Dear Toronto Star, As a member of the community at large, I am appalled by the DeAdder cartoon of July 18th 2012, depicting "the injuries that Black children should expect before they are two" including a "head laceration from a medium caliber bullet". The editorial cartoon, disguised as satire, which one would assume is attempting to bring discussion and light to a very serious issue, does nothing except heighten stereotypes of members of a community - a community which is coincidentally presently in a state of mourning. The cartoon is highly insensitive at best, and down right irresponsible of a supposedly credible news publication in one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Gun violence in the community is not a facet of the Black community - either in its impact or its committal - but one that affects everyone. That the cartoonist would single out and target an innocent child - of any nationality - for the purpose of satire is reprehensible. Lest we forget that one of the victims was not a member of targeted community. This cartoon is offensive to all, including but not limited to the members of the Black community. We insist that the Toronto Star print an apology and remove the offensive content from its online portal immediately.

The offensive cartoon editorial can be viewed here: http://www.thestar.com/image/1227878--de-adder-cartoon-july-18-2012

Links