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| by rocafan on 9/19/2005 03:02:00 PM |
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U of F Student Newspaper Cartoon Of Kanye West Labeled Racist, Causes Outrage
Source:Allhiphop.com
An editorial cartoon that ran in the University of Florida’s newspaper the Independent Florida Alligator on Tuesday (September 13) featuring rapper Kanye West and the word n**ga has generated controversy and outrage from numerous student groups, who said the paper was reinforcing stereotypes.
The cartoon played off of West’s comments that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”
West criticized the President’s handling of the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on a live NBC telethon on Friday, September 2 during the “ Concert for Hurricane Relief.”
The cartoon, which ran in Tuesday’s edition, featured West handing a playing card labeled “The Race Card” to United States Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice.
Over the cartoon was a caption with the words "N**ga Please!"
The artist who drew the cartoon, Andy Marlette, said the cartoon was not meant to be racist and said of the cartoon: "If anything it's celebrating a black person who has really done something great and represents the best of black culture," Marlette said referring to Rice.
Independent Florida Alligator editor Mike Gimignani said the paper has received numerous phone calls and letters about the cartoon.
"(Marlette) is very good at pushing buttons," Gimignani told the Gainesville Sun. "Unfortunately, there is a little too much tied to this word."
Members of the black student union and other campus organizations are demanding an apology from the paper.
“The recent editorial cartoon with its associated editorial comment printed in the Independent Florida Alligator demonstrated a need for further education on the balance of these principles,” said Patricia Telles-Irvin, UF Vice President of Student Affairs. “There was a significant disconnect between the two principles and a lack of respect and awareness of our mission as an institution. Moreover, the symbolisms utilized were hurtful and inappropriate; and regardless of their original intent, reinforced negative stereotypes of individuals within our community. This is unacceptable.”
Terry L. Mills, Ph. D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean for Minority Affairs said that for many, the word is not a term of endearment.
“Despite the use of this word in popular media and the youth culture of today, many individuals with a sense of history, justice and equality still find the n-word, and all other symbols of hatred, to be distasteful and insulting,” Mills said.
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