Author: Ruben Bolling

Ted Rall’s cartoons censored at Daily Kos

Ruben Bolling

I've got to make this brief because of family obligations during the holiday weekend, but I was alerted to the fact that my friend Ted Rall was given a warning by the Daily Kos site, stating his "depiction of Barack Obama as ape-like is intolerable," and such depictions are "racist."  His description of the issue is here.

 

The way Ted draws Barack Obama is absolutely no different than the way he draws people of any race.  His style of drawing all people, which he's been doing for well over 20 years old, is purposefully ugly, primitive and brutish, and is in perfect keeping with his editorial worldview.  His cartoons are brilliant and provocative, and his unique artwork are an integral part of their effectiveness.

 

Here is how he drew Jimmy Carter, Bill Cllinton and Barack Obama in a 2010 cartoon:

 

Obama - Ted Rall

 

Here is how he draws George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, from a 2008 cartoon:

 

Rall bush cheney

 

 

I believe that any site or publication has the right to refuse to publish any cartoonist or writer that they don't want in thier pages.  And Daily Kos is a great site that has done a world of good not only in American politics, but also for my small world of alternative cartooning, and for me.  But to refuse publication specifically on these unwarranted grounds at the very least requires my vocal objection.  I'm standing up to say that I believe that Ted's depiction of Barack Obama is no way racist.

 

(12/1 updated to acknowledge DK)

RECOMMONDAY

Ruben Bolling

I got a wonderful surprise last week… some early birthday presents from very thoughtful readers who found their way to my Tip Jar (wish list).  What a terrific shot in the arm.

 

I've dipped my toe into both, and they are really great comics…

 

IMG_2637

 

MICKEY MOUSE COLOR SUNDAYS GIFT SET

 

Fantagraphics does its usual astounding job lovingly reprinting historic comics.  The paper, reproduction, colors, historical essays and packaging are more than any comic fan could dream of.  And the comics themselves are among the best ever made.

 

DC ARCHIVES:  TEEN TITANS, VOL. 2

 

Loopy late-sixties teen-pandering at its best.  You can tell these teen-aged heroes are hip by how often they call each other "cats."  With lots of art from Nick Cardy, who died earlier this month, and others.

 

THANK YOU to these readers, one of whom hasn't gotten in touch with me… If you read this, email me your postal address so I can send you a thank you card/sketch.

A CALL FROM “PETER” FROM MICROSOFT WINDOWS TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Ruben Bolling

When I got my second phone call from someone claiming to be from "Microsoft Windows" saying something's wrong with my computer and he will talk me through how to fix it, I had a sudden impulse to find out what he's up to and record it.

 

My family insisted I put this on the web.  I think they liked that I eventually got "Peter" to curse at me in whatever his native language is.

 

Rubenbolling

 

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THIS WEEK’S COMIC

Ruben Bolling
SUPER-FUN-PAK COMIX, featuring:
	TWIST-ENDING FUNNIES
	HOW THE WORLD ENDS
	THE EPIC/BRUTAL REPORT
	CELEBRI-SCIENCE
	SPINOFF COMIX
	FLATHEAD McBIGNOSE
	BONKSTER THE SMOKING DOG
	PHIL COLLINS
	PRACTICAL JOKEZ
	PAISLEY SHIRTS IN SPACE
	BONOBO CHIMP WALKS INTO A BAR
	A SENTIENT VERSION OF MILEY CYRUS
	AND MUCH, MUCH LESS!!

 

 

1160ckTEASER-sfpc105-twist-ending

 

Click here to read on Boing Boing.

Click here to read on Daily Kos.

Click here to read on GoComics. 

 

AND, from 1997, this week's "Classic" Tom the Dancing Bug is THE EPIC BATTLE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR:  GOD-MAN VS. DEVIL MAN!!

 

Tdgodmandevilman