I enjoy political cartoons very much. Whether I catch one in the Wall Street Journal or the local newspaper, political cartoon have a way of stimulating a smirk – and stirring up conversation with my peers. However, I believe certain political cartoonists have stepped over the line one too many times with personal, insulting satire of former President Bush. Don’t get me wrong, I am not and have not been a big supporter of “W”. In my opinion, his policies were often questionable and demanded more public debate than it generally received. And yes, I frequently chuckled at his endless public gaffs or misspoken phrases. But he was the President of the United States and represented the attitudes of a democratic and free nation. Good or bad, he was a man trying to do his best in an incredibly difficult job.
Where I believe the proverbial line was crossed occurred with publications of personally insulting cartoons depicting his family or his “stupidity” in a way that was not political commentary or even humorous. It was just plain nasty and overtly hateful. If one doesn’t agree with another person, should one openly exhibit pure, unfiltered hatred for that person as a sign of disagreement? I don’t think most of us would do that to another person we have strong disagreement with – would we? I certainly would not. And I would expect a certain civility among fellow Americans when it comes to respecting our leaders. Please note that I didn’t say “agreeing” or “praising” or “blindly following” our leaders, but “respecting” them for what the their position represents to the world.
Let me draw a parallel with current President Obama. I voted for him knowing fully that he has extremely liberal ideals. I wanted a “change” more than the status quo with McCain. However, I am finding myself frequently at odds with many of Obama’s "new deal" style agenda over the last 15 months of his tenure. I would openly debate any of his policies. I might even chuckle at a carton depicting him with egg on his face after the initial healthcare plan fiasco last fall. However, I would never tolerate a personally attacking cartoon of him that mocked his ethnicity or his family. Those things are not intended for humor, I believe, but insult. I honestly don’t see how newspaper publishers can allow such personal attacks to see the light of day – even in the form of a political cartoon.
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I also enjoy these cartoons and it is nothing to do with my political views or anything because I do not even have any but ever since I was a little girl I have been intrigued by photos. You took it a step further and did the assignment on the option I opted out of doing and I am glad you did so, that way I can get some insight on the other side. I really wish you provided a photo with your passage this time around just so I could really have a picture to get the full effect. You describe the photo that crossed the line with you and all though I can imagine it I would have enjoyed getting a feel for it myself. I think Is cool and shows a bit of courage that you took this side even though you say you are not a fan of “The Bush”, on a different note I can side with you because I have done the same thing in different situations. I did not like some girl but I seem people being mean to her and thought they crossed the line so I stood up for her.
ReplyDeleteOver all good essay but maybe you can post a picture so I can get a real visual. =)
I would have to agree that at some point, a cartoon stops being political and starts being personal. I can't find anything wrong with criticisms of or mocking the policies of politicians. I also certainly think their behavior in the public eye is also completely fair game, but once you're really not dealing with the politics anymore you drift dangerously onto the territory of a tabloid. But even so, people still have the freedom of speech to say what they think, even if it is hateful. An editor has to discern what crosses the line, and there really aren't set guidelines for political cartoons because they are by nature so irreverent, that making sure it is respectful would be impossible. I think people come to a political cartoon expecting it to be irreverent and harsh. But if it becomes too polarizing, people will probably complain and the editor will have to reassess the situation. I think we have a tendency to either glorify or demonize our leaders, and that is often reflected in our political cartoons. We still need to realize that politicians are people like anyone else, with good qualities and bad qualities. They are people just like you and me, capable of the same amounts of right and wrong.
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