Page two
Editorial
Cartoons on trial
By Brian Carey
Editor
Cartoons and comics serve an interesting function in a college
newspaper, as they do in any newspaper. To the newspaper
production man, they are used as artwork to brighten up the page.
For the reader, they can summarize an article, elucidate certain
points, address controversial issues, state an opinion, or merely
entertain.
The first issue of the Guilfordian this academic year, dated
September 11, 1979, contained two cartoons which accomplished
several of these objectives, but were also perceived to be racist and
offensive.
One, drawn by staff artist Dave Jewett, dealt with the seemingly
innocuous topic of the "six-year plan" at Guilford. The other was a
nationally syndicated political cartoon concerning South Africa.
While it is not the policy of the Guilfordian to reveal the sources
and/or motives for any article or cartoon we publish, it was felt that
an explanation could benefit all.
Because of the broad nose and black, curly hair of one character
in Jewett's strip, and the character's references to the six-year
plan, prison, and football, many black and white members of the
Guilford College Community assumed he was black.
Since the character now was black in some reader's minds, his
comments were perceived to imply that blacks are dumb jocks
bound for jail, a stereotype the Guilfordian vehemently condemns.
In actuality, this character was modeled after David Brown, a
"finally" alumnus who had a healthy head of curly hair and a
longer timetable for education than four years.
(This is)... "a stereotype the
Guilfordian vehemently condemns."
A matter of perception? Perhaps. But it is a sad comment on the
state of race relations at Guilford when misconceptions such as
these can almost turn into a full-fledged controversies.
Guilford can certainly not be accused of discrimination against
minorities in its admissions, hiring, curricular, or other policy. But
one must also be vigilant against the increasing tendency to
smother minorities, particularly blacks, in a blanket of isolation and
protection.
Brothers and Sisters in Blackness is a case in point. While
seeking to make blacks aware of their cultural heritage, a noble
cause, the actual effect of this campus organization borders on
segregation and alienation of blacks from the greater community.
The justification of their $2900 Senate-funded budget should also
be seriously examined by this year's Community Sentae.
One comment by a white Guilford College professor revolted me
the most. The faculty member said that if the roles in Jewett's
cartoon had been reversed (if the obviously white character had
spoke of six years, etc.), everything would have been fine. Such a
comment stinks of duplicity of values, and further discredits the
over-reactions to this particular cartoon.
continued on page three
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Page two
Editorial
Cartoons on trial
By Brian Carey
Editor
Cartoons and comics serve an interesting function in a college
newspaper, as they do in any newspaper. To the newspaper
production man, they are used as artwork to brighten up the page.
For the reader, they can summarize an article, elucidate certain
points, address controversial issues, state an opinion, or merely
entertain.
The first issue of the Guilfordian this academic year, dated
September 11, 1979, contained two cartoons which accomplished
several of these objectives, but were also perceived to be racist and
offensive.
One, drawn by staff artist Dave Jewett, dealt with the seemingly
innocuous topic of the "six-year plan" at Guilford. The other was a
nationally syndicated political cartoon concerning South Africa.
While it is not the policy of the Guilfordian to reveal the sources
and/or motives for any article or cartoon we publish, it was felt that
an explanation could benefit all.
Because of the broad nose and black, curly hair of one character
in Jewett's strip, and the character's references to the six-year
plan, prison, and football, many black and white members of the
Guilford College Community assumed he was black.
Since the character now was black in some reader's minds, his
comments were perceived to imply that blacks are dumb jocks
bound for jail, a stereotype the Guilfordian vehemently condemns.
In actuality, this character was modeled after David Brown, a
"finally" alumnus who had a healthy head of curly hair and a
longer timetable for education than four years.
(This is)... "a stereotype the
Guilfordian vehemently condemns."
A matter of perception? Perhaps. But it is a sad comment on the
state of race relations at Guilford when misconceptions such as
these can almost turn into a full-fledged controversies.
Guilford can certainly not be accused of discrimination against
minorities in its admissions, hiring, curricular, or other policy. But
one must also be vigilant against the increasing tendency to
smother minorities, particularly blacks, in a blanket of isolation and
protection.
Brothers and Sisters in Blackness is a case in point. While
seeking to make blacks aware of their cultural heritage, a noble
cause, the actual effect of this campus organization borders on
segregation and alienation of blacks from the greater community.
The justification of their $2900 Senate-funded budget should also
be seriously examined by this year's Community Sentae.
One comment by a white Guilford College professor revolted me
the most. The faculty member said that if the roles in Jewett's
cartoon had been reversed (if the obviously white character had
spoke of six years, etc.), everything would have been fine. Such a
comment stinks of duplicity of values, and further discredits the
over-reactions to this particular cartoon.
continued on page three