YWCA USA Decries Racially Offensive New York Post Cartoon
February 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ — The YWCA USA has expressed deep concern over a New York Post cartoon (see http://www.nypost.com/delonas/delonas.htm) by
Sean Delonas that appeared in today’s edition. The cartoon depicts two White police officers who have shot a monkey in the chest, and one officer says, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.”
“I think this cartoon is inflammatory, inappropriate and irresponsible,” said
Lorraine Cole, PhD, YWCA USA CEO. “It recalls deeply offensive negative stereotypes of African Americans characterized as monkeys and is seemingly directed at our first Black President who championed the economic recovery stimulus bill. It also brings to mind racially charged police brutality incidents involving Black men who were recklessly shot by New York City police officers.”
Cole has asked New York Post editor-in-chief, Col Allan, and
Sean Delonas to provide an explanation and issue formal apologies to their readers, and to all Americans, for this deeply offensive cartoon.
The YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to social service, advocacy, education, leadership development, and racial justice. Its mission is the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 122 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide. For more information, visit www.ywca.org. Contact:
Nancy Loving, YWCA USA Communications Director, at 202-467-0801, cell 202-641-1845 or nloving@ywca.org.
SOURCE YWCA USA
Source: newswire
