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Sharpton Protests Cartoon
The Rev. Al Sharpton called for an apology yesterday from the cartoonist Aaron McGruder and Cartoon Network for an episode about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. broadcast last week on "The Boondocks," depicting the civil rights leader using the word "niggers." The episode, "The Return of the King," had its premiere on Jan. 15, the day before the holiday honoring King. The episode's premise was that after being shot in 1968, King awakens from a coma around 2000 and is frustrated by some black behavior, including sexually explicit hip-hop videos. "Cartoon Network must apologize and also commit to pulling episodes that desecrate black historic figures," Mr. Sharpton said in an e-mail news release. "We are totally offended by the continuous use of the 'N' word in McGruder's show. While I can appreciate Mr. McGruder and his achievements, this particular episode is over the line. If we don't receive an apology, we will picket the corporate headquarters." In an e-mail statement, a network spokesman said: "This episode in no way was meant to offend or 'desecrate' the name of Dr. King. We think Aaron McGruder came up with a thought-provoking way of not only showing Dr. King's bravery but also of reminding us of what he stood and fought for, and why even today it is important for all of us to remember that and to continue to take action." FELICIA R. LEE
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