. What choice is he having to make here?
3. What might be significant about his use of the word today?
4. What do you think the cartoon is saying about him?