Both Wonderful

This image is an AI creation and not factual.

Satirical Caption

Trump: “The carrot — beautiful, healthy carrot. Or the tortilla — powerful, incredible tortilla. You have to choose. You HAVE to. No choice!”

Navy: “The steak is… actually what we want.”

Trump: “WRONG! Fake news! Take the carrot and get out!”

Creative Process

These illustrations are based on two shocking meal photos reportedly released by the crew of the USS Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier (source: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/us-navy-food-shortages-warships-1793590). There was some mysterious meat on the side, but I left that out—simple is best.

Inspired by Aesop’s Golden Axe, Hermes—one of the Twelve Olympians, here depicted as Donald Trump—asks whether the offering is a beautiful carrot or a wonderful tortilla. The sailors honestly say they want steak, but they don’t get it and end up being scolded for it.

What’s that? The tortilla looks like naan? That’s just naan-sense! I left it that way on purpose, knowing people would point it out.

When I looked up Hermes’ traditional attire, he was completely naked. Since this is meant for a general audience, full nudity was obviously out of the question, so I dressed him in a Greek himation instead.

To make the four surrounding figures clearly identifiable as Navy personnel, I added gold rank insignia, badges, and medals. (Though honestly, all I said was, “Just make sure they look unmistakably like Navy guys.”)