Newspaper Magically Disappears Racist Cartoon It Published
The Indianapolis Star featured a Gary Varvel cartoon that offended a wide group of readers, and many viewed it as racist.
The paper states that “Gary did not intend to be racially insensitive in his attempt to express his strong views about President Barack Obama’s decision to temporarily prevent the deportation of millions of immigrants living and working illegally in the United States.”
Those are strong words to justify an offensive cartoon:
The cartoon depicted an immigrant family climbing through a window of a white family’s home as Thanksgiving dinner was served. I was uncomfortable with the depiction when I saw it after it was posted. We initially decided to leave the cartoon posted to allow readers to comment and because material can never truly be eliminated once it is circulating on the web. But we are removing the cartoon from the opinion section of our website, as well as an earlier version posted on Facebook that showed one character with a mustache.
This action is not a comment on the issue of illegal immigration or a statement about Gary’s right to express his opinions strongly. We encourage and support diverse opinion. But the depictions in this case were inappropriate; his point could have been expressed in other ways.
The paper says that Gary “intended to illustrate the view of many conservatives and others that the president’s order will encourage more people to pour into the country illegally.”
Except Obama is not allowing criminals to remain in the country. Congress held onto the immigration bill for over 500 days. There was plenty of opportunity for the right wing to create an alternative.
This cartoon was simply a scare-mongering tactic:
Wow @indystar edit page. Way to scaremonger & falsely stereotype http://t.co/rOqpIPbxaW
pic.twitter.com/r05MFyfDb4 h/t @margarita #Immigration
— Raju Narisetti (@raju) November 22, 2014
The cartoon is gone, but the image can never be deleted from the Internet.
Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Anomaly100
Budda November 22nd, 2014 at 19:22
Not subtle at all.
whatthe46 November 22nd, 2014 at 19:37
nope…
Budda November 22nd, 2014 at 20:22
Not subtle at all.
whatthe46 November 22nd, 2014 at 20:37
nope…
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 22nd, 2014 at 19:59
Racist?
Factual.
mea_mark November 22nd, 2014 at 20:02
Not factual in the least. It does feed the fear and delusions that you seem to embrace though.
jasperjava November 22nd, 2014 at 20:08
Yes, it’s factual that you’re a racist.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 25th, 2014 at 11:29
No you are just a simpleton.
I bet it takes you an hour and a half to watch 60 minutes.
Have fun bathing in your smug self righteousness.
Anomaly 100 November 22nd, 2014 at 20:20
Are you telling me that you have undocumented immigrants pouring in through your window, trying to eat your food?
Paranoid much?
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 21:34
It’s a metaphor.
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 00:05
Which means it cannot be “factual”.
R.J. Carter November 24th, 2014 at 09:22
No, it doesn’t mean that at all. Metaphors are frequently used to put the factual into terms that people can more easily comprehend.
I wish I had a handy metaphor to explain that, but I don’t.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 21:45
Any third grader would understand that the window in that cartoon represents the border, and that the people coming through the window represent the people who enter the USA illegally, instead of knocking on the front door and waiting to be invited in.
Anomaly 100 November 23rd, 2014 at 06:13
And here I am at 56-years-old feeling offended by that cartoon. In fact, if you read the post, it said that many (most) people viewed it as racist. I am not shocked that you don’t get it.
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 06:56
Of course the cartoon is metaphorical. That’s what makes Susan Beatrice’s comment that it is somehow “factual” so ridiculous.
KABoink_after_wingnut_hacker November 22nd, 2014 at 20:23
‘Shameful’ or ‘deceitful’ are more accurate words.
Carla Akins November 22nd, 2014 at 20:35
So this is an undocumented worker? His skin tone is darker and he has a mustache – quick, deport him.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 21:12
Do you believe that the US has a right to limit immigration across any of its borders?
burqa November 22nd, 2014 at 23:24
Of course we have a right. We have a whole agency devoted to the subject. Guess you never heard of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
But we need to decide, as our president said, whether those opposing immigration or who have unrealistic expectations as to sealing the border and whether they are adhering to the principles this nation was founded upon.
We can go to the Founding Fathers for wisdom. The following is one of the reasons we decided to found a new nation, given in the Declaration of Independence, where they outlined the problems they had with King George III:
“… He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, …”
Our national tradition is to show our better sides and welcoming immigrants with a smile and a covered dish. We have plenty of room and now is just the time to have millions more taxpayers. With the demographic spike of retiring baby boomers, we need more people paying SS taxes to finance their benefits.
The opposition to immigrants comes from the uglier sides of human nature and that impulse is to be resisted in favor of treating others the way we would like to be treated in the same situation.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 23:55
Again, I am agreeing with most of what you have written. But if we really care about helping those less fortunate, then why not put Afghan refugees first?
Mexico is a relatively wealthy nation, with GDP per capita of $10,307 compared with $53,143 for the US. For Afghanistan the figure is $678. The current policy amounts to “If you can manage to find a way to cross our border, we’ll help you.”.
It takes reasonably good health and a certain amount of resources to make the journey. So let’s not kid ourselves into thinking we are operating some kind of “outreach” program. For every one person who makes it to the US, there and hundreds who lack the means to do so. At least charities like Feed the Children actually have a plan to help those most in need. Our immigration policy does not reflect planning. It is basically just an acceptance of the status quo.
There is something troubling about the notion of permitting Latinos to come to America in order to support the baby boomers in retirement. Maybe that also reflects one of the uglier sides of human nature.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 25th, 2014 at 11:23
“opposition to immigrants “?
