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John Legend: Open Letter To The New York Post

Friday Feb 20, 2009 – By Clutch

jl-31 Dear Editor:

I’m trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

If that’s not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can’t imagine what possible justification you have for this. I’ve read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It’s about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I’m personally boycotting your paper and won’t do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed.

I’m well aware of our country’s history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth. As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don’t need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place. Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new President, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,
John Legend

Kevin White says:

February 20, 2009 at 1:30 am

Thank you John Legend for voicing your outrage about this filthy cartoon. I hope more people will also step up the pressure on this newspaper to let them know that we won’t stand / tolerate this none sense.
I have personally called the newspaper to express my dissatisfaction and to demand an apology.

Regards,

Kevin

↑ Reply

O A says:

February 20, 2009 at 10:03 am

Thank you Mr. Legend. I appreciate your taking a stand against this news paper, and I certainly will be putting this newspaper on my sh** list. I will be looking up advertisers and informing them that I will boycott their products as long as they support this news paper.

Eileen says:

February 20, 2009 at 10:28 am

Thank you for the beautifully written letter, John Legend. People need to be called on this stuff!

Robin says:

February 20, 2009 at 10:49 am

Well said Mr. Legend. I could not agree with you more. This cartoon was just plain ignorant and really a cheap shot at our U.S. President to say that he is some uncontrollable chimp that needs to be stopped. New York post has always had such a mild racial and sexist undertone to its cartoons so I never really read the paper.

Now, you won’t see me with the NYP in my hand.

Aaliyah says:

February 20, 2009 at 3:36 pm

boycotting it is…. I told my family that day I dont want to see the paper in my house ever again.

February 20, 2009 at 3:42 pm

I just wanted to say thank you to John Legend…..

never again NYP….

Michael says:

February 20, 2009 at 6:23 pm

As a white-skinned American, I was insulted by the NY Post cartoon and agree completely with John Legend’s letter. When my hometown newspaper, The Hartford Courant, endorsed George Bush for president, I cancelled my subscription, hitting the paper where it might hurt the most. Reading a newspaper is a pleasureable habit, but a habit that CAN be broken. There ARE MUCH BETTER newspapers to read than the NY Post, and I advocate boycotting.

Glennisha Morgan says:

February 21, 2009 at 2:36 pm

This is what’s up. Thanks John.

Marjorie says:

February 21, 2009 at 9:30 pm

I appreciate your letter. I was also disgusted by the disrespect to our president (of one month), and the obvious racism depicted in the cartoon. I am not an African-American. I am a caucasian Jew from Ohio. Given our country’s history, it is impossible that any American from any part of our great country could interpret this in any other way. Any person who signed off on the publication of this filth should be fired immediately! They have crossed the line, and are attempting to drag this generation back in time. I refuse to let that happen!

It is sad that this type of bigotry still exists today. It is even sadder that such an incredible human being be subjected to this. Our country is in need of unity and sacrifice. We are to put aside our differences and come together. Is that not what Martin Luther King dreamed about? I won’t let this stand in his way!

annette says:

February 21, 2009 at 10:03 pm

Thanks, Mr. Legend. As a black american, I agree with your eloquently expressed sentiments.

Reggie says:

February 21, 2009 at 11:26 pm

Dear Mr. Legend,
I am an African American born and raised in Brooklyn, NYC and I have lived in Canada for many years. As friends of mine received and read “cartoon” under consideration I found myself answering many questions because Canadians (not of African descent) were unaware of the attempts to stigmatize African Americans be more simian in nature than other members of the human family. Such a view is plainly absurd as much so as those who would believe this to be true as well as those who propagation and distribute such nonsense. Freedom of the press is a constitutional right not a license for the “Fourth Estate” to publish inflammatory, stereotypical, prejudice and racially biased material. Thank you very much for lending your voice and calm, intelligent analysis to this important matter.

