An editorial cartoon by Mike Lester, Rome News Tribune, has sparked outrage among groups working to bring awareness that the ‘r’ Word is hurtful to people who have disabilites and those who love them. The syndicated cartoon which is appearing in papers across the country depicts Obama in a dunk tank with Tim Geithner throwing balls at him. The caption reads, “You throw like a r——!” The cartoon may be seen here:
http://editorialcartoonists.com/cartoon/display.cfm/68374/
Use of the ‘r’ word in this way not only perpetuates prejudice and discrimination towards people with disabilities, but is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur or hate speech.
To voice your complaint to Mr. Lester, who also does children’s books;
The Mike Lester Studio
Art by Mike Lester
301 E. Fifth Ave.
Rome, Georgia, 30161
706 234 7733
PHONE AND FAX:
706-234-7733
http://www.mikelester.com
Rome News-Tribune
305 East Sixth Avenue
P.O. Box 1633
Rome, GA 30161
To voice your complaint to the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists; http://editorialcartoonists.com/contact.cfm
The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists
3899 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
His cartoons are syndicated nationally, which means they are distributed to papers nationwide, including those in your home town by
United Features Syndicate
212-293-8603
http://www.unitedfeatures.com/?title=Bio:Mike%20Lester%20Editorial%20Cartoons
LETTER TO THE EDITOR IF YOU FIND THIS CARTOON IN YOUR PAPER:
Dear Editor,
Recently your paper ran a cartoon by Mike Lester depicting President Obama at a dunk tank dodging balls thrown by Tim Geithner with the caption “You throw like a retard!”. It is unfortunate that your paper is unaware words such as “retard” and ‘retarded’ are hurtful to those with disabilities and those who love them.
Not only does it perpetuate prejudice and discrimination towards people with disabilities, but simply because when used in an ugly way this word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur or hate speech. So on behalf of those you’ve insulted by running this cartoon we would like to ask for your help in spreading awareness that words do matter.
We ask you and your readers to help us Spread the Word to End the Word and help make a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to so many. The ‘r’ word or “retard” has found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by so many.
The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities. For too long, people with intellectual disabilities have had to overcome the challenges society has put forth through stereotypes. It is time for a change and you and your readers can help.
Help drive much needed change that will bring acceptance and inclusion to our community – don’t say the R-word, and when you hear it being used, stand up and say something about it. It is time for those of us offended by the thoughtless use of the word “retard” or “retarded” to let others know this hurts people with disabilities and those who know and love them.
Sincerely,