There was a letter to the Star Advertiser editor yesterday complaining that an editorial cartoon showing the policeman killing George Floyd as being " extremely distasteful...."
The writer goes on to say, "....It's unfortunate that at this time, your editorial staff chose not to provide an illustration promoting reconciliation, understanding and empathy. As with so many issues in our country, this is a time to come together."
I thought the cartoon strongly portrayed the poison of racism that is once more spreading in America today. That is the climate we are living in right now.
When Colin Kaepernick and other players took to their knees during the national anthem to peacefully protest police brutality against African Americans he was criticized and kicked out of the NFL.
From Wikipedia:
And then I saw this in the news.
Washington, D.C. police officers were kneeling in solidarity to protect Trump's International Hotel.
Does anyone see the irony in this?
The writer goes on to say, "....It's unfortunate that at this time, your editorial staff chose not to provide an illustration promoting reconciliation, understanding and empathy. As with so many issues in our country, this is a time to come together."
I thought the cartoon strongly portrayed the poison of racism that is once more spreading in America today. That is the climate we are living in right now.
From Wikipedia:
"The actions resulted in a wider protest movement, which intensified in September 2017 after President Donald Trump said that NFL owners should "fire" players who protest the national anthem."Trump (BBC News): "You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn't be playing, you shouldn't be there, maybe you shouldn't be in the country."
And then I saw this in the news.
Washington, D.C. police officers were kneeling in solidarity to protect Trump's International Hotel.
Does anyone see the irony in this?
I did see that photo. I think the article said the protestors asked the police to kneel in solidarity and they did.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard about policemen kneeling as a respectful gesture, I thought about how "kneeling on the neck" was so similar. I think the political cartoons get readers to think a little bit.
ReplyDeleteLinda in Kansas
What a juxtaposition in the last photo!
ReplyDeleteI also saw a clip of soldiers kneeling with protestors. It wasn't in front of a trump building, but nevertheless I found it moving.
Thanks for you comment re my post yesterday. I thought I couldn't come to grips with the topic very well, but I am glad you found something that you liked about it.
There is no doubt that cartoon would make people uncomfortable and it should. There will be no reconciliation until the extent of the problem is clearly in everyone awareness.
ReplyDeleteIf the pain of the pandemic didn't soften hearts and the pain of the protests is not softening peoples hearts, what is it going to take?
I saw no problem with the football players kneeling and was surprised at the push back and basic punishment. Colin is still looking for a job. It was quite ironic that the kneeling police were protecting Trump's hotel. Would have liked to have seen his face when he saw that photo.
ReplyDeleteI think the political cartoon is spot on. "Taking a knee" means different things to us all, but it should become an act of solidarity with everyone who believes that the systemic racism in our country must end. I applauded Colin back when he first did it. Look at how many police officers (not just the ones in front of that awful hotel) took a knee and still are during these days of protest.
ReplyDeleteLike Olga I was shocked at the punishment dealt to Colin. That was an eye opener. Says so much about the NFL and other such sports for money organizations.
ReplyDeleteI do. And the bible. Whose bible is this./a bible.
ReplyDeleteSuch difficult times.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Kay. The irony of the police kneeling in front of the Trump hotel is wonderful. Colin's photo, kneeling, was on the front page of our Seattle Times sports section today, and rightly so. I supported him then, and I support him and his brothers in the cause still. I even took a knee myself during the National Anthem before a Seahawks game, but in the safety of my own house. I think taking a knee is taking on new and more powerful meaning now.
ReplyDeleteThat cartoon - right on!
Good for them, and a knee (and finger) to trump. We will be generations recovering.
ReplyDeleteColin Kaepernick could have worn a small pin during the national anthem and they would still have demonized whatever he had done. It was never about the kneeling
ReplyDeleteKeep your eyes open, your heart open, and VOTE!!!!!!
ReplyDelete