Can we talk about Scott Adams/Dilbert?

[sam_gordon]

Many newspapers are pulling the Dilbert comic strip because it's creator made some controversial remarks last week. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...omic-scott-adams-racist-comments/11354547002/

From the above article...

Adams, who is white, repeatedly referred to people who are Black as members of a "hate group" or a "racist hate group" and said he would no longer "help Black Americans."

“Based on the current way things are going, the best advice I would give to white people is to get the hell away from Black people,” Adams said.

Now, let's all admit Adams has a First Amendment right to say that.
Let's also admit the newspaper owners have the right (assuming the contract allows it) to not publish the strip.

So, what are your thoughts? Do you agree with the owners? Do you think this was an over reaction by the owners?

 

[Allison]

This isn't the only thing he said and isn't the first time. I don't know why any paper would continue to work with him.

 

[Rick195275]

I know nothing about the topic but as a human that second quote you posted is disturbing and I would never support this individual. If I were a business owner associated with him I would be running the other way.

 

[BrianL]

I have seen this story floating around, but I haven't taken the time to actually read all of what he said and the context etc. I know that sometimes people are very reactionary without hearing the entire story, though also sometimes it's even worse than reported, so I can't say. I will say taht the papers that pulled him are just doing what they think is best for their business. They must believe that the majority of their customers would prefer not to see the strip, so that's the action they have taken, despite any pontificating about a moral stance. If they thought it would sell more papers to keep it, then they would.

 

[princesscinderella]

His words were filled with just as much hate as the poll about hatred he was talking about. I don’t feel sorry for him and I don’t blame the papers for wanting to distance themselves from him and his comments.

 

[Rick195275]

I have seen this story floating around, but I haven't taken the time to actually read all of what he said and the context etc. I know that sometimes people are very reactionary without hearing the entire story, though alse sometimes it's even worse than reported, so I can't say. I will say taht the papers that pulle dhim are just doing what they think is best for their business. They must believe that the majority of their customers would prefer not to see the strip, so that's the action they have taken, despite any pontificating about a moral stance. If they thought it would sell more papers to keep it, then they would.

I totally understand what you’re saying and I try not to be that person jumping to conclusions without the facts... but is there ever an instance where “Based on the current way things are going, the best advice I would give to white people is to get the hell away from Black people,” would be acceptable? Even if he’s talking about a specific group or poll that is hateful the answer is not more hate in my opinion and just furthers the cycle.

 

[Karin1984]

Can we talk about Scott Adams/Dilbert?​

Yes, but probably not for long before this thread is closed.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I'm surprised it took this long as Scott Adams has been making comments like that for years, at least since the 2000s. This man has been a hateful racist and sexist for a while now. At least I'm glad the newspapers finally decided enough was enough and removed his strips.

 

[PezRuth]

Many newspapers are pulling the Dilbert comic strip because it's creator made some controversial remarks last week. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...omic-scott-adams-racist-comments/11354547002/

From the above article...



Now, let's all admit Adams has a First Amendment right to say that.
Let's also admit the newspaper owners have the right (assuming the contract allows it) to not publish the strip.

So, what are your thoughts? Do you agree with the owners? Do you think this was an over reaction by the owners?

As others have said, this is not the first time and while yes he has a right to say what he wants there are consequences sometimes and I agree with the owners.

 

[RedAngie]

Newspapers are dying, but I believe that the majority of those who still read newspapers and the comics don’t have a problem with the cartoonist’s words.

Still, it’s right for the papers to cancel him.

 

[PezRuth]

Newspapers are dying, but I believe that the majority of those who still read newspapers and the comics don’t have a problem with the cartoonist’s words.

Still, it’s right for the papers to cancel him.

Strongly disagree with that first statement. I still read the newspaper (and am in my mid 40s just for a reference) and strongly disagree with the cartoonist's words.