Fred says:

February 22, 2009 at 2:10 am

This is the day when the truth will not be hidden from the eyes of the world. No longer can one sow hatred, pretend to be one fair and expect the people not to see through their veiled motives. You who with just words and intelligent reasoning are stepping up to expose the ignorant and mean spirited – those who will bring down the nation they claim to love just to satisfy an insatiable appetite for power over others and to perpetuate an empty myth when their own failed efforts have not proven them superior- are to be celebrated for your courage.

gooselegs says:

February 22, 2009 at 1:03 pm

John,

I want to thank you for your honorable letter to the NY post and generally your will to be public about everyday injustices, such as the NY post’s taste in discriminatory and violent humor.

I admire you more and more because you are human like many of us in this world and are not afraid to speak up against these kinds of violences.

I support you more and more.

ER-Ohio says:

February 22, 2009 at 5:41 pm

100% agree with Mr. Legend. If I were the Secret Service and other members of security assigned to Members of Congress and the President….I’d treat this “cartoon” as a REAL threat against our commander-in-chief!! This illustration is UN-AMERICAN and oozes of terroristic connotations!! The New York Post editor-at-large and political cartoonist need to be handled with the swiftness (if you catch my meaning)

stylist says:

February 22, 2009 at 9:27 pm

GO JOHN!!!!!!

Stella Marrs says:

February 23, 2009 at 9:14 am

John Legend, you are truly an inspiration…I met you once at the Dr. Michael Eric Dyson book signing in New York…I thought then…this young man is tied into the struggle in his own way. You were respectful and considerate when questions were asked..I thought again…he is approachable! I saw you last night at the Oscars and again I thought…he fits in any where with grace..then lo and behold your letter to the Post…You are indeed a breath of fresh air…a young Warrior who understands the struggle, who thinks clearly, speaks with authority, and makes one think on a broader scale.
Beloved John Legend, as an Elder I am a bit more comfortable knowing you are in our time and space…you give me promise…using your intellectual platform is necessary for all of our young people to emulate. When we come away from the business as usual…and begin to follow your lead, perphaps and maybe just maybe this will open the eyes of not only our young people, but all people…It is important that we pay attention to the blogs and the negative messages that invalidate our existance…I could go on and on and on, however, I want to say simply THANK YOU FOR BEING THE WARRIOR YOU ARE AS THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES..May our Creator continue to bless you and in doing so Blesses all of us…In the message of our Legendary Rahsann Roland Kirk I send you all the Bright Moments you give to so many and all you can stand.
Elder Stella Marrs.

victoria says:

February 23, 2009 at 11:03 am

I think John Legend’s letter is directly on point. In addition to not interviewing w/any reporters from the Post, I think John Legend and his collegues should also not appear on any shows/programs or interview with any reporters aired by the TV stations owned by Mr. Murdock.

Sharon says:

February 23, 2009 at 2:12 pm

I love John Legend anyway…..his music alone speaks volume to my soul. John is such a positive role model for our young black men. I have often said if more of our singers in the music industry would speak from the heart like John, the world would be more in tune with each other and real love will come back to us and our young generation. God Bless you John, keep doing what you are doing……….

Wanda says:

February 23, 2009 at 11:42 pm

Thank you Mr. Legend, as I stand with you in support of boycotting this paper. How can African Americans ever fully heal from the wounds inflicted upon us by White Americans who continue to support racism.

DELL says:

February 24, 2009 at 12:47 am

THANK YOU John, you where great and I ‘AM BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY.

Al says:

February 24, 2009 at 11:56 am

Mr. Legend:

Nice letter
I couldn’t agree more
For the price of a coffee
The Post played the whore

Boycott, folks.

Maxine says:

February 24, 2009 at 12:35 pm

Thank you Mr. Legend for standing up and writing such a wonderful letter! I agree with you 110%. I’ve never enjoyed reading the NY Post and for sure now I never WILL!!!

