I don’t read Boondocks.
It’s not that I’m bothered by it. It’s just that in my daily journey through the newspaper, the controversial comic strip is not one of the stops I choose to make. Too often it’s a bit too cynical, and it produces little mirth or insight for me. So I simply skip it.
Except lately. Now I read it every day. Why? Because the highly political strip has been overtly critical of some of our government’s actions since Sept. 11. Political satire, especially when it takes shots at President Bush, is not popular these days, as evidenced by the dozens of complaints I’ve received.
Here’s what some of you are saying:
“It is a very subversive strip, and we certainly do not need subversive activity, especially considering the current conditions of the world,” said Richard Perrine of Akron.
“The disrespect shown by this comic seems to know no bounds. In the guise of political commentary, he demonstrates a complete lack of propriety and respect for anything other than his own warped imagination,” said Mike Miguel, a 20-year subscriber from Hudson.
So, what’s all the fuss about? Most of it involves Boondocks character Huey Freeman, a young African-American who offers commentary on institutional America and has a large distrust of government. He has been described as “the eternally scornful champion of the dispossessed.”
Late in September, Huey had this to say: “Everything’s different now. The whole country has changed, but not me. I’m going to stay cynical . . . resist the bandwagon mentality. Sure, my kind may be obsolete, but so what?”
In early October, Huey says to his friend, Caesar, that the president wants everyone to get back to normal and then asks, “and what do we normally do?” Caesar answers, “criticize Bush.” Huey responds, “So not criticizing Bush would kinda be like . . . letting the terrorists win, right?”
In mid-October, the strip contained a pretend censorship to address the criticism it was receiving from readers around the country. A fictional “The Adventures of Flagee and Ribbon” appeared to replace it. A fake editor’s note said, “Those of you who have written demanding the return of The Boondocks, your names have been forwarded to the FBI.”
The self-censored panels continued for several days. Perhaps they were a bit too subtle. The Akron Beacon Journal received praise from a number of readers who believed the newspaper actually did remove Boondocks and replace it with Flagee. Several complained when the regular strip returned.
The panel that seemed to upset the most readers was published on Thanksgiving day, a day when nearly all other comics contained a traditional giving-thanks message. In Boondocks, young Huey says grace at the dinner table this way:
“Ahem . . . in this time of war against Osama bin Laden and the oppressive Taliban regime . . . we are thankful that our leader isn’t the spoiled son of a powerful politician from a wealthy oil family who is supported by religious fundamentalists, operates through clandestine organizations, has no respect for the democratic electoral process, bombs innocents, and uses war to deny people their civil liberties — amen.”
Is the comic strip talking about Osama bin Laden? The description fits. Or is it talking about President Bush? That’s how readers interpreted it.
Virginia Nicholas of Akron said the Thanksgiving day strip almost ruined her turkey dinner. “I was so thrilled when I read the other comics because they were all giving thanks. Then I read Boondocks and it went right to my stomach.”
Also from Perrine of Akron: “The strip for Thanksgiving Day was horrendous. I think it is very evident the author of this strip has no feeling of thankfulness for anything, certainly has no love of or for the country in which he lives, has no regard or respect for the government of the country, and is, in simple terms, un-American.”
Mrs. Charles Newcomer of Medina mailed in the Thanksgiving panel with this note: “Cancel this cartoon or we are likely to cancel our subscription!!”
The strip, which appears in more than 200 newspapers, is created by Aaron McGruder, 27, who says he’s not surprised that the Beacon Journal has received complaints about the Thanksgiving strip.
So, was he referring to bin Laden or President Bush on Thanksgiving? “That’s the joke,” McGruder said. “The fact that he’s not named, that’s the joke.
“What’s interesting is the only reason people are angry is because they know who I’m talking about and they’re offended. But, the thing is, if I was wrong, they would have no idea who I was talking about and therefore they would have no reason to be offended,” he said.
“Obviously something in there is true if they made the connection.”
Not all readers are offended.
A self-described liberal contrarian, Mark Davidsaver of North Canton said, “It’s a fun strip to read. There are people out here who do like that comic strip.”
A woman who described herself as “white, middle-age, middle-class,” said, “Most of the time I get it. Sometimes it’s a little too hip for me so I have to take it into work and ask a black co-worker to explain it to me. It’s very funny.”
From Phil Kroll of Akron: “I strongly encourage you to leave it in for the truth he tells. We need to see a variety of opinions and he provides an alternative.”
Thom Fladung, the Beacon Journal’s managing editor, said there are no plans to eliminate Boondocks.
“First, it has its fans — and I would count myself among them.
“Second, and more importantly, I think among the values that set America apart and make it a great place to live are our protection of freedom of expression and how we embrace political dissent.
“And throughout their history, there have been newspaper comics that were very politicized and often quite controversial. Readers from the 1950s might remember Walt Kelly’s Pogo and how it parodied politicians — to the delight of some readers and the disgust of others, I’m sure. Much more recently, Doonesbury has poked fun at politicians.
“Now, we have Boondocks.
“I also think it’s interesting that the strip itself sometimes portrays its characters in an unflattering light. When Huey or one of the other characters says something ridiculous, they are made to look ridiculous.
“The Beacon Journal has lots of comic strips that never touch politics or take a controversial stance — from Family Circus to Blondie to Garfield. We also make room for a comic strip or two that perhaps appeals to a different audience, that is edgier or provocative.”
For readers who dislike Boondocks, Fladung has this advice. “With all due respect, just skip it.”
For comments about the Akron Beacon Journal, contact Public Editor Mike Needs. Phone: 330-996-3860. E-mail: mneeds@thebeaconjournal.com. Past columns: www.ohio.com/bj/local/needs/