Immigrants are welcomed if they enter the country legally with the prior approval of our government.
Carla Akins November 23rd, 2014 at 06:06
Yes, of course.
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 13:00
As you know, most countries have complicated histories during which people and borders have moved and various groups of people have claimed ownership of various tracts of land at various times. For example, the original inhabitants of Mexico and Central America were largely wiped out by diseases brought to that region by Spanish explorers and settlers, who also brought the Spanish language and the Catholic faith, which largely displaced previous languages and faiths in that region.
The current borders of the US were largely determined by the outcomes of military conflicts between groups of European settlers: Spanish in Central and South America, French and British in North America.
You have said that the US has a right to limit immigration across its borders. My question is: Where does that right come from?
Given the fact that national borders are rarely established in a way that is agreeable to the parties on both sides, it would seem that the right of ownership is based in military superiority.
If not military superiority, than what? What gives the US a right to limit immigration across its borders? How would you justify it?
williamedward November 22nd, 2014 at 20:53
racist.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 25th, 2014 at 10:59
Realist.
Melissa L. November 22nd, 2014 at 22:52
And who do you think picked the produce for your Thanksgiving table?
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 23rd, 2014 at 09:21
Only a small percentage of illegal immigrants pick produce.
To say that they all pick produce is false.
When I can drive by any Home Depot and see 20 to 30 men congregating on the sidewalk outside, looking for day labor jobs, it is patently obvious that they are not picking produce.
Melissa L. November 23rd, 2014 at 21:27
That is a pathetic response. Instead of acknowledging the fact that illegals ARE the ones providing that produce you go off on a tangent. Try feeling some gratitude – it might do your heart good.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 08:38
That’s just your opinion.
Enjoy your feeling of self righteousness.
I believe in being fair to the millions of people who came here legally, not the bleeding heart mentality, that throws all logic out the window.
Melissa L. November 24th, 2014 at 08:56
The fact is, Susan, that the only illegals Republicans scream about ARE non-white. The illegals who work the fields to pick the produce we will serve on our Thanksgiving tables are treated like slaves. But obviously I’m speaking to someone who is more worried about not appearing like a “bleeding heart” than about her fellow humans, who are persecuted simply for trying to find a better quality of life, away from massive violence and life-threatening poverty. I’ll take being a bleeding heart over a hard-heart every time, and wear the honor proudly.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 09:17
India has a billion people , many of them are whole families who live on the street.
I am sure they would like a better quality of life.
Should we bring them all here?
Melissa L. November 24th, 2014 at 09:59
And this just shows you’re not here to have an actual conversation, but just to say, “I’m right! I’m right! I’m aaaaaaalways right!”. If you decide to converse with intelligence and thoughtfulness I’ll happily continue to engage. Otherwise (and I believe it will be otherwise), I won’t comment further.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 12:04
There’s no need to “shout”, Melissa.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 09:28
Cesar Chavez, leader of the UFW, was opposed to the use of illegal aliens in agriculture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ9jIXHhFJI
arc99 November 22nd, 2014 at 22:57
Being factual does not prevent a statement from being racist
The following two statements both state the same fact
1. A black man is walking down the street
2. A n*gg*r is walking down the street
Both statements convey the exact same fact.
Only one is racist
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 22nd, 2014 at 20:59
Racist?
Factual.
mea_mark November 22nd, 2014 at 21:02
Not factual in the least. It does feed the fear and delusions that you seem to embrace though.
jasperjava November 22nd, 2014 at 21:08
Yes, it’s factual that you’re a racist.
Anomaly 100 November 22nd, 2014 at 21:20
Are you telling me that you have undocumented immigrants pouring in through your window, trying to eat your food?
Paranoid much?
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 22:34
It’s a metaphor.
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 01:05
Which means it cannot be “factual”.
R.J. Carter November 24th, 2014 at 10:22
No, it doesn’t mean that at all. Metaphors are frequently used to put the factual into terms that people can more easily comprehend.
I wish I had a handy metaphor to explain that, but I don’t.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 22:45
Any third grader would understand that the window in that cartoon represents the border, and that the people coming through the window represent the people who enter the USA illegally, instead of knocking on the front door and waiting to be invited in.
Anomaly 100 November 23rd, 2014 at 07:13
And here I am at 56-years-old feeling offended by that cartoon. In fact, if you read the post, it said that many (most) people viewed it as racist. I am not shocked that you don’t get it.
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 07:56
Of course the cartoon is metaphorical. That’s what makes Susan Beatrice’s comment that it is somehow “factual” so ridiculous.
KABoink_after_wingnut_hacker November 22nd, 2014 at 21:23
‘Shameful’ or ‘deceitful’ are more accurate words.
Carla Akins November 22nd, 2014 at 21:35
So this is an undocumented worker? His skin tone is darker and he has a mustache – quick, deport him.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 22:12
Do you believe that the US has a right to limit immigration across any of its borders?
burqa November 23rd, 2014 at 00:24
Of course we have a right. We have a whole agency devoted to the subject. Guess you never heard of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
But we need to decide, as our president said, whether those opposing immigration or who have unrealistic expectations as to sealing the border and whether they are adhering to the principles this nation was founded upon.
We can go to the Founding Fathers for wisdom. The following is one of the reasons we decided to found a new nation, given in the Declaration of Independence, where they outlined the problems they had with King George III:
“… He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, …”
Our national tradition is to show our better sides and welcoming immigrants with a smile and a covered dish. We have plenty of room and now is just the time to have millions more taxpayers. With the demographic spike of retiring baby boomers, we need more people paying SS taxes to finance their benefits.
