Thread: We erred in publishing cartoon of Illegal Aliens invading Thanksgiving Dinner

We erred in publishing cartoon

IndyStar
Jeff Taylor, Indianapolis 4:24 p.m. EST November 22, 2014



On Friday, we posted a Gary Varvel cartoon at indystar.com that offended a wide group of readers.

Many of them labeled it as racist. Gary did not intend to be racially insensitive in his attempt to express his strong views about President Barack Obama's decision to temporarily prevent the deportation of millions of immigrants living and working illegally in the United States.

But we erred in publishing it.

The cartoon depicted an immigrant family climbing through a window of a white family's home as Thanksgiving dinner was served. I was uncomfortable with the depiction when I saw it after it was posted. We initially decided to leave the cartoon posted to allow readers to comment and because material can never truly be eliminated once it is circulating on the web. But we are removing the cartoon from the opinion section of our website, as well as an earlier version posted on Facebook that showed one character with a mustache.

This action is not a comment on the issue of illegal immigration or a statement about Gary's right to express his opinions strongly. We encourage and support diverse opinion. But the depictions in this case were inappropriate; his point could have been expressed in other ways.

Cartoons are seldom intended to be read literally. And Gary did not intend this one to be viewed that way. He intended to illustrate the view of many conservatives and others that the president's order will encourage more people to pour into the country illegally.

The illegal immigration issue evokes strong opinions and emotions. And it's important to encourage a vigorous public debate on issues of this magnitude, but with respectful discourse. That is what we believe at IndyStar and that is what we will continue to do – to publish views from all sides as we explore the important issues that will define the future of our nation, state and city.

http://www.indystar.com/story/opinio...nion/19408509/

Cartoons are seldom intended to be read literally. And Gary did not intend this one to be viewed that way. He intended to illustrate the view of many conservatives and others that the president's order will encourage more people to pour into the country illegally.

That was very clear in the cartoon, so I wonder who didn't get it?

I thought this cartoon hit the nail on the head, and Indy Star just can't take the PC heat from this artist expressing his absolutely valid opinion!

That is what we believe at IndyStar and that is what we will continue to do – to publish views from all sides as we explore the important issues that will define the future of our nation, state and city.

If they really mean to publish views from all sides, then there is no reason to remove the cartoon from their site. I think the horse is out of the barn at this point anyway so why go trying to close the barn door now?

This cartoon makes a very important point about illegal immigration, boundaries, the assault on American families and American culture... and the real situation in America. And unfortunately for many American, illegal aliens are literally crawling through their windows!

We are going to distribute this cartoon far and wide today.

Gary Varvel should be commended for his artistic bravery.

And this weenie editor crying about the cartoon should be noted for the spineless socialist he is.

If you are going to run away from artistic and political freedom each time a Hispanic yells 'racist' then prepare to spend the rest of your lives running cowards!

W

Originally Posted by ALIPAC

This cartoon makes a very important point about illegal immigration, boundaries, the assault on American families and American culture... and the real situation in America. And unfortunately for many American, illegal aliens are literally crawling through their windows!

We are going to distribute this cartoon far and wide today.

Gary Varvel should be commended for his artistic bravery.

And this weenie editor crying about the cartoon should be noted for the spineless socialist he is.

If you are going to run away from artistic and political freedom each time a Hispanic yells 'racist' then prepare to spend the rest of your lives running cowards!

W

Exactly!

Originally Posted by imblest

I thought this cartoon hit the nail on the head, and Indy Star just can't take the PC heat from this artist expressing his absolutely valid opinion!



If they really mean to publish views from all sides, then there is no reason to remove the cartoon from their site. I think the horse is out of the barn at this point anyway so why go trying to close the barn door now?

Exactly!