Guardian Apologizes for Publishing Antisemitic Cartoon of Outgoing BBC Chairman
(MENAFN) The Guardian, a British newspaper, has issued an apology for publishing a satirical cartoon of outgoing BBC chairman Richard Sharps that was widely criticized as being antisemitic. Martin Rowson’s drawing, which depicted Sharps with exaggerated features and carrying a box filled with a squid, gold coins, and a puppet of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, was removed from The Guardian's website as it did not meet the newspaper's editorial standards.
A spokesperson for The Guardian expressed regret over the issue and apologized to Mr. Sharp, the Jewish community, and anyone who was offended by the cartoon.
The cartoon, which was published the day after Sharp's resignation, was criticized by Jewish groups for its use of "outsized, grotesque features" that "falls squarely into an antisemitic tradition." Such caricatures were previously used by the Nazis and the Soviet Union to derogatorily depict Jewish people.
Dave Rich, an author and antisemitism expert, took to Twitter and highlighted that the use of squid and money as recurring motifs in the cartoon is also considered antisemitic. These motifs are used to depict a supposed Jewish conspiracy with its tentacles wrapped around parts of society controlled by Jewish people, particularly money.
Stephen Pollard, editor-at-large of the Jewish Chronicle, expressed shock at the publication of the cartoon and suggested that not a single person at The Guardian had raised concerns about the cartoon's content, despite its overtly antisemitic themes.
The publication of the cartoon and subsequent apology by The Guardian highlights the need to be vigilant against antisemitic tropes and stereotypes that continue to be used in the media. It also emphasizes the importance of media outlets taking responsibility for the content they publish and ensuring that it does not promote hatred or discrimination against any group.
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