The opposition to immigrants comes from the uglier sides of human nature and that impulse is to be resisted in favor of treating others the way we would like to be treated in the same situation.
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 00:55
Again, I am agreeing with most of what you have written. But if we really care about helping those less fortunate, then why not put Afghan refugees first?
Mexico is a relatively wealthy nation, with GDP per capita of $10,307 compared with $53,143 for the US. For Afghanistan the figure is $678. The current policy amounts to “If you can manage to find a way to cross our border, we’ll help you.”.
It takes reasonably good health and a certain amount of resources to make the journey. So let’s not kid ourselves into thinking we are operating some kind of “outreach” program. For every one person who makes it to the US, there and hundreds who lack the means to do so. At least charities like Feed the Children actually have a plan to help those most in need. Our immigration policy does not reflect planning. It is basically just an acceptance of the status quo.
There is something troubling about the notion of permitting Latinos to come to America in order to support the baby boomers in retirement. Maybe that also reflects one of the uglier sides of human nature.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 25th, 2014 at 12:23
“opposition to immigrants “?
Immigrants are welcomed if they enter the country legally with the prior approval of our government.
Carla Akins November 23rd, 2014 at 07:06
Yes, of course.
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 14:00
As you know, most countries have complicated histories during which people and borders have moved and various groups of people have claimed ownership of various tracts of land at various times.
For example, the original inhabitants of Mexico and Central America were largely wiped out by diseases brought to that region by Spanish explorers and settlers, who also brought the Spanish language and the Catholic faith, which largely displaced previous languages and faiths in that region.
The current borders of the US were largely determined by the outcomes of military conflicts between groups of European settlers: Spanish in Central and South America, French and British in North America.
You have said that the US has a right to limit immigration across its borders. My question is: Where does that right come from?
Given the fact that national borders are rarely established in a way that is agreeable to the parties on both sides, it would seem that the right of ownership is based in military superiority.
If not military superiority, then what? What gives the US a right to limit immigration across its borders? How would you justify it?
williamedward November 22nd, 2014 at 21:53
racist.
Melissa L. November 22nd, 2014 at 23:52
And who do you think picked the produce for your Thanksgiving table?
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 23rd, 2014 at 10:21
Only a small percentage of illegal immigrants pick produce.
11.7 million illegal immigrants live in the US.
To say that they all pick produce is false and a stretch of the imagination.
When I can drive by any Home Depot and see 20 to 30 men congregating on the sidewalk outside, looking for day labor jobs, it is patently obvious that they are not picking produce.
The family climbing through the window suggests ‘illegal entry’. Americans make it ‘racist’ because they are socially
engineered to perceive illegal immigrants as non White.
Melissa L. November 23rd, 2014 at 22:27
That is a pathetic response. Instead of acknowledging the fact that illegals ARE the ones providing that produce you go off on a tangent. Try feeling some gratitude – it might do your heart good.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 09:38
That’s just your opinion.
Enjoy your feeling of self righteousness.
I believe in being fair to the millions of people who came here legally, not the bleeding heart mentality, that throws all logic out the window.
Melissa L. November 24th, 2014 at 09:56
The fact is, Susan, that the only illegals Republicans scream about ARE non-white. The illegals who work the fields to pick the produce we will serve on our Thanksgiving tables are treated like slaves. But obviously I’m speaking to someone who is more worried about not appearing like a “bleeding heart” than about her fellow humans, who are persecuted simply for trying to find a better quality of life, away from massive violence and life-threatening poverty. I’ll take being a bleeding heart over a hard-heart every time, and wear the honor proudly.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 10:17
India has a billion people , many of them are whole families who live on the street.
I am sure they would like a better quality of life.
Should we bring them all here?
Melissa L. November 24th, 2014 at 10:59
And this just shows you’re not here to have an actual conversation, but just to say, “I’m right! I’m right! I’m aaaaaaalways right!”. If you decide to converse with intelligence and thoughtfulness I’ll happily continue to engage. Otherwise (and I believe it will be otherwise), I won’t comment further.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 13:04
There’s no need to “shout”, Melissa.
Susan Beatrice Karimchise November 24th, 2014 at 10:28
Cesar Chavez, leader of the UFW, was opposed to the use of illegal aliens in agriculture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ9jIXHhFJI
arc99 November 22nd, 2014 at 23:57
Being factual does not prevent a statement from being racist
The following two statements both state the same fact
1. A black man is walking down the street
2. A n*gg*r is walking down the street
Both statements convey the exact same fact.
Only one is racist
jasperjava November 22nd, 2014 at 20:12
“the image can never be deleted from the internet.”
I wish I could delete that racist cartoon from my brain.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 21:06
“I wish I could delete that racist cartoon from my brain.”
Which begs the question of why it is deemed “okay” to reproduce it here, but not in the newspaper where it was originally published. Are the readers of this forum somehow more discerning than the average newspaper reader?
jasperjava November 22nd, 2014 at 21:12
“the image can never be deleted from the internet.”
I wish I could delete that racist cartoon from my brain.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 22:06
“I wish I could delete that racist cartoon from my brain.”
Which begs the question of why it is deemed “okay” to reproduce it here, but not in the newspaper where it was originally published. Are the readers of this forum somehow more discerning than the average newspaper reader?
jasperjava November 22nd, 2014 at 20:17
Deeply ironic how this cartoon negates the meaning of the original thanksgiving. The myth that has come down is that the native Americans welcomed the White Puritan illegal immigrants and helped them survive their first harsh winter.
Welcoming strangers? How Unchristian.
