disturbing cartoon and words
(warning: the cartoon used in this post is offensive on a number of levels).
Beware. This post is an out and out unequivocal rant.
Every once in a while someone does something using freedom of speech that disturbs me (I have another post suggesting that freedom of speech doesn’t absolve you of freedom to be stupid … it is a privilege not to be abused).
Ok. I just saw something that disturbed me. A cartoon depicts Barack Obama as a rapist and the Statue of Liberty as his victim. While I find the cartoon itself offensive I find the thought (or thoughts) behind it probably even more disturbing … and offensive.
Look. I understand the rape metaphor is not new.
Conservatives routinely accuse progressives of “raping” America
Rape is used to describe a dislike with a political process or specific actions , i.e., healthcare is being “rammed down our throats.”
We’re being told to “bend over and take it.” (and more like those)
But Darleen over at her blog ‘Protein Wisdom’ takes it to a new level in a cartoon that has Obama raping the Statue of Liberty.
Apparently others were as disturbed as I and told her so. In response to some of her detractors for developing the cartoon she says:
Heck, I want to shake them up. This is supposed to be a post-racial era? Then deal with the fact that the President of the United States is the head of a gang that just raped our American principles.
This is so wrong on so many levels I find it difficult to know where to start. But here goes:
- Rape is rape. It is not healthcare or anything political. It is not a metaphor. It is real. It is ugly. It is personal. Using it as a metaphor is disgusting, offensive and disturbing.
- The cartoon is a reflection of a level of hate that while this cartoon takes to an unacceptable level is indicative of a significant tone among a growing (ok. maybe not growing in size but maybe something else) vocal ultra conservative club.
- This is “shock communications” at its absolute worst.
Too often nowadays it seems too many people, of all beliefs, refer to the raping of America to show their indignation of what they believe (or perceive) is happening. I assume they believe the metaphor will make a bigger impact.
Well. In the marketing business we would call it cheap sensationalism.
And in the marketing world only hacks stoop to that level. If I can take a step back and think clearly on this … I would suggest effective communications is all about “breaking through the clutter in a meaningful way.” And ‘meaningful’ translates into balance. Intrusive but not at the expense of the message. This crosses that line.
Bottom line.
I am offended when rape is used in this way. Maybe I am too close to this issue but diminishing the personalness of rape by using it as a metaphor is … well … it pisses me off. And I am sure that is not the most eloquent nor smartest reason for anyone to agree with me but number one above all it is personal to me. And I would assume it is very personal to a lot of women.
So. Bottom line. It pisses me off.
And it should more people. And that includes the ultra conservatives <or anyone for that matter> abusing (and diminishing) the physical act by using it as a metaphor. If someone wants to be treated fairly or if they wanted to be considered as a credible voice to listen to … they should think long and hard about what they are doing and saying.
The causal use of rape as a metaphor trivializes it. And I find it offensive. And I find it an appalling lack of understanding just to attempt to make a point (not just in this cartoon but with the overall issue of using that word).
I also find it disturbing that there is a level of antagonism towards the president that lies well beyond the boundaries of what one would consider reasonable political debate or an emotional disagreement on a specific decision.
Look. He has had to have a Secret Service long before any other presidential candidate. He has received more threats than any other president elect. Since he’s taken office the threats of violence have continued. For the president himself there have been calls for his assassination. Something has gone completely out of whack here.
Lastly. There is a sub current of racism in the cartoon which I find troubling. And it is a troubling undercurrent within the tone of many published point of views with a black president at the helm of US leadership. I cannot exactly put my finger on it. But. I am not black nor a minority (unless you want to count old white guys as a minority). My minority friends would probably be better able than I to figure that thought out.
I am sure the United States media has been hesitant to step up and take this cartoon on because by doing so maybe it could be construed as giving it legitimacy (I found reference to this cartoon in a British paper – the Guardian). But. Someone should step up and recognize the wrongness of it, the message and all the other levels of wrongness associated with it.
But that is just my opinion.
Wow, this is scary on so many levels. Being a Canadian citizen who has had some very serious health issues lately; I for one am glad that we have “universal” health care. I have this n quotations because there has been a movement in Alberta to go to a two tier system which is going to make health care easier to achieve for those who can afford it.
We have it already with the professional athletes. I was injured in a car accident in May of last year. I needed an MRI which I didn’t get until September, 4 months later. I had been an athlete i would have had it within 24 hrs. In fact I was told if I was willing to pay the money I could have gotten in within a week.
As for the metaphor of rape, as a rape survivor I am not happy with the usage. Yet some people in America feel this is what has happened to them. I am sure Canadians did as well when our health care system came in in the 1960’s. Having a metaphor really does trivialize what rape actually is.
As for the threats on President Obama it is crazy. I had figured when he was running and then was president elect that he was going to need the Secret Service. People are very scared of him and what he represents. First of all there was his race, that alone had many concerned for his safety. Top it off with his progressive stance and that scares the crap out of the Republicans and the right winged religious right (hopefully I don’t offend anyone with this comment).
Cora
thanks cora. first. never worry about offending anyone on this site. i think i have that down. second. unfortunately pretty much with everything in life (not just healthcare) whether we like it or not … not everyone is created equal. money tends to unequalize people. it is unfortunate but it is true.
I agree with your comments — this is deeply disturbing on many levels. But what would you have “someone” or “people” do? Arrest her? Scream back at her? Fine her a large amount of money? Free speech is free speech, and (in my opinion) the best possible outcome of this cartoon would be if she was simply ignored — much more painful to her than almost any penalty we could come up with. This is yet another example of the extremism and intolerance (left or right) that seems to dominate opinions, politics and culture these days.
what would i have someone do? well. i would be willing to banish her to the stupid room, take away her crayons and tell her she cannot come back out again until she recognizes freedom of speech is a privelege and a responsibility. or. i would be happy if a big bunch of women somebodies would step in (or on her) and suggest that her use of rape as a metaphor is demeaning … and doubly demeaning coming from a woman. i don’t know. but i get concerned when someone does something and they are ignorant of true reasons of what they actually did wrong then they continue the behavior. heck. look at me? someone should have stopped some of my behavior years ago.