The Daily Illini college newspaper at the University of Illinois cancelled their subscription to the 50+ cartoonists in our CagleCartoons.com syndication package this week in response to protests against the Rick McKee cartoon below, that they chose to reprint. Read their statement apologizing for publishing the cartoon. The Daily Illini student editor who chose to publish Rick McKee’s cartoon was suspended. USA Today did a story about the cartoon controversy.
In their apology, the Daily Illini editors write:
The person who selected the cartoon is currently on suspension due to regrets on the oversight. This choice was made out of carelessness, not out of malice. This student has learned an important lesson about carelessness.
We unfortunately cannot go back and erase it from yesterday’s paper, yet we hope this serves as a wake-up call in our decisions as an editorial staff. We apologize again, and hope that we can earn back the trust and confidence of our readers with each issue of The Daily Illini from here on.
We have reached out to the directors of the Native American House, La Casa Cultura Latina, Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and the Asian American Cultural Center and invited them to come in and talk with the staff about mindfully reporting on issues pertinent to underrepresented communities.
We recognize that a statement can not recognize the hurt that this cartoon may have caused and we apologize for the perpetration of this disgusting stereotype.
Our cartoon package includes cartoonists with a range of views from conservative to liberal, and it isn’t unusual that we get complaints from editors about cartoons they disagree with. Often the complaints come with threats to unsubscribe if we don’t remove content that the editor doesn’t like. Sometimes we get demands that we “fire” the cartoonists that editors or readers disagree with.
With a wide range of content, we have something new that everyone can disagree with, every day. Since editors receive about a dozen cartoons a day to choose from they can easily choose cartoons that meet their preconceived world views and they always have cartoon choices available that will not challenge their readers. It is usually the conservative editors who complain about liberal cartoons that offend them. In the case of the Daily Illini, the complaints, and the subscription cancellation come from the liberal side of the spectrum – which fits the conservative narrative about “politically correct” colleges stifling conservative ideas. Our experience is that the liberal editors are usually the ones who print left vs. right columns and cartoons, while the conservative editors prefer to reassure their conservative readers by only reinforcing the views their readers already hold.
As a liberal cartoonist who runs a business that includes conservative cartoonists and columnists, it is fascinating to see the change in attitudes among editors and readers as both ends of the spectrum become less tolerant and seek to punish those who hold opposing views who offend them.
Rick McKee’s response made me smile:
“I think it’s a sad day for journalism whenever a newspaper feels it has to apologize for something they knowingly published. But I don’t blame the students. They’re just kids and they’re learning. I blame the politically correct atmosphere they find themselves in that exists on most U.S. college campuses. Our institutions of higher learning are supposed to be safe spaces where differing viewpoints are tolerated, but that no longer seems to be the case. There’s nothing racist about the cartoon and the notion that people should come into this country legally is an opinion that is widely held by many Americans. I’d also like to add that if you hated this cartoon — or if you loved it — my new book is filled with much of the same and can be pre-ordered at a discount right now at mckee.cartoonistbook.com !”
Want to comment to the Daily Illini? Email them at [email protected]. You can make a comment for us here or on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalCartoons
We’ve gotten some interesting comments, here is a sampling …
Jim Phillips Isn’t that like blaming the grocery store because you didn’t like the new cereal you bought? After you ate the whole box.
Joe Gandelman, who runs The Moderate Voice site wrote a long and interesting response to my column about the Daily Illini dropping CagleCartoons.com over the Rick McKee Illegal Immigrant Trick or Treater cartoon. Here it is:
I have to add to this. I started The Moderate Voice in December 2003 and it became a group blog by 2004. I’ve written for The Week online and for nearly five years did a syndicated column for Cagle Cartoons. Not a WEEK goes by when I don’t get some emails or facebook messages from someone trying to ban an opposing view or taking great exception to a post or a comment. I know that some will now sic The False Equivilancy Police on me, but the fact is left, center, right are now almost all the same when it comes trying to remove a viewpoint or limit it, in so many areas.
No, this isn’t just talking about the decade plus of TMV but about Facebook, response to my columns and emails on my pieces I did for The Week. Rage and outrage are prime components of our politics on so many fronts now. Just as there’s a 24/7 news cycle and social media is instantaneous, so is the tendency now to slip into outrage mode ASAP.. Once upon a time there was a delay as people pondered the meaning of things but reaction (rage, outrage, demands, threats not to read again) is now instantaneous.
In the case of Cagle Cartoons, I have a large number of columns and cartoons I can choose from. Many do NOT reflect my view and I run some of them. If I really don’t like one, I can pass on it. And that’s no big deal (some people prefer fish to meat). But so many cartoons are offered from all around the world. Cancelling a service because an editor chose to run a cartoon out of a huge number is puzzling. But not surprising (these days).
