The Free Press ran a comic in the last edition called Achewood that caused the community to cry out in rage. Crass language was used in reference to women and gay marriage. The responses ranged from chastising to scathing and it was clear people were offended by the comics words and tone. Many were unsettled enough to voice their discontent but none were comfortable printing their comments as letters to the editor. I’ve selected the most telling to share with our readers.
One person felt as though the comic was “inappropriate for our audience” while another referred to it as “disgraceful, degrading, and disrespectful.” One reader flat out called it “trash.” Another reader thought it should be pulled from the shelves and yet another hoped somebody “gets into a lot of trouble,” for printing it.
The comments ranged from mildly irritated to severely disturbed. One reader wanted to speak with my adviser (which The Free Press currently doesn’t have). However, most who commented stated their respect and understanding for the principles behind a free press. Another urged me to be aware of the difference between free speech and hate speech.
Though I believe the comic was intended as a satire, for amusement, I knew when I decided to print it not everybody would appreciate its humor. That is a risk I took in printing this particular comic. I was curious to test the limits of our predominantly liberal community. I now know where to draw the line.
This issue has amassed the most interest from the community thus far this year (as far as The Free Press goes) and it’s unfortunate that those riled to speak refused to share. As I walked around campus I heard comments and gestures of displeasure from many disgruntled students and staff. My staff and others also relayed messages of unhappy readers. Though the majority of people were not pleased, others chuckled and still others debated over the content.
This was a good thing for our community. People were engaging in discussion. Talk was heated and people cared. Administrators, students, my staff all came to me to discuss the intent, purpose and effect of the comic on ourselves and the greater community. People disagreed and were angered and they shared their emotions and thoughts with people they may normally not converse with. This created a forum for discussion.
Gay marriage and women’s reproductive rights are currently high profile issues. Maine and the nation are simultaneously struggling with the decision of whether or not to add a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
People are energized by these topics no matter which side of the fence you’re standing on. It’s understandable the comic would illicit so many heated responses and I appreciate the community’s outreach to me and others to discuss the effects such language has.
I believe the comic’s intent was merely for amusement and I apologize to those who were offended by the crass language. I’ve learned what is acceptable to the Free Press readership.
Christy McKinnon can be contacted at [email protected]