Themes of abuse of power and materialism

When I was reading Tintin in America, there were reoccurring themes of abuse of power and materialism. Since Tintin was written in 1931, these themes might have been influenced by the great depression during that time. 

Herge’s disapproval of abuse of power and materialism is present throughout the story because he often depicts the characters with authority in a materialistic light. For example, the two scenes, where Maurice trying to kill Tintin and the workers of the factory starting a strike, are put consecutively to show that even though Maurice and the workers share the same goal, which is getting the money from their boss, their reasons behind these actions are different (56, Herge). Maurice’s purpose of killing Tintin is to become richer, while the workers are going on a strike to receive a living wage. I think Herge uses these scenes to show the tension between upper and lower class during the great depression, and also his rejection of materialism that is present in upper class.

Another example that depicts the idea of materialism and abuse of power is when Tintin discovers the oil well by accident, new characters, businessmen, emerge suddenly, and start bargaining. However, once they find out that the land doesn’t belong to Tintin, they turn sour and order the natives to take the money and move out in half an hour (31, Herge). These actions occur in just two panels: first being the businessman demanding the natives to move out, and the second panel showing the men in uniform kicking them out. Herge's use of minimal number of panels to show these actions highlights how the authority's abuse of power leads to unfairness and injustice in society, and how materialism undermines humanity.