(The first 4 in the series simply underscores highlights that there are a few people not paying attention to what’s going and to the extent that they do, don’t understand the concept of root causes and would rather not have their beliefs and shibboleths assaulted by the truth)
The Bill Leak cartoon is deeply racist. It is unconscionable to print a cartoon like this in a national newspaper. I demand that Leak be fired immediately and the editors responsible for allowing this disgusting image to go to the presses have their position reviewed.
Ben Corbett, Windsor, Qld
After seeing what you published, I am in a state of shock and disbelief. How anyone thinks this cartoon peddling racist stereotypes is acceptable is beyond belief. I have lodged a complaint. I hope that whoever reads this is also horrified and appalled.
Rachel Hull, Fitzroy, Vic
You should be ashamed for printing such racist rubbish. We encourage respect and understanding towards Aboriginal people. How is that possible when this kind of racist cartoon is allowed in a national newspaper? I am disgusted and I have submitted a complaint to the Press Council.
Sophie Byrne, Portsea, Vic
I’m assuming there is a context for Bill Leak’s cartoon and that it isn’t just The Australian reinforcing racial stereotypes. Please tell me that there is a context for this in your newspaper.
I would like to have some faith that this was meant to mean something other than what it appears to mean, because if it doesn’t it means you are pandering to the minority of Australians who support people such as Pauline Hanson and her party, rather than the majority who think racial discrimination is criminal.
Saima Pyke, Daylesford, Vic
Bill Leak’s cartoon (4/8) captures with effortless and economical power one of the most urgent problems faced by Aboriginal communities. It shows an Aboriginal father clutching a can, told by a brother cop to teach his son about personal responsibility, to which the man says, “Yeah, righto, what’s his name then?”
Shockingly true, it shows that the father should have done what the human responsibilities commission (if we had one) would have done: put in writing for people who need it spelt out.
Sadly, too many do need it spelt out, and not just those Aborigines in remote communities where women and children are victims of daily abuse. A lot of us white folk should also remember that rights come with responsibilities. As with power.
Andrew L. Urban, Seaforth, NSW
Bravo, Bill Leak. I have worked in Darwin, Broome and Port Hedland, over many years, and have talked extensively with the long-suffering locals, including police officers. His cartoon has nailed the root cause of the whole problem.
Unfortunately many of our politicians and professional do-gooders have neither the courage nor the brains to acknowledge the obvious.
Peter West, Ellenbrook, WA
As non-indigenous parents, my wife and I adopted two Aboriginal youths, permanently fostered two more and provided a school holiday foster home for many others from dysfunctional indigenous families. I find Bill Leak’s cartoon shockingly accurate in far too many cases.
Brian Harris, Cairns, Qld