WOW! Racism and political correctness have worked their way into our daily jungle action comic strip What would ERB think, what would Al Sharpton say, where would the KKK stand on this? Goodness, see what a 21 century education gets you today! Now all of you former college students, start paying back your loans!Meanwhile I despise “PC” and all prejudiced people no matter what color.Tarzan should be able to kick that Kony 2012’s butt with ease, although Jane doesn’t look too worn out or abused…….:)=
I’m not arguing that ERB should be censored. In fact, I like a lot of his colorful worldbuilding, especially in the John Carter of Mars series, and I’ve read all of the early Tarzan books. I think ERB is a great storyteller and I happen to love a lot of the pulp authors, warts and all. I can live with the stuff that is really just a product of his time.
But I don’t see any reason to gloss it over, either. It’s not “wimpy” to point out that crap like that isn’t acceptable today for excellent reasons. It didn’t get changed when people were too “polite” to point it out. I’d much rather talk about it than censor it.
Also, I’m not actually commenting on his racism, but the fact that the strip saw a burning need to make the mercenary black to play into the attitudes of the early 60s (ERB didn’t write this. He died in 1950). Most of the late-colonial and immediately post-colonial mercenaries in Africa were actually white because the colonial powers were very paranoid about training troops too well with weapons. The Belgians were especially notorious pieces of work. Often, what you call “PC” is simply being accurate.
And not everyone in Africa is “black”, you know. It’s the most racially diverse continent in the world.
Buzza Wuzza about 12 years ago
If he’s harmed one hair on her head he’ll answer to The Lord Of The Apes.
thesnowleopard Premium Member about 12 years ago
Oh, lawd, some of the racial stereotypes in these older strips…. [facepalm]
Anyhoo, now that Jane has finally shown up, it shouldn’t be too long before we get a fight.
PatyAnn about 12 years ago
Sadly, they do it all the time now.I despise political correctness.
rdmacgregor about 12 years ago
I wouldn’t have described Jane as “frail”. Some of the appearances she’s made in the Sunday strip have shown her as downright robust.BOB
terry about 12 years ago
The palm leaves look like angel wings. Intentional?
ibbilly about 12 years ago
now that was funny! saywhat.
profkatz about 12 years ago
WOW! Racism and political correctness have worked their way into our daily jungle action comic strip What would ERB think, what would Al Sharpton say, where would the KKK stand on this? Goodness, see what a 21 century education gets you today! Now all of you former college students, start paying back your loans!Meanwhile I despise “PC” and all prejudiced people no matter what color.Tarzan should be able to kick that Kony 2012’s butt with ease, although Jane doesn’t look too worn out or abused…….:)=
Burnside217 about 12 years ago
Those large leaves behind her hint of wings at first glance. Perhaps suggesting an angle? Coincidence?
rdennetteiii about 12 years ago
By the way…Jane isn’t English…she’s American, Maryland I think…
thesnowleopard Premium Member about 12 years ago
I’m not arguing that ERB should be censored. In fact, I like a lot of his colorful worldbuilding, especially in the John Carter of Mars series, and I’ve read all of the early Tarzan books. I think ERB is a great storyteller and I happen to love a lot of the pulp authors, warts and all. I can live with the stuff that is really just a product of his time.
But I don’t see any reason to gloss it over, either. It’s not “wimpy” to point out that crap like that isn’t acceptable today for excellent reasons. It didn’t get changed when people were too “polite” to point it out. I’d much rather talk about it than censor it.Also, I’m not actually commenting on his racism, but the fact that the strip saw a burning need to make the mercenary black to play into the attitudes of the early 60s (ERB didn’t write this. He died in 1950). Most of the late-colonial and immediately post-colonial mercenaries in Africa were actually white because the colonial powers were very paranoid about training troops too well with weapons. The Belgians were especially notorious pieces of work. Often, what you call “PC” is simply being accurate.
And not everyone in Africa is “black”, you know. It’s the most racially diverse continent in the world.