two things...

[whipman]

First thing:  I  was noticing that this weeks "Bones" was set in a sci-fi convention.  I was terribly excited to see this and it occured to me that at least two of my favorite shows now had con episodes.  The other obviously being "C.S.I." with the furry episode.  So I wanted to do a dvd disc of my favorite shows with sci-fi con episoed or related

Comments

[t_rex]

I thought of an analogy on the way into work to explain my thoughts about bringing up examples of racism, either current or past, intentional or accidental. But I'm supposed to be *working* now! (hello!) So I can't elaborate much

[whipman]

actually I love the concept of a post traumatic stress nation and it is fitting in so many ways. The thing is, much like I understand how a person commits a crime because of his upbringing (child molestation or abuse being a prime example) I also think that as an adult you are responsable for your actions no matter what has transpired to cause this ongoing problem. This nation was built on slavery and the rights of men over women but we need to move past this and escape the circle of pain that comes about when this does not occur. I sympathise when a hear that a serial killer was brutalized by his mother and in turn kills women when he reaches adulthood but this in no way excuses his actions. He is an adult with a mind of his own and the responsability to exorcise good judgement and willpower over his vices. Many women have been raped in this world and find a way to carry on, have relationships/lovers/husbands. These women have every reasonto act out against a system that failed them and brought them such pain but they exorcise

[t_rex]

I probably shouldn't comment because I am falling asleep here. I probably won't be as eloquent as I would like.

We talked about it on the way to your house, but I'll mention it again here so other folks can follow the conversation. I think the cartoon served as a trigger. It isn't racism, but it looks enough like racism to produce an instant, visceral reaction in a lot of people. Even if no harm was intended, harm was done. And the reaction is understandable when you put it into the context of all that has come before.

[whipman]

I totally agree with that gut reaction but at the same time, common sense has to come into play with a little thought. I understand how a trigger effect came into play with this cartoon but a few minutes of reflection on the average person should have nulled that with common sense. It is fine to have a gut reaction but if you live in that moment even when all signs point in the other direction, then you are self promoting your fears for no reason other than it feels familiar and comforting.

[ro_dan]

I think there have been Simpsons and/or Futurama episodes centered around cons, and I wanna say Family Guy as well. And there's always the old SNL stuff with The Shat. I'd swear there are more, but I can't remember them offhand.

As far as the other thing....

[whipman]

T said something about the simpsons episode but I believe that it only dealt with it for a few minutes of the episode although it would be good for filler in between full episodes.

Much like the shat!

thanks man.

[tamara]

There was definitely an awesome Sci Fi American Dad that was totally awesome. Also, a cartoon called Home Movies had a hilarious episode where the Renn Faire raided a Sci Fi convention.

[whipman]

have to try and find those... thanks oodles.

[shadowblind]

Home Movies is awesome! I can't believe I haven't seen that one!

Dad, I completely agree with you when it comes to crying wolf to racism. I actually remember telling a girl to shut up in my French class so I could listen to the lesson, and her first reaction was, "Why? Because I'm black?!" That was her reasoning when anyone told her ANYTHING. There was at least one person like this in every school I went to.

I vaguely remember having to lie to my teachers, but I had to lie about a lot of things. The way I saw it, unfortunately, it was on par with lying about my address so I could go to a school in a different district. Either way, it's unconstitutional and a legitimate persecution. A political cartoon with a monkey is not racist. It's just a shitty cartoon.

[blackiestark]

Actually, it is considered Obama's plan, because it's his administration's brainchild... wikipedia states that the plan is "based largely on broad proposals made by President Barack Obama." The Republicans have attacked the bill because it's a way to discredit Obama. The Democrats have endorsed it along party lines because it's largely considered Obama's plan. The changes made to the plan in House and Senate debate were not extensive, largely because of the Republicans' loss of power in the last election. If the bill fails, Obama and his admin take the political fallout.

So, yeah, it's his bill. He's associated with it. And even if what you were saying were true, do you really think the "headless corpse found in Donald Trump's strip club" Post expected its readers to see that kind of nuance?

[whipman]

actually yes I do. the point of those kind of cartoons are satire which begs to look beyond the obvious, you are supposed to try and break down cartoons if they are any good. Bloom county was just a cute cartoon if you did not try to understand the political and social aspects of it. Calvin and Hobbes is just a boy and his imagination if you don't look for the social relevence of his actions and thoughts.

In truth, I expect people to think and not just react. sadly, people have a tendancy to be what we best describe as sheeple. easily led and quick to frighten or anger. Giving in to anything that offers comfort or a scapegoat. I just expect better of them.

[blackiestark]

Then I salute you, sir. But to use your C&H analogy... this is like expecting rednecks with the Calvin pissing decal to get the nuances of the strip. Most of them haven't even read the strip.

However, I don't think the Post cartoonist was saying "Black people are monkeys" or "Black people should be shot by the police." But when you have a race of people who've been called monkeys AND shot by police for four centuries, and they've just crossed a historic color line not one month ago... a little discretion may be advised.

Much of the blame I've seen placed by journalists has gone squarely where it belongs -- not on the cartoonist's head, but the editor's. Because that's exactly who's supposed to head off this kind of public reaction. It's literally what he's paid for.

[whipman]

The editor was probably playing that time honored Capitalist game of bait and switch... put out something that could be 'gut reactingly' taken out of context with a quick glance and then have complete deniablility when asked about it... "you have it all wrong...the monkey is the real monkey and the writers of the bill are not Obama...see, now thank you for giving us free press and more money. Now go away till we think of another one.". I don't agree with it but it does seem to be a hallmark of our advertising industry