I’m sure this cartoon will spark some spirited discussion here at TMV. I need to add that over the years TMV has lost people who were modest donors of the center right and center left due to my refusing to ban someone from the site or remove a post they didn’t like.
I saw this cartoon, but didn’t run it because I had many others I wanted to run and hadn’t gotten to even putting them up, And for another reason: I’m someone who had someone who was here illegally as his Little Brother in Wichita , Kansas, years ago and who has covered immigrants at the border in my old job on the San Diego Union covering the border, Reagan’s immigration reform and Tijuana so it wasn’t one I CHOSE to put up. I make my choices VERY quickly about what I’ll put up or pass on because I read so many posts, syndicated materials and cartoons. So this was no biggie. I merely chose another one — a process I do EACH time I choose cartoons to put up.. I’ve run many cartoonists by the cartoonist who did the one above over the years. And I’ve run many others by other cartoonists, who I’ve also many times chosen not to run in favor of using another cartoon by another cartoonist. I’m not obligated to use or not use a cartoon but in the end it’s my decision what I put on the site.
I need to add that I run some other syndicated materials. I CHOOSE what I put up. And if readers were upset over one of the syndicated pieces I CHOOSE to put up from a service, I could let it stand or remove it. But I wouldn’t cancel using the entire syndicate when it had been MY choice to use it or not use it.
I’ll leave the rest to readers in comments.
259 replies on “Kill the Messenger”
Sent to daily Illini
Your response to the publication of this cartoon is seriously out of line, Tho,not as bad as that suffered by Charlie Hebdo.
Get a grip. It is a political cartoon. Not necessarily funny, but sharp-edged. Even pointed sometimes.
Your students are not well served by your ham-handed censorship.
Don Ricart
Palm Springs, CA
And you are offended by the cartoon how? Because its accurate? Its certainly not a mexican shown on the fence. You are offended how David Lawrence? Take your offended feelings and do something about the people that jump the wall everyday, and not in a cartoon ya tool.
I must be missing something. As I interpret it, the cartoonist is satirizing the attitude of insensitive people toward undocumented immigrants. I don't think the cartoonist agrees with the use of the term "illegal immigrants," but he's holding up for ridicule those that do. That's what satire is all about.
Wow! This political correctness attitude has really gone overboard. The cartoon is a pictorial message. If it offends the censors, it must have a message that resonates.
Freedom of speech = freedom to differ + freedom
To be heard
Sadly, universities seem to support diversity in all things but thought.
Really impressive! I like so much this post ! Nice Work!
So nice job
Sent to daily Illini
Your response to the publication of this cartoon is seriously out of line, Tho,not as bad as that suffered by Charlie Hebdo.
Get a grip. It is a political cartoon. Not necessarily funny, but sharp-edged. Even pointed sometimes.
Your students are not well served by your ham-handed censorship.
Don Ricart
Palm Springs, CA
so nice nob
thanks
Thaks for this great posting
thanks
amei hahaha, thanks[
https://www.receitassupreme.net/
Achei legal o artigo.
Legal também as charges do Trump no blog. Engraçadas.
very good
muito bom
Obrigado entra lá. http://comofuncionam.com.br/como-funciona-o-rastr…
Nice post
Excellent post! Visite o Site
Maximo http://tratamentosalternativos.com/
hahahahahaha, this was funny. Thank you for sharing
gostei muito doconteúdo do blog thank you very much
http://exerciciosparaemagrecer.info/dieta-para-em… http://emagreceralimentodesintoxicante.com/progra…
Thanks for sharing
thanks for sharing such good tips
very good thank you.. http://saibaagora.com.br/anuncios-matadores-para-…
Very bood
very good post http://importacaosemlimites.com.br/
http://viverbemonline.com/linguagem-do-desejo-fun…
http://viverbemonline.com/adeus-estrias
Excellent Post! Hamburguer Gourmet
excellent
nice bro
lol
Thaks for this great content!
mais um ótimo conteúdo , thanks
it was funny
it was funny
interessantíssimo.
Muito bom, parabéns!
Very Good!! http://conquistanaweb.com/estatisticas-sobre-copy…
good job!
Gostei da charge!!!! rsrs
Nice work..
Wow! This political correctness attitude has really gone overboard. The cartoon is a pictorial message. If it offends the censors, it must have a message that resonates. http://cursoiniciantesdoviolao.info/
Is really messenger to be killed?
Really good post
You are awesome!
http://www.eudigital.co/ganhe-dinheiro-com-pesqui…
Your blog is simply sensational, my congratulations
Tiara de Bebê
Nice post admin keep it up…
http://www.eudigital.co/programa-afiliado-sussa/
great, thanks
Thank you very much for the information, it helped me a lot.
curso de gestão do tempo e produtividade
Thanks for the rich information.
