There’s a surplus of pretty successful infographics attempting to sway audiences as to the meaning–and import–of sequestration cuts.
From political groups like Third Way and The Democratic Daily to a Quaker organization and the Cato Institute, there are common themes running through many of the depictions that attempt to both explain the term “sequestration,” while also selling a viewpoint. The infographics from those opposed to sequestration focus on what, and even more strikingly, who, will be impacted according to their points-of-view. On the other hand, an infographic from the Cato Institute focused on placing the cut amounts in perspective–and using humor.
For example, National Parks Service presents perceived impact on jobs, and converts figures into “equivalents,” saying “proposed cuts to NPS budget would be equivalent to close 200 of the smallest park units”:
The Third Way attempts to reach out across the aisle to Tea Party activists, choosing issues they think are interesting to them and applying their left-leaning ideological POV:
Democratic Daily goes straight for the jugular, illustrating the impact on children:
American Friends Service Committee (Quaker):
Safe Kids USA:
Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition makes the case that ultimately jobs and wages will be impacted:
Finally, the Cato illustrates their endorsement of cuts in military spending with a Cold-War-themed design that places levels of defense spending in perspective:
Heritage Foundation favors more traditional depictions of the numbers, but if they’re competing with what’s above, they may want to explore a different way:
While most of these infographics are executed well, only a few tug at emotions–and even fewer go beyond their “already-persuaded” audiences and seek to reach the vast middle.
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