Alex says:

February 24, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Lock up the editor and send him to Gitmo

Esther says:

February 24, 2009 at 3:00 pm

I congratulate Mr. Legend for his directness. It is very obvious that racism is alive and well.

jetlei says:

February 24, 2009 at 4:14 pm

you the man G

Kimberly S. says:

February 24, 2009 at 5:03 pm

Ditto and good for you Bro. Legend for echoing the sentiments of not only Black Americans, but, I’m confident enough in America’s progress to say, MOST Americans!!!! We do not appreciate the insult and blatent disrespect for who God has allowed to lead us and who America has decided should lead us!!! Again, well written Bro. Legend and that says it all!!!

Kim S.
Holbrook,MD

February 24, 2009 at 9:15 pm

John, your letter to the editor was on point. As outraged as I am for the depiction of the President of the U.S. as a monkey, I am just as outraged by the insinuation of his violent demise. I believe that when (if) the Secret Service AND the FBI shove a probe up the rear end of the folks who make such statements about his assassination, whether with words or caricatures, it will curb others who think such statements are American.

moni says:

February 27, 2009 at 9:49 am

thank you for you thoughtfulness and sincerity. i just hope that your words do not go unnoticed. and that many do stand strong and not support this paper. we often talk strong and finish weak, but this time i hope you and your colleagues do stay strong and don’t support this paper by giving interviews and buying this paper anymore. We as a people need to show solidarity now more than ever…

LilBits says:

February 27, 2009 at 12:10 pm

They can say whatever they want but as long as there are folks out there who finds this mess funny this world or this country will never get past the racial hatred that has plagued us (EVERY PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE) for eons……..I say that anyone who buys this magazine or subscribes to it should voice their disdain for these types of cartoons. I cannot for the life of me figure out what the hell did the Chimp in Connecticut going berserk have to do with the economic stimulus plan and no one, and I mean no one out there can get me to see their rationale, but I will not stop you from trying. John, thank you for speaking out against this insane mess and I pray that others in the industry follow your lead and stop supporting these kinds of media outlets who are not in tune nor want to be in tune with our NEW POST RACIAL GENERATION.

Wondering... says:

March 2, 2009 at 1:03 am

Is Barack Obama incapable of speaking up for himself, against racism and for black people?

Zettler says:

March 2, 2009 at 1:51 am

I don’t think “capable” is the right adjective. We know he is capable; I think what you’re trying to ask is, does he want to speak out against racism and exclusively for black people? Or will he ever be at liberty to do so? Those are good (and fair) questions to ask….questions I don’t think we will quite know the answer to in the immediate future. He does have convenient excuses to ignore the “madness”. Cleaning up Dubya’s mess and installing universal health care to name a couple…

Good philosophical inquiry.

Concerned says:

March 3, 2009 at 10:27 am

Great job, John Legend!!!! Let us not be lulled into a sense of complacency due to the recent political success of President Obama. Racism still exists in this country and it is not only rearing its ugly head in the media, but in our schools, judicial system, shopping malls, etc. In some cases, even more than before President Obama was elected. There is a quiet backlash that is occurring. Like all things, nothing is perfect on this planet, in this world. But when unfair practices occur in our daily lives, we have an obligation to be active on issues that simply cannot be ignored. We must always speak out!!!!

scherrybaby says:

March 3, 2009 at 3:34 pm

It is a shame that we have not buried the snake of racism within this the supposed “greatest nation on the planet”. I applaud Mr. Legend’s sentiment. But I fear that this is only the beginning. I was just sent an e-mail regarding a display in the Coral Gables, Florida Barnes and Noble book store. The display was of all of President Obama’s books and those written about he and his lovely wife. Ensconced in the middle of this display was a book on monkeys. We must stop passing the buck in this country. IT IS ALL OF OUR PROBLEM. We have always killed the best and brightest who chose to put their literal necks on the line. E.G. JFK, RFK, MLK, Abe Lincoln, to name a few. These men were only humans, but they gave us hope during desperate times. There are too many nay sayers in this country, starting with the Republican party. To them I say ” shame on you”. We are facing very dark financial times and we need everyone in the boat to pull together or we will all sink. The time for bonuses and elaborate corporate living must be put on hold. And Democrats, ( yes