KABoink_after_wingnut_hacker November 22nd, 2014 at 20:19
Bingo!
Well said jasperjava.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 20:54
“…the native Americans welcomed the White Puritan illegal immigrants…”
And how did that work out for the native Americans?
When people move, cultures move. Did the native Americans have a right to protect their culture and resources? Do the present day British have a right to restrict immigration from eastern European countries? Do the French and Italians have a right to limit immigration from northern Africa, in order to protect their own distinctive cultures?
In California we see an agricultural sector and an ever-increasing population consuming more water than the state’s water system can provide. In 2010, about 38% of all foreign-born Mexican immigrants lived in California. There may be enough turkey for everyone, but I’m not so sure about the water.
Reference: http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/frequently-requested-statistics-immigrants-and-immigration-united-states-1
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 21:34
Yeah, not exactly the best example, from a historical perspective.
burqa November 22nd, 2014 at 23:13
Robert M. Snyder: “And how did that work out for the native Americans?”
When they lived together in peace it worked out pretty well.
In terms of your cultural argument, our culture is noted for being one composed of a mix of many. We not only tolerate, we celebrate other cultures with Chinese New Years Day parades and everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Where I live we have a fabulous Greek festival every year and I have friends who are American Indians and periodically put on demonstrations of their culture.
Ever met anyone who speaks Gullah?
Our cities have Chinatowns and Little Italy’s. There are many other areas of our country where there is a strong ethnic identity of one sort or another. Read “Charlie Wilson’s War” and check out the part about Gust Avrakatos’ experiences with several different communities of Greeks, Rumanians, Hungarians and a few others in Pennsylvania. In New Orleans we have that wonderful Creole culture, Spanish and French culture is found in many places, and of course there are the Armenians in California.
Within our various ethnic groups can be significant differences. A neighborhood of Irish descendants in Massachusetts may be quite different than Irish descendants in North Carolina.
No, really! Take a look around, I’m not making this up!
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 06:55
If the US hadn’t taken nearly 1/3 of Mexico’s territory at the point of a gun/cannon and bayonet, there would be no Mexican immigrants in California.
The US were the ‘illegal immigrants’ when we invaded Mexico in 1846-48.
We took over Mexico through violence..
Today they just want to come back home, from the land we stole from them.
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 12:30
“We took over Mexico through violence.”
That’s only the latest chapter in the story. The previous chapter was the Spaniards taking over Mexico and Central America, which explains why Spanish is the predominant language south of the Rio Grande. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco didn’t get their names from the Mayans and Incas. Modern day Mexicans are the descendants of Spanish immigrants who brought the same diseases to Mexico and Guatemala that French and English immigrants brought to North America. The original inhabitants of Mexico and Guatemala were largely wiped out by these diseases. So what we’re looking at today is one group of European settlers south of the Rio Grande and another group of European settlers north of the Rio Grande.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 12:38
Wow…
take a breath after that comment…
Thats over 1500 words without a pause or a period…
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 12:39
150 words..
Tommy6860 November 22nd, 2014 at 23:07
BOOM!
Mars November 23rd, 2014 at 02:30
“White Puritan illegal immigrants”? I did not realize native Americans had immigration laws back in the sixteen hundreds to classify the puritans as ‘Illegal”. And they call my generation lazy and dumb. You and the people that liked this need to pick up a book and stop trying to use examples from the history in which they know nothing about. The first immigration law in history came to fruition during the early eighteen hundreds. The Native Americans had no written laws and no system of writing. Here’s a REAL fact from history though: This country was founded by immigrants. : )
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 06:26
Boy, are you literal.
Of course I used “illegal immigrants” in a facetious way, to highlight the difference in attitudes towards newcomers between the native Americans in the Thanksgiving mythos versus the bigoted attitudes displayed by today’s conservatives.
Being overly literal and unable to understand metaphor is the sign of an inflexible mind.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 06:37
Allow me to fix that comment for you….
“Here’s a REAL fact from history though: This country was founded by immigrants”,and their slaves.
jasperjava November 22nd, 2014 at 21:17
Deeply ironic how this cartoon negates the meaning of the original thanksgiving. The story that has come down is that the native Americans welcomed the White Puritan illegal immigrants and helped them survive their first harsh winter.
Welcoming strangers? How Unchristian.
KABoink_after_wingnut_hacker November 22nd, 2014 at 21:19
Bingo!
Well said jasperjava.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 21:54
“…the native Americans welcomed the White Puritan illegal immigrants…”
And how did that work out for the native Americans?
When people move, cultures move. Did the native Americans have a right to protect their culture and resources? Do the present day British have a right to restrict immigration from eastern European countries? Do the French and Italians have a right to limit immigration from northern Africa, in order to protect their own distinctive cultures?
In California we see an agricultural sector and an ever-increasing population consuming more water than the state’s water system can provide. In 2010, about 38% of all foreign-born Mexican immigrants lived in California. There may be enough turkey for everyone, but I’m not so sure about the water.
Reference: http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/frequently-requested-statistics-immigrants-and-immigration-united-states-1
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 22:34
Yeah, not exactly the best example, from a historical perspective.
burqa November 23rd, 2014 at 00:13
Robert M. Snyder: “And how did that work out for the native Americans?”
When they lived together in peace it worked out pretty well.
In terms of your cultural argument, our culture is noted for being one composed of a mix of many. We not only tolerate, we celebrate other cultures with Chinese New Years Day parades and everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Where I live we have a fabulous Greek festival every year and I have friends who are American Indians and periodically put on demonstrations of their culture.
