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NAACP Demands Firing of Post Cartoonist

Controversy continues as NAACP threatens News Corp. boycott

By Amelia Atlas, Newser User

Posted Feb 22, 2009 6:30 AM CST

(Newser) – NAACP leaders demanded the firing of the artist and editor responsible for the New York Post's controversial cartoon, reports CNN. Black leaders say the image draws on historically racist imagery by comparing President Obama to a chimpanzee. The NAACP has threatened boycotts of the Post and other News Corp. affiliates if its demands are not met, but the Post is standing firm. "Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon," the paper says.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (3)]

This cartoon appeared on the Post's Page Six Wednesday. The cartoon drew sharp criticism on media web sites and from civil rights activists. (AP Photo/New York Post)

NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous call for a boycott of the 'New York Post' and the removal of editor-in-chief Col Allan, at a meeting yesterday. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

New York State Senator Eric Adams stands in front of the 'New York Post' building holding a cartoon that ran in the 'Post.' (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

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This is tastelessness taken to the extreme. For the publication to suggest the only people who object to it are constant critics of the New York Post is beyond ridiculous.
- NCAAP Chairman Julian Bond

This was an invitation to assassination of the president of the United States and anyone who was not offended by it doesn't have any sensibilities. - NCAAP Chairman Julian Bond

There is consensus that if the Post does not ... get rid of the journalists who are responsible for this bit of hate speech seeing the light of day, that we will move this from a local, regional issue to a very national issue. - NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 12 comments

northeast

Feb 24, 2009 4:02 AM CST

Obama didn't write the bill! Pick up some damn critical reading skills before you shoot off at the mouth about racism!

divetrader

Feb 23, 2009 6:18 AM CST

Don't fire the cartoonist...fire the paper! Let them take the walk that so many other Americans are taking as a result of Bush running the country into the dirt.

woodyTX

Feb 23, 2009 4:31 AM CST

What's your point Carol and Feragola ? I agree with you that the press must have free speech....and the public will react with their opinion. Both are fair game in our democracy. What do you think of this cartoon though ? I have not seen your opinion as to whether it is fine, merely in bad taste or vile racism. I'm interested in your human (as opposed to political) perspective on it. I would put it in the category of bad taste for sure and done intentionally to create controversy and draw attention and readership, therefore cynical. The author must certainly have considered that it might be thought of as racist. Whether racist or not it's hard to tell. One would have to know the author a little better in this case I think. The monkey imagery is one that has been used in racist epithets in the past. It certainly does not add civility to the debate which we could all use right now. Typical media approach these days...in the quest for readership / viewership, create a firestorm to polarize rather than attempt to get people to think more deeply about both sides of any subject. It's cleaner, faster & less work but has nasty consequences.

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NAACP Demands Firing of Post Cartoonist