French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, publishes extremely controversial refugee cartoon (WARNING: OFFENSIVE IMAGES)
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French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published two controversial refugee cartoons that elicited both extreme backlash and support.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
9/16/2015 (8 years ago)
Published in Europe
Keywords: Charlie Hebdo, French magazine, satire, Peter Herbert, Society of Black Lawyers, Aylan Kurdi, Twitter
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Catholic Online) - French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is known for its use of cartoons, reports, polemics and jokes pertaining to irreverent non-conformist tones.
Le Monde reported the magazine describing itself as "anti-racist."
Former editor Stéphane Charbonnier claimed the magazine's viewpoint reflects "all components of the plural left, and even abstainers."
Several have felt the magazine's use of satire is a good way to bring attention to serious events, but the most recent batch of cartoons concerning the refugee crisis have sparked outrage. The first cartoon features a billboard advertising two kid meals for the price of one and the caption "So close to making it" beneath an image similar to that of drowned Syrian Aylan Kurdi.
Aljazeera reported the possibility of legal action for inciting hate crimes.
Peter Herbert, chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, tweeted, "The Society of Black Lawyers will consider reporting this as incitement to hate crime & persecution before the International Criminal Court," adding, "Charlie Hebdo is a purely racist, xenophobic and ideologically bankrupt publication that represents the moral decay of France."
The second cartoon shows a Jesus-like character standing on water and a drowning toddler with his upper body beneath the surf. The Jesus-character is saying, "Proof that Christians walk on water" and the child said, "Muslim children drown."
The controversial comics have people posting their disgust all over social media.
One twitter user commented, "Charlie Hebdo managed to mock Aylan Kurdi, the boy who drowned, in the name of satire. They stand for freedom of speech or from humanity?"
Despite several posts of angry and offended citizens, some chose to boldly stand up for the point of the comic, which is to open people's eyes.
Comedy writer and director Graham Linehan, whose Twitter account reads, "I apologize in advance," wrote "People continuing to take Charlie Hebdo cartoons at face value. What a shock."
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