NY Post’s Chimp Cartoon

I was going to let this one go but it just keeps growing and growing so I guess it’s time for me to chime in. The chimp cartoon, hmmm. . .

I must admit that my initial reaction to it was “wow, so in 2009 we’re still monkeys?” Then I really took some time to think about it and concluded that it is possible that racism was not the theme. It occurred to me that even if Bush was still president the NY Post would have probably published the exact same cartoon. And what would have been the difference then? There would have been no cries of racism, no protests, and no apologies. Politicians are prime targets for ridicule and attack – and the president is no exception. On the contrary, as long as I can remember, the President always seems to be the first target.

So as I continued to think about the uproar over the cartoon I wondered, if we (Black folks) are trying to have it all. We have a Black man as President but we also want our President to now be exempt from cartoons, jokes and other forms of ridicule? Because he is Black, are all jokes about Barack Obama going to be forever scrutinized and run through the racism meter? Give me a break!

And now who once again is at the forefront of the controversy? Al Sharpton – the voice of Black America, the bigotry monitor. Even though the paper and cartoonist have both apologized, Sharpton says it’s not enough. For me, any issue that could have had some validity is made questionable simply by Sharpton’s involvement. (Please just go sit down somewhere and close your mouth!!)

The cartoon was indeed in poor taste – whether racially motivated or not. But as far as I’m concerned the only person deserving an apology is Charla Nash. She sustained horrible injuries and nearly died as a result of the chimp attack. Her life will never be the same. That is absolutely NOT a laughing matter.