'toonist CAGLE gets in Dutch with Mexicans over their flag: Never never DO that

[UTUSN]

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http://blog.cagle.com/daryl/2010/09/02/my-mexican-flag-cartoon-stirring-up-more-controversy-in-mexico/

My Mexican Flag Cartoon: Stirring Up More Controversy in Mexico

By Daryl Cagle | September 2nd

That’s my “scandalous” Mexican flag cartoon on the front page of today’s edition of Reforma (below right), the conservative national newspaper in Mexico. Below my cartoon is on the front page of today’s El Norte newspaper in Monterrey. It seems this cartoon has struck a nerve with Mexican readers.

The Mexican embassy to the U.S. is writing a formal letter of protest about the cartoon to Msnbc.com. I’m impressed with the passion that so many people have about the cartoon here on my blog.

Many readers commented here that my cartoon violates a law in Mexico that forbids parodies of the Mexican flag. I asked the reporter from Reforma about that, and he confirmed that Mexico had such a law, but he didn’t know if the law was considered in Reforma’s decision to print the cartoon on their front page.

As regular readers of our site know, national flags are common fodder for editorial cartoonists around the world, so the reaction to this cartoon was surprising to me. It looks like the fuss hasn’t blown over yet.

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[msongs]

1. if it's so awful why did mexican papers print it lol nt

[UTUSN]

2. I don't know. I'm close to not-knowing much of nothing. n/t

[Gman]

3. Many people from Mexico severely frown on

US Mexican Americans that paste them Mexican flag on their cars and elsewhere in ethnic pride. They consider it a desecration of their flag.

[BlueCheese]

4. The papers in Mexico...

... have pointed out that Mexican cartoonists have also drawn similar cartoons.

I think a large part of the reaction is because people are viewing this as criticism from a foreigner, and worse, an American. Not only is there the history of the US taking half of Mexico's land, there's also the inescapable fact that American demand for drugs is fueling the violence war in Mexico.

I certainly understand that. I see a lot to criticize about the US, but still bristle when a foreigner starts putting our country down. However, I think the cartoon can be interpreted as simply a sad statement of fact--that Mexico is in the throes of drug violence--without necessarily saying that Mexico or the Mexican people are at fault.

[UTUSN]

5. Great post!1 Thanks!1 n/t

[BlueCheese]

6. I can't tell what you mean...

People often use 1 instead of ! when they want to indicate sarcasm...

[pinboy3niner]

7. Knowing UTUSN here at DU, it's likely a typo, not sarcasm

His reply is supportive, I'm sure. I think he agrees, as I do, with your interpretation. It's a good cartoon commenting on the reality of the violence in Mexico.

[BlueCheese]

8. That's what I thought...

... but that whole !!!1! thing is so pervasive I wasn't certain. Thanks for your reply.

[pinboy3niner]

9. And a big welcome to DU, BlueCheese

:hi:

[Quantess]

10. Welcome!

:hi:

[eppur_se_muova]

11. Dutch embassy on line 1 ... nt

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

12. LOL!

:ROFL: