Letter to the editor: Echo cartoon creates local controversy
The recent publication of Jason Promo’s Sept. 27 comic illustrating several characters dressed in hoods, a tree with a noose, and one character saying to the other, “Honey, this is the tree where we met” horrified me. It is not just unbearably offensive, but incomprehensible to me that something like this would even make it into print.
Josh Coudret’s (Echo Editor-in-Chief) justification that not all comics are intended to be funny rang hollow with me. He went on to explain the irony he saw between the characters’ sentimentality and the symbols. I understand the “graphic novel” concept, but the editors and artist might be well-served to read something like Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” for an example of an appropriate and mature way of using comics to deal with sensitive issues.
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Not too many intelligent people question the hatefulness of the KKK, the tragedy of lynchings and the damage borne of racism and anti-Semitism. Therefore, the only kind of discussion I can see coming out of the publication of this comic is this: Is EMU a place I want to attend or send my child? Is it a campus warm, accepting and welcoming of students from all walks of life or is racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, etc. acceptable? I don’t think anyone would like the answers to those questions after viewing Mr. Promo’s comic earlier this week.
To me, this is neither funny nor ironic. As one colleague said, Eastern is supposed to be a supportive, diverse campus and the fact that this comic made it into production belies that supposition. Imagine two terrorists watching the twin towers fall and insert the same caption. Still appropriate for print? I think not. I’m all for free speech, but when something engenders hate and seems to make light of it, I think it’s irresponsible for a college paper to print it.
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by Ron Gubry
I would like to address the comic in the Eastern Echo that has been causing such uproar lately. Actually I am addressing the uproar. In Leslie Rzeznik’s letter to the editor she states “I support free speech, but…” But what? There should be some guidelines on free speech? Guidelines would mean it’s no longer free speech .Ms Rzenik also says Eastern is supposed to be a diverse campus, as does President Martin in her statement on the EMU web site “I personally find the imagery disturbing and distasteful, and do not believe it advances the cause of positive understanding of the wonderfully rich and diverse community in which we live.” I agree, this is a diverse community, and like or not with diversity come aspects that are undesirable to some, such as racism. We have racists in our community, deal with it. True free speech means Mr. Promo has a right to voice his ideas just as Ms. Rzenik and President Martin have the right to not listen to them.
Flag for moderationI will admit I thought it was a stupid comic, but most of the echo comics are.
by Kaily
Yes, Ron. Even the First Amendment is held under certain restrictions. Look up TPM. I wish the editor hadn’t been so sophomoric as to let that one on the page.
Flag for moderationby Incognito Mosquito
wellserved
Flag for moderationby Rimshot
The cartoon, and the letter above, ran in October 2010. A year ago.
As a result of the ensuing uproar, a campus-wide Town Hall was conducted, with presentations by then-provost Jack Kay, Professor Marty Shichtman, and others, and that concluded with an open and wide-ranging public discussion.
So, while discussion of free-speech vs responsible-speech is a worthwhile endeavor, perhaps we ought to let this one die out as a horse that has been well and thoroughly beaten.
Flag for moderationby Chain Jumper
Some people need to brush up on the First Amendment. “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…” That’s the GOVERNMENT, not your mom, not your boss, and not a private organization like the Echo. The university has no right to censor Echo content, but President Martin (as a citizen) has the right to comment on speech that she finds distasteful. The Echo editorial staff has the right to edit its own content and its readers have the right to express their displeasure with that content. This is not a free speech issue.
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