Ever met anyone who speaks Gullah?
Our cities have Chinatowns and Little Italy’s. There are many other areas of our country where there is a strong ethnic identity of one sort or another. Read “Charlie Wilson’s War” and check out the part about Gust Avrakatos’ experiences with several different communities of Greeks, Rumanians, Hungarians and a few others in Pennsylvania. In New Orleans we have that wonderful Creole culture, Spanish and French culture is found in many places, and of course there are the Armenians in California.
Within our various ethnic groups can be significant differences. A neighborhood of Irish descendants in Massachusetts may be quite different than Irish descendants in North Carolina.
No, really! Take a look around, I’m not making this up!
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 00:42
I agree with everything you said. I also have friends from many different cultural traditions. But the cartoon was not making a point about diversity. The man holding the turkey did not say “Oh crap, I guess we have to say grace in Spanish.”. The theme of the cartoon was “uninvited guests”. Those Irish, Greek, Chinese, and other immigrants you mentioned came to America, mostly, through the front door.
Yes, some Americans are bigots. But most Americans just want to have a sense that things are under control. And a lot of people do not feel that the border situation is under control.
I have gotten to know a local family of legal Guatemalan immigrants who operate a pizza shop. They recently opened a second shop. The first time we ate there, as I was paying for our meal, I said to Jesus, the owner “Este edificio es muy bonito”. (This building is very nice). I took Spanish in high school and college. I’m not very good at it, but I want to make Jesus and his cousins feel welcome in our little town. (Note: Jesus and his cousins do speak English)
Jesus’ cousin Maria, who also works in the pizza shop, is trying to save up the roughly $2,000 needed for legal fees so that her elderly mother can legally emigrate to the US. As I write this, I am thinking maybe I should eat more pizza and leave bigger tips.
So yeah, I’m fine with legal immigration. But I think I have a right to expect the process to be well regulated, and it sure doesn’t seem that way now.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 07:55
If the US hadn’t taken nearly 1/3 of Mexico’s territory at the point of a gun/cannon and bayonet, there would be no Mexican immigrants in California.
The US were the ‘illegal immigrants’ when we invaded Mexico in 1846-48.
We took over Mexico through violence..
Today they just want to come back home, from the land we stole from them.
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 13:30
“We took over Mexico through violence.”
That’s only the latest chapter in the story. The previous chapter was the Spaniards taking over Mexico and Central America, which explains why Spanish is the predominant language south of the Rio Grande. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco didn’t get their names from the Mayans and Incas. Modern day Mexicans are the descendants of Spanish immigrants who brought the same diseases to Mexico and Guatemala that French and English immigrants brought to North America. The original inhabitants of Mexico and Guatemala were largely wiped out by these diseases. So what we’re looking at today is one group of European settlers south of the Rio Grande and another group of European settlers north of the Rio Grande.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 13:38
Wow…
take a breath after that comment…
Thats over 150 words without a pause or a period…
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 13:39
150 words..
Tommy6860 November 23rd, 2014 at 00:07
BOOM!
Mars November 23rd, 2014 at 03:30
“White Puritan illegal immigrants”? I did not realize native Americans had immigration laws back in the sixteen hundreds to classify the puritans as ‘Illegal”. And they call my generation lazy and dumb. You and the people that liked this need to pick up a book and stop trying to use examples from the history in which they know nothing about. The first immigration law in history came to fruition during the early eighteen hundreds. The Native Americans had no written laws and no system of writing. Here’s a REAL fact from history though: This country was founded by immigrants. : )
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 07:26
Boy, are you literal.
Of course I used “illegal immigrants” in a facetious way, to highlight the difference in attitudes towards newcomers between the native Americans in the Thanksgiving mythos versus the bigoted attitudes displayed by today’s conservatives.
Being overly literal and unable to understand metaphor is the sign of an inflexible mind.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 07:37
Allow me to fix that comment for you….
“Here’s a REAL fact from history though: This country was founded by immigrants”,and their slaves.
mmaynard119 November 22nd, 2014 at 21:23
On the subject whether blacks can be racists – this just in from HuffPo:
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, says the New Black Panther Party “is a virulently racist and anti-Semitic organization whose leaders have encouraged violence against whites, Jews and law enforcement officers.” Members of the separatist group “frequently engage in armed protests of alleged police brutality,” the law center reports.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/21/fbi-arrests-men-with-expl_n_6202402.html?&ir=Politics&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000016
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 21:51
Plus, they like to build bombs and straw-purchase illegal weapons for the purpose of killing cops.
Anomaly 100 November 23rd, 2014 at 06:35
I had an epic Twitter argument with someone about the New Black Panthers. It’s my thinking that she was young and had no idea of the two different groups. She kept telling me that they were in Ferguson and how awesome they are. I told her what a big mistake that is and that the protesters should distance themselves from them asap.
I wish I could remember her Twitter handle so I could send her a link to the latest incident regarding the bombs.
arc99 November 22nd, 2014 at 22:14
The New Black Panthers have been widely denounced in the black community, including the members of the real Black Panther party in Oakland California.
Their membership is maybe a dozen people (if that). Their most noteworthy accomplishment was being used by FOX news trying to whip up fear and paranoia about all the scarey black people taking over the country.
They are a bunch of fringe lunatics no more representative of the black community than Tim McVeigh was of conservative caucasian Christian gun owners.
