"Hippie and the Black Guy" is a racist and insensitive comic
In reference to the comic strip, "Hippie and the Black Guy," I would like to ask a few questions. "Hippie and the Black Guy?" Black Guy? As far as I am concerned you may as well have used the "N" word. I think this is a sad, stupid, and degrading way to portray African-Americans. In the January 28, 1994 edition of The Daily Mississippian on page four, there was an ad in the paper, "Hippe and the Black Guy. It's fun to be politically incorrect." Is this to say that if you're black or a hippie or both that you are politically incorrect? What is this? Is this the same university that puts up posters and flyers around campus stating, "...Racism. NOT ON THIS CAMPUS!!..." Yeah right!! Personally, I think that the only thing that has changed since the time during and before the James Meredith conflict, (and I do mean conflict), is the manner at which people show racism. That group of people and many of their offspring are all the same racist people, just a different time. Nothing has changed. It's the same act, same people, just more "discrete." Why can't the comic strip title read human beings, homo sapiens or just plain people? Why is it "Hippie and Black Guy?" Since we are specifying color and race, then it should be "Black Guy and a White Guy." Of all the bright minds on Ole Miss campus, is this the most ingenious title for a comic strip or anything else for that matter? I THINK NOT!
Did the writer think it is a joke to be Black and because you're Black you're politically incorrect? Whoever thought of such needs to think again. Such a tasteless outrage won't be tolerated by us. This is the reason Ole Miss and Mississippi in general get the worst reputation in the nation for being the most racist, backwards and slowest in its concern for bettering race relations. Because of a few ignorant, stubborn people, we all must take the blame.
Recruiters and staff, ever wonder why it is so hard to bring African-Americans to Ole Miss? Well, here is one of the many reasons in the good ole' DM. People, let's live together and be more conscious of the feelings of others. It's never funny when the joke is on you.
HiYon D. Cox
Senior, Biology
Reader is just not getting HTBG
This letter is in response to the Febraury 2 letter which referred to the comic strip "Hippy and the Black Guy" as racist and insensitive. I fear that th author of that letter, HiYon D. Cox, is not "getting" the jokes presented in that cartoon. I also fear that the author, like many people, is lying in wait for something to be offended by. These are the only conditions I can imagine that could have spurred such a letter. "Hippy and the Black Guy" is not a racist comic strip, nor is it supporting negative stereotypes. In fact, the strip is showing how inane and laughable the preconceived notions that we have about each other can be. If anyone should be offended it should be the narrow-minded people who actually believe all those ridiculous stereotypes. But even they should be able to take a step back and learn to laugh at themselves.
I think that "Hippy and the Black Guy" is very funny. It is fresh, creative and just what our paper needs. So please, to HiYon Cox and all those who may be offended by it, give it another chance. If you read a little deeper, you may find thatthe strip is on your side. And to the Daily Mississippian, please leave in "Hippy and the Black Guy", if only for those of us who can comprehend its humor.
Spike Bradford
elementary education junior
Take a little time to laugh at the absurd
... Hmmmm. Let's talk about this new cartoon that seems to be rocking everybody's world.
I know, I know. "Hippie and the Black Guy" isn't the most conventional comic strip. It's radical and obnoxious and positively wonderful -- and because of this, it has evidently offended some folks.
But you know, I like it. It's funny. It's crude. It's a blatant reflection of reality as we know it -- for those of us who have a sense of humor, that is. And you absolutely have to laugh at life in order to survive it.
Look at "Bloom County," "The Far Side" and "Doonesbury" -- three of the most successful, popular comics in America, and I dare say that none of them are politically correct. They're just good.
I mean, come on, people. Lighten up a little. Enjoy the sarcasm and stop taking everything so darnd personally. Who cares if the cartoon is politically incorrect?! Most everything in life is politically incorrect. And if you think you'r not, you're a disillusioned hypocrite.
...
But when I see someone who is brave and crazy enough to create a cartoon that is bitingly funny, I can't help but admire them. It doesn't mean they're careless or inconsiderate or mean-spirited. It just means they're having fun with the absurdity of societal norms and the ever-changing standards that come with those norms. The material is already out there. All a cartoonist does is put it down on paper.
Lily Fontaine
Mississippian Columnist
... You are trying to showcase local talent on the comics page butyou are leaving out on important ingredient: TALENT! With the occassional exception of "Pumpkin Shirt" the cartoons are pitiful. "Jip" and "Tres Guapos" are about as funny as AIDS and "Hippie and the Black Guy" speaks for itself: tasteless humor. I realize what the cartoon is aiming at, but I would think that the DM staff, especially in your infinite wisdom, would realize that most peopl don't read it to learn about stupid stereotypes, they think it is fueling the fire that has burned Ole Miss for decades on end. For all I know, maybe it is.
Forrest Hewes