Political correctness attitude has really gone overboard. The cartoon is a pictorial message. If it offends the censors, it must have a message!
KKKKKKKKKKKK, morri de ri. http://tesourodigital.com
Admiro mais artigos como este eu acho incrível e apoio o espirito desde sempre a continuar impactando mais pessoas com espontaneidade. grato por isso!!
Boa tarde! Impactante
Very nice!
Great job, congrats!!
Great post!
oh my god!
Sadly, universities seem to support diversity in all things but thought.
Nice Text
http://www.manualdahipertrofia.com.br
Nice post keep sharing…
Thaks for this great content!
Congratulations on the excellent article!
May God greatly bless you!
I lover this post. Good Luck
Revender Semi Jóias, Bijuterias, brincos, gargantilhas, pulseiras, pingentes, anéis, correntes
I loved
nice! thanks a lot!
thanks great!
thanks! interesting!
nice! great!
Legal 😀
Parabéns!
His site is just fantastic, I love his content, I always recommend it. If you have a little time go to my website too. Thank you.
Good Site.
Good!
very good!
great for post
i like
great,good job
nice bro
thank you very much!
ni like and sharing
congratulations
nice web site
like
it was funny! Congrats! http://blogdaformula.com/mini-site-ninja-funciona
muito bom http://emagrecerdeverdade.net
Parabéns pela ótima matéria
valeu
Gostei muito do artigo!
Aprenda como fazer comida natural para cães!
Este site contem ótimas discas sobre como fazer comida natural para cães: http://caosupersaudavel.com
Obrigado por compartilhar.
Excelente! Curti demais!
muito bom
very good post
legal
muito bom http://cursocervejaartesanalonline.com
Good! http://autogestaonotempo.com.br/superoptin/inicio…
Muito bom
Enem e vestibulares 2017 http://redacaonline.com.br/
Cool, friend. Congratulations on the great content.
Muito legal.
thanks
thanks a lot! very nice!
Nice site.
"Thank's Very Good"
"Nice job"
Excelente a forma como escreve seus artigos parabens
The Practical Guide to Passing a Public Tender in 1 Year is an excellent training on how to properly prepare for Public Tenders.
importando com sucesso
Cool, congratulation
"cpa machine"
Excellent post. thanks sir.
muto bom http://comoformataropcagora.com/
Thaks for this great content!
This site is very good have great content.
nice post.
acerte na lotofacil
Valeu: http://cursobacharelemteologiabr.com/
Obrigado!
Very good this site.
Thaks for this great content!
Merry Christmas
cool
Great Job http://blog.vcpodemax.com.br/numerologia-cabalist…
Your site is perfect, I really enjoyed it. If possible take a look at my website: http://tiarasparabebe.org/
Muito legal!!
Acesse: http://www.topiniciadores.com.br
Thank you shares
Reality is hard to accept good article ….
Great article, thanks for sharing your knowledge! Hug and stay with God.
perder barriga
The Book is for you that you are not fishing with artificial baits or if you are already fishing, but you are not having success in your fisheries.
Pesca com iscas artificiais
Muito Obrigado por compartilhar.
Wow! Great post. keep it up sir in the same way. thanks a lot.
Great article..
Great article, congratulations!
Thanks for sharing! Good study and good luck!
THANKS FOR SHARING
wonderfull. Thank you for sharing the content.
Tank you…
vencendo a insônia
[email protected]
vencendoainsonia.net/
"Realy nice job"
great
great nice
thanks
i like and share
nice
i like!
nice post
Learn right now to give that boost in your sexual performance.
Turbinando o desempenho sexual
Excellent site, is all I was looking for, I will now share this magical content.
Como acabar com o mau hálito
Muito bom o post, obrigado por compartilhar. http://investimentosinteligentes.tk/como-se-torna…
Thanks for sharing!
Muito bem explicado, parabens !
lovely post thanks for sharing with us
Thanks for sharing
Como Importar Roupas Thanks For Sharing! Good study and good luck!
Very interesting your article really liked!
Thanks for your post.
Hi, the text are very funy. Thank you for share with us. https://negocios.net.br
Very good, thanks, congratulations!
Sadly, universities seem to support diversity in all things but thought.
Where is freedom expression?
It is always important to learn to respect different points of view. Something so difficult in current times that a person is offended with a drawing.
Caution. This picture may offend immigrants
Nice cartoon. I intend to immigrate to the US and I was not offended.
What is your opinion about immigrants entering the United States?
LOL. I found the picture very funny.
Very funny, but I understood the reference.
thansk for shared my content
My congratulations to the site / blog is sensational as it is easy to read and understand, I love to always be around here, continue with the excellent work.
Como Importar Produtos Thanks for sharing smart content.
so nice!!!