So what the hell is your point?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/16/black-panthers-denounce-new-panthers/?page=all
The Huey P. Newton Foundation Inc., created in 1993 and co-founded by Fredrika Newton, Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s widow, said in a statement that the original party was “never a group of angry young militants full of fury toward the white establishment … but operated on love for black people, not hatred of white people.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/rev-jesse-jackson-denounces-new-black-panther-bounty-on-george-zimmerman/
Rev. Jesse Jackson Denounces New Black Panther Bounty On George Zimmerman
whatthe46 November 22nd, 2014 at 22:31
thank you.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 06:32
High Five~!
But dont believe for a moment that the nutcases wont continue to simply refer to the NBP as the ‘Black Panther Party’…
Because they do not care if they mislead their viewers/listeners.
whatthe46 November 22nd, 2014 at 22:16
they would be referring to the NBP. and as for the protesting… why the hell not against police brutality. nut case 2A groups do it all the damn time, in grocery stores no less. FYI not a fan of the NBP.
burqa November 22nd, 2014 at 22:54
The subject here is a cartoon about immigration. It has nothing to do with the New Black Panther Party any more than it has to do with whether the Washington Nationals will sign Jordan Zimmerman to a contract extension.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 02:13
Who cares what Huffy has to say about anything
mmaynard119 November 22nd, 2014 at 22:23
On the subject whether blacks can be racists – this just in from HuffPo:
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, says the New Black Panther Party “is a virulently racist and anti-Semitic organization whose leaders have encouraged violence against whites, Jews and law enforcement officers.” Members of the separatist group “frequently engage in armed protests of alleged police brutality,” the law center reports.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/21/fbi-arrests-men-with-expl_n_6202402.html?&ir=Politics&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000016
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 22:51
Plus, they like to build bombs and straw-purchase illegal weapons for the purpose of killing cops.
Anomaly 100 November 23rd, 2014 at 07:35
I had an epic Twitter argument with someone about the New Black Panthers. It’s my thinking that she was young and had no idea of the two different groups. She kept telling me that they were in Ferguson and how awesome they are. I told her what a big mistake that is and that the protesters should distance themselves from them asap.
I wish I could remember her Twitter handle so I could send her a link to the latest incident regarding the bombs.
arc99 November 22nd, 2014 at 23:14
The New Black Panthers have been widely denounced in the black community, including the members of the real Black Panther party in Oakland California.
Their membership is maybe a dozen people (if that). Their most noteworthy accomplishment was being used by FOX news trying to whip up fear and paranoia about all the scarey black people taking over the country.
They are a bunch of fringe lunatics no more representative of the black community than Tim McVeigh was of conservative caucasian Christian gun owners.
So what the hell is your point?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/16/black-panthers-denounce-new-panthers/?page=all
The Huey P. Newton Foundation Inc., created in 1993 and co-founded by Fredrika Newton, Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s widow, said in a statement that the original party was “never a group of angry young militants full of fury toward the white establishment … but operated on love for black people, not hatred of white people.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/rev-jesse-jackson-denounces-new-black-panther-bounty-on-george-zimmerman/
Rev. Jesse Jackson Denounces New Black Panther Bounty On George Zimmerman
whatthe46 November 22nd, 2014 at 23:31
thank you.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 07:32
High Five~!
But dont believe for a moment that the nutcases wont continue to simply refer to the NBP as the ‘Black Panther Party’…
Because they do not care if they mislead their viewers/listeners.
whatthe46 November 22nd, 2014 at 23:16
they would be referring to the NBP. and as for the protesting… why the hell not against police brutality. nut case 2A groups do it all the damn time, in grocery stores no less. FYI not a fan of the NBP.
burqa November 22nd, 2014 at 23:54
The subject here is a cartoon about immigration. It has nothing to do with the New Black Panther Party any more than it has to do with whether the Washington Nationals will sign Jordan Zimmerman to a contract extension.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 03:13
Who cares what Huffy has to say about anything
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 21:35
I’m not seeing it. Sorry.
tiredoftea November 22nd, 2014 at 22:45
Well, it’s disappeared, of course you can’t see it!
Anomaly 100 November 23rd, 2014 at 08:27
Ha ha! Your comment was flagged. Neener on you!
R.J. Carter November 24th, 2014 at 09:21
Good! My flag count had stagnated for a while there. :)
Anomaly 100 November 24th, 2014 at 09:44
I’m still beating you though. I have more flags that RJ, which makes me more patriotic.
R.J. Carter November 24th, 2014 at 09:53
If that’s the measure, then…
tracey marie November 24th, 2014 at 09:59
do people believe flagging a mod and boss will get you deleted?
R.J. Carter November 22nd, 2014 at 22:35
I’m not seeing it. Sorry.
tiredoftea November 22nd, 2014 at 23:45
Well, it’s disappeared, of course you can’t see it!
Anomaly 100 November 23rd, 2014 at 09:27
Ha ha! Your comment was flagged. Neener on you!
R.J. Carter November 24th, 2014 at 10:21
Good! My flag count had stagnated for a while there. :)
Anomaly 100 November 24th, 2014 at 10:44
I’m still beating you though. I have more flags that RJ, which makes me more patriotic.
R.J. Carter November 24th, 2014 at 10:53
If that’s the measure, then…
tracey marie November 24th, 2014 at 10:59
do people believe flagging a mod and boss will get you deleted?
BrinKennedy November 22nd, 2014 at 23:54
This might just be my white privilege kicking in, but I don’t see it as racist – uncomplimentary, definitely; insensitive, perhaps; racist, not so much.
Robert M. Snyder November 22nd, 2014 at 23:59
Agreed. Anyone who emigrated to the US legally would not think the cartoon was talking about them. It’s not making a point about race. It’s making a point about behavior. Legal immigrants don’t enter through the window. They knock on the front door and wait to be invited in.
whatthe46 November 23rd, 2014 at 00:11
what are the 2 of you even talking about? what the hell?