 

[Disneefun]

When I read the full transcript of his comments, I realized it was way worse than even just the snippets on the news. I mean, yikes. But he's been sliding off the rails for a while now. He used to confine his comments to sexism, back in the '90s, but now he's gone full boil to hate everyone. Several papers have refused to publish some of his individual strips over the last couple of years because they were racist or against LBGTQ people, but now he's finally blown it altogether.

It's a shame, but I haven't liked Dilbert since way back when he did an interview and admitted that the pointy haired boss and evil Catbert were really the protagonists of the strip, and the ones he "rooted" for. I'm sure he'll be fine, though. His wealth is estimated at 50-70 million so even without the strip or the merch he won't starve.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

They had every right to get rid of him and I, for one, am glad they did.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I believe that the majority of those who still read newspapers and the comics don’t have a problem with the cartoonist’s words.

I get and read 2 papers daily. I typically do not read the comics on the weekdays but do read a number of the strips in my Sunday papers, including the subject strip. Hateful, racist statements from the artist, glad both of my daily papers canceled him, effective today.

 

[wenrob]

I saw the video he made and watched it with my mouth hanging open. Beyond how disgustingly racist it was I thought, “what made this guy decide to go all in and tank his career?” Everyone is free to exercise their First Amendment rights but those rights don’t mean you don’t suffer the consequences. The papers did what they thought they needed to do.

 

[wenrob]

I don't know anything about the topic either so that second quote without context I can't say is disturbing. If you see what is going on out there in the world and in our politics, that quote isn't so far fetched in that context, and it's not something that can be talked about.

Again, another political issue that only one side can speak about here really. The statements quoted are only racist if you know the context. In another context, they could be legitimate comments, just on a different side than the reader may agree with.

Oh please. Go watch the video and you will see it’s not taken out of context at all. Racism is racism and that dude has it dripping from his pores.

 

[ronandannette]

I wonder what he thought would happen? I had to read the article more than once to glean exactly where the statements were made and since it was in a very public forum (his YouTube channel), there's no way he would not have expected these consequences. There are certainly ways to intelligently discuss the strengths and weaknesses of CRT, even though the poll-thing he was apparently referencing is ridiculous on-it's-face. I don't think the world is one bit better or worse off for having one less snarky comic strip in it.

 

[sheilafri]

As others have said, this is not the first time and while yes he has a right to say what he wants there are consequences sometimes and I agree with the owners.

I get so tired of people misunderstanding the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. First and foremost, it only applies to government actions. Second, it is not unlimited. It does not apply to individuals, businesses or other entities. Nor does it apply to every statement made.

I acknowledge that our society values an individual’s right to say what they want. That should in no way insulate them from the consequences of their words. If I say something hurtful to a family member, they will likely be mad or hurt. If it’s bad enough, they may pull away from me. They have as much “right” to that reaction as I had to say the hurtful thing in the first place. “Cancel Culture” seems to me to be consequences.

 

[BrianL]

I totally understand what you’re saying and I try not to be that person jumping to conclusions without the facts... but is there ever an instance where “Based on the current way things are going, the best advice I would give to white people is to get the hell away from Black people,” would be acceptable? Even if he’s talking about a specific group or poll that is hateful the answer is not more hate in my opinion and just furthers the cycle.

No, probably not, unless it were being used in a satirical manner. It doesn't sound like this is the case here though. I still don't buy all the pontificating from the papers that are dropping the strip. People have been calling out Adams for a while now, but suddenly they are all outraged. It's a business decision only.

 

[RedAngie]

Strongly disagree with that first statement. I still read the newspaper (and am in my mid 40s just for a reference) and strongly disagree with the cartoonist's words.

I’m glad you’re not in that majority.

The comments I’ve read on a few other stories are mostly filled with “wokeness gone amuck,” misplaced “free speech,” and “censorship” rants.

Granted, the white sheet brigade latches onto any incident to display their hatred and are more likely to comment, even when it doesn’t affect them.