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ASUA blasts Wildcat for cartoon

By David J. Cieslak
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 2, 1998
Send comments to:
city@wildcat.arizona.edu


ASUA senators have drafted a resolution condemning the Arizona Daily Wildcat for publishing Monday's "Looking for Billy" comic strip, which depicted two male insects hugging and subsequently being shot by a third insect who screamed "homos."

The Associated Students resolution is expected to pass at tonight's 6:30 Senate meeting in Memorial Student Union Room 256, said Sen. Maria Rodriguez.

"The Daily Wildcat demonstrated insensitivity to gay people and the entire community through its negligence," the resolution states. "The effect has made a negative impact on the campus environment and our sense of community."

Wildcat Editor in Chief Zach Thomas said people have misunderstood the inherent meaning of the comic strip, and that he stands by its publication.

"I think it's unfortunate that the vast majority of the people (who commented on the cartoon) felt it was homophobic," Thomas said.

He said there are two ways to interpret the comic strip. People can read it as homophobic or as a commentary on today's society, Thomas said.

"The comic (can be interpreted as) a scathing commentary on the inability for males to express platonic emotion," he said. "I believe this is what was intended and the fact that it was taken in another light is unfortunate because I fear we have offended a great many people."

Thomas said about 50 to 60 people have called and written letters in response to the cartoon.

Rodriguez, who helped author the document, will present the item for discussion and a vote at tonight's meeting. If six of ASUA's 10 senators agree to the resolution, it will represent ASUA's official opinion, she said.

"As a student government, we need to look out for the freedom of every student, and we need to protect and conserve that," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said yesterday that she would like to see the comic strip's creator, Jeremy Olson, reprimanded by Wildcat management. She also wants to see Olson apologize.

Thomas, however, said he will not punish Olson.

ASUA Adviser Jim Drnek showed Rodriguez the comic on Monday and said he finds it "offensive."

"I support them taking a stand on an issue that affects our community," Drnek said. "If someone is questioning their sexual identity and they see something like this in the paper, it may have a detrimental affect on them."

Rodriguez said she has secured the support of Sens. JosuŽeacute; Lim—n, Janet Rico, Emily Dunn and Ferdie Echiverri, who also are expected to vote in favor of the resolution.

Sen. Ben Graff said yesterday that he will also support the item.

"I feel the Wildcat made a big mistake," Graff said. "This tells you (gay people) you're not welcome at the University of Arizona, and that's the wrong message."

But Sen. Dave Snyder said he disagrees with the document's wording and will vote against it.

"I don't condone such behavior, but in good conscience, I can't support the resolution," Snyder said. "It doesn't support the United States Constitution."

Journalism department head Jim Patten said he was offended by the comic, calling it "dumb."

"It's offensive, but you have the right to publish it," Patten said.

Thomas said he has asked Steven Saggoo, Wildcat illustrations editor, to bring potential controversies to his attention in the future.

Thomas said that if he had it to do all over again, "I would still run the comic."

Nicholas Ray, adviser for the Bisexual, Gay, and Lesbian Association, an ASUA-sponsored club, was unavailable for comment last night. BGALA's student co-director, Jacob Rigoli, refused comment.

David J. Cieslak can be reached via e-mail at David.J.Cieslak@wildcat.arizona.edu.










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