BrinKennedy November 23rd, 2014 at 22:58
I do believe we are discussing that cartoon… Did you get lost?
Marcus Shelton November 23rd, 2014 at 03:35
Then why is it a swarthy mexican crawling through the window of the nice traditional white family? Why not a canadian in a hockey jersey?
BrinKennedy November 23rd, 2014 at 22:56
Because who do you think of when someone says “immigration”? Mexico. Does that make you racist? No. Defensive? Definitely…
And in this case, the Mexicans are the ones most notably impacted by the President’s decision.
BrinKennedy November 23rd, 2014 at 00:54
This might just be my white privilege kicking in, but I don’t see it as racist – uncomplimentary, definitely; insensitive, perhaps; racist, not so much.
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2014 at 00:59
Agreed. Anyone who emigrated to the US legally would not think the cartoon was talking about them. It’s not making a point about race. It’s making a point about behavior. Legal immigrants don’t enter through the window. They knock on the front door and wait to be invited in.
whatthe46 November 23rd, 2014 at 01:11
what are the 2 of you even talking about? what the hell?
BrinKennedy November 23rd, 2014 at 23:58
I do believe we are discussing that cartoon… Did you get lost?
Marcus Shelton November 23rd, 2014 at 04:35
Then why is it a swarthy mexican crawling through the window of the nice traditional white family? Why not a canadian in a hockey jersey?
BrinKennedy November 23rd, 2014 at 23:56
Because who do you think of when someone says “immigration”? Mexico. Does that make you racist? No. Defensive? Definitely…
And in this case, the Mexicans are the ones most notably impacted by the President’s decision.
Jim Bendtsen November 23rd, 2014 at 01:00
It’s not racist. Typical leftard BS.
whatthe46 November 23rd, 2014 at 01:21
it is and its prejudice. typical RWNJ racism!
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 02:12
Depicting righrtwingnut cases fears ,,,,,,ooooo the immigrant boogieman
Jim Bendtsen November 23rd, 2014 at 02:00
It’s not racist. Typical leftard BS.
whatthe46 November 23rd, 2014 at 02:21
it is and its prejudice. typical RWNJ racism!
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 03:12
Depicting righrtwingnut cases fears ,,,,,,ooooo the immigrant boogieman
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 02:11
What is the editorial stance in general of the paper?? This was in the opinion section of the paper and reflects the views of the author… Thats like dropping George Will’s column because he is a Rightwingnutcase.. It is the opinion section
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 07:06
As wrong-headed as George Will often is, he generally refrains from using racial slurs in his columns.
This cartoon’s visual “language” reflects the irrational bigoted fear and loathing that conservatives feel towards immigrants.
It’s one thing to have an opinion about immigration policy. Surely we can express it without resorting to hateful stereotypes.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 07:07
‘Mexicans crawling through your window’..
That does set off a racist mind set..indeed.
Wayout November 23rd, 2014 at 07:49
See, is the problem. As a person of French descent from Quebec
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 08:04
You’re up early with the racist diatribe…
maybe you should use ‘the google’ to see how many ‘illegals’ of European/Asian background are in the US ‘illegally’..
The number is shocking, but doesn’t get the coverage of those who come across the southern border..
personally I have no problem with people that come to ‘America’ wanting to be ‘Americans’..
There is plenty to go around.
Carla Akins November 23rd, 2014 at 08:17
Most of the undocumented are from non-hispanic regions. Intentionally illustrating the man coming thru the window as hispanic, is definitely racist. And inaccurate, it was simply used to agitate and feed into stereotypes.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 07:13
It still is an opinion page…you read into it what you wish….That is the whole point behind Rorschach testing…I don’t project that image
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 07:16
when ever I see a Rorschach image..
I see a spinal vertebrae…
Whats that mean?
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 07:27
Terminal…
We were playing with them in grad school and there is one that does look like a bat…so this one girl says..”do you see a bat?” On cue I look at the girl next to me and say in my most professional voice of concern……she sees a bat…tsk tsk…… LOL
Carla Akins November 23rd, 2014 at 08:18
I always see the super hero character from the movie The Watchers. Uggh, what a dark film.
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 07:47
Sometimes these “Rorschach” images are painfully clear. Wouldn’t you object to cartoons depicting Jews as hook-nosed money-grubbing bankers? Or blacks as thick-lipped watermelon-eating shiftless layabouts?
Mexicans as mustachioed home invaders gives off a similar vibe.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 07:49
You are beating a dead horse
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 07:55
Racism may be dead to you, but not to those who struggle against it every day.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 08:23
You don’t get it…nothing to see move on
Wayout November 23rd, 2014 at 07:58
There is no fear or loathing toward immigrants, it’s about wanting our nation to be able to control it’s national border. Does not the rule of law matter to you?
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 03:11
What is the editorial stance in general of the paper?? This was in the opinion section of the paper and reflects the views of the author… Thats like dropping George Will’s column because he is a Rightwingnutcase.. It is the opinion section
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 08:06
As wrong-headed as George Will often is, he generally refrains from using racial slurs in his columns.
This cartoon’s visual “language” reflects the irrational bigoted fear and loathing that conservatives feel towards immigrants.
It’s one thing to have an opinion about immigration policy. Surely we can express it without resorting to hateful stereotypes.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 08:07
‘Mexicans crawling through your window’..
That does set off a racist mind set..indeed.