Nice site.
Thaks for this great posting
http://namoroserio.com/pronta-para-o-romance/
really nice post.
nice cool post.
Big data online training offers full-length courses on a range of Hadoop technologies for the developers that is designed in a format to meet your convenience, availability and flexibility needs . Big Data Training courses will lead you on the path to becoming a certified Hadoop professional. We make sure that individual trainers get attention from our trainers so that they can know the technology inside – out very well. We even clear up the doubts to ensure that each student has clear idea of what they have learned from us.
Mundo Premium
Important information. Thank you very much for the words.
Dieta de 21 dias
We always need accurate information. So we can do quality work by spending as little as possible. Thank you.
Vou Ser Pai
This subject is very interesting. Your information is accurate. I was very helpful.
Caio Fábio Exclusivo
Very pertinent. Information that was fundamental to me for decision making.
http://cursosonlinegratis.info/curso-bonecas-de-p…
Como Importar Roupas Thanks for sharing smart content. Tks.
Learning is a process which is never ended till the person reach to grave.
Spark was introduced by Apache Software Foundation for speeding up the Hadoop (computer-based) figuring out/calculating software process. Apache Spark is a next-generation processing engine improved (as much as possible) for speed, ease of use, and advanced (information-giving numbers) well beyond batch. Spark training provides the students to understand the use of Apache Spark that runs the big data services. Spark Training needs/demands all the professionals who are looking to become IT professionals to manage the data related to programs and run programs as per needed. People are looking for Spark Training in bay area , BigData trunk will provide bigdata and spark training with experienced faculty in union city.
I really liked the article.
Perfect article, I love to find sites with this level, very professional and good reading, my congratulations.
Thanks for sharing!
Como Salvar Meu Casamento Today we will learn how to improve marriage
Good content, as ever! I think we must keep this debate opened. Freedom of speech will always win!
Very good your article I really liked, congratulations, visit my website about bicycle and a tip please http://www.vaidebicicleta.com
Very good, CURSO MINI SITE NINJA
Muito bom, CURSO FORMULA NEGÓCIO ONLINE
Very good, EBOOK O PODER DA PBN
cansei do trabalho Very good!
curso avançado de cupcakes Good article!
adeus rugas Very good!
Thanks for sharing!
very nice post
Nice post.
vencendo a insônia. Very good
manual bíblico das questões difíceis. Excellent Post
Really impressive! I like so much this post ! Nice Work!
The Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) is a distributed, (able to be made bigger or smaller), and portable file-system written in Java for the Hadoop . Big data online training offers full-length courses on a range of Hadoop technologies for the developers that is designed in a format to meet your convenience, availability and flexibility needs . Big Data Training courses will lead you on the path to becoming a certified Hadoop professional. We make sure that individual trainers get attention from our trainers so that they can know the technology inside – out very well. We even clear up the doubts to ensure that each student has clear idea of what they have learned from us.
Congratulations on the article, incredible, wonderful!
Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful article! We are linking to this particularly great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.
Thaks for this great posting
Congratulations on the article, incredible, wonderful!
Really impressive! I like so much this post ! Nice Work!
Nice Posta, thank for sharing
thank for sharing, Nice post
Very interesting post! Tks!
Muito bom seu artigo perfeito.
Impressive the clarity with which you pass the information, excellent work, congratulations.
I always love to be aki on your blog, it is sensational, perfect, my congratulations.
Keep posting these articles that help a lot to everyone who wants to learn
more. Thank you.
I must be missing something
Nice Job!
Fantastic web site. Lots of helpful info here. Thank you for sharing .
Thanks for sharing
I loved you, and you’re welcome
thanks for this excellent post
Really impressive! I like so much this post ! Nice Work!
Very good your article, quite enlightening.
Thanks for sharing
Qué gran trabajo gracias por compartir
This article deals with a very curious topic and opens the door to many debates
This subject is very interesting, we are waiting for you to share more texts like this with us
This subject is very interesting, we are waiting for you to share more texts like this with us
This subject is very interesting, we are waiting for you to share more texts like this with us. 2
This post is awesome
This satire is very good.
the big site,great informations
Show time!
adly, universities seem to support diversity in all things but thought….
Very interesting this information discussed, share with my friends.
thanks for this excellent post
Really good post
so nice post very good informations
Very Good
Thaks for this great content!
Nice post Daryl
Thaks for this great content!
My congratulations to the site / blog is sensational as it is easy to read and understand, I love to always be around here, continue with the excellent work.
Thaks for this great content!
Nice, Congratulations
Tanks, nice!!
Muito bom. Grande post.
Bom trabalho. Continue assim
Muito bom o conteúdo do blog…
Very good article! A pity there has been the suspension of who selected the cartoon, but the response from Rick McKee made me laugh!