What is the cartoon chiefly mocking?
A single-panel cartoon shows a small rowing boat holding a man in a suit, who is bailing water with a teacup. The boat is visibly sinking; a large hole in the hull shows in the bottom. Beside him, pinned to the mast, is a gold certificate that reads 'Most Efficient Bailer, Fifth Year Running'. The man is smiling and looking at the certificate. Nobody else is in the boat, and the shore is visible in the distance.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Praise for performing a task well when the task itself is the wrong one
- Step 1: The man performs bailing well and is rewarded. Step 2. The hole in the hull is the real problem and is ignored. Answer: rewarding efficiency at the wrong task. Why not the others: boat costs, solitary rowing and gold paper are not the point.
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