Wayout November 23rd, 2014 at 08:49
See, this is the problem with you folks and supposedly racist things and immigration. As a person of French descent from Quebec, Canada I would equally be as opposed to people from there coming here in droves and in an illegal manner. It’s not racism, but wanting to live in a nation that is able to control who comes in and when. We have that right, just as they have NO RIGHT to simply walk in here and expect to be able to stay.
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 09:04
You’re up early with the racist diatribe…
maybe you should use ‘the google’ to see how many ‘illegals’ of European/Asian background are in the US ‘illegally’..
The number is shocking, but doesn’t get the coverage of those who come across the southern border..
personally I have no problem with people that come to ‘America’ wanting to be ‘Americans’..
There is plenty to go around.
Carla Akins November 23rd, 2014 at 09:17
Most of the undocumented are from non-hispanic regions. Intentionally illustrating the man coming thru the window as hispanic, is definitely racist. And inaccurate, it was simply used to agitate and feed into stereotypes.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 08:13
It still is an opinion page…you read into it what you wish….That is the whole point behind Rorschach testing…I don’t project that image
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 08:16
when ever I see a Rorschach image..
I see a spinal vertebrae…
Whats that mean?
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 08:27
Terminal…
We were playing with them in grad school and there is one that does look like a bat…so this one girl says..”do you see a bat?” On cue I look at the girl next to me and say in my most professional voice of concern……she sees a bat…tsk tsk…… LOL
Carla Akins November 23rd, 2014 at 09:18
I always see the super hero character from the movie The Watchers. Uggh, what a dark film.
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 08:47
Sometimes these “Rorschach” images are painfully clear. Wouldn’t you object to cartoons depicting Jews as hook-nosed money-grubbing bankers? Or blacks as thick-lipped watermelon-eating shiftless layabouts?
Mexicans as mustachioed home invaders gives off a similar vibe.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 08:49
You are beating a dead horse
jasperjava November 23rd, 2014 at 08:55
Racism may be dead to you, but not to those who struggle against it every day.
rg9rts November 23rd, 2014 at 09:23
You don’t get it…nothing to see move on
Wayout November 23rd, 2014 at 08:58
There is no fear or loathing toward immigrants, it’s about wanting our nation to be able to control it’s national border. Does not the rule of law matter to you?
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 07:06
I found the ‘cartoon’ in poor taste..
maybe a little racist also because they didn’t depict Asian or European ‘illegal immigrants’ that are living in the USA who have ‘illegally’ over stayed their visas..
Not that any of them bother me..
Scott Garling November 23rd, 2014 at 10:14
I don’t think those cross our border and have anchor babies to the tune of thousands. And those “Overstayed Visas”? What in fresh hell do you think a Visa is? oh yeah.. Documentation. We’re talking UNDOCUMENTED folks here, Stoney. This isn’t racist, stop playing the Race Card. you’re wearing it out. Remember that story about the Boy that Cried Wolf? You libs shout Racism so much when it does happen nobody is listening
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 10:39
Glad to see you get that off your chest…(although you are still wrong)
Do you feel better now?
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 10:46
You seem angry…
May I recommend you take three deep breaths before you comment again.
m2old4bs November 23rd, 2014 at 11:58
A visa is only a valid document as long as it is not expired. Once the expiration date has been crossed and nothing has been done to extend it, the validity of the visa is voided. Your point of documentation is moot and meaningless. There are plenty of Latin Americans who hold an expired work visa card. It is not only the European and Asian workers who hold an expired visa. And yes, European, Asian and Canadian illegal migrants do have anchor babies as well. As far as the “boy who cried wolf” story: Perhaps you conservative folks can remember that when you spout off your xenophobic, fear mongoring, hateful rhetoric – a race card we’ve had the displeasure of being subjected to way too often over the last 6 years from those on the fundamental conservative side. And yes, the cartoon is racist.
tracey marie November 24th, 2014 at 06:22
like rubio
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 08:06
I found the ‘cartoon’ in poor taste..
maybe a little racist also because they didn’t depict Asian or European ‘illegal immigrants’ that are living in the USA who have ‘illegally’ over stayed their visas..
Not that any of them bother me..
Scott Garling November 23rd, 2014 at 11:14
I don’t think those cross our border and have anchor babies to the tune of thousands. And those “Overstayed Visas”? What in fresh hell do you think a Visa is? oh yeah.. Documentation. We’re talking UNDOCUMENTED folks here, Stoney. This isn’t racist, stop playing the Race Card. you’re wearing it out. Remember that story about the Boy that Cried Wolf? You libs shout Racism so much when it does happen nobody is listening
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 11:39
Glad to see you get that off your chest…(although you are still wrong)
Do you feel better now?
StoneyCurtisll November 23rd, 2014 at 11:46
You seem angry…
May I recommend you take three deep breaths before you comment again.
m2old4bs November 23rd, 2014 at 12:58
A visa is only a valid document as long as it is not expired. Once the expiration date has been crossed and nothing has been done to extend it, the validity of the visa is voided. Your point of documentation is moot and meaningless. There are plenty of Latin Americans who hold an expired work visa card. It is not only the European and Asian workers who hold an expired visa. And yes, European, Asian and Canadian illegal migrants do have anchor babies as well. As far as the “boy who cried wolf” story: Perhaps you conservative folks can remember that when you spout off your xenophobic, fear mongoring, hateful rhetoric – a race card we’ve had the displeasure of being subjected to way too often over the last 6 years from those on the fundamental conservative side. And yes, the cartoon is racist.
tracey marie November 24th, 2014 at 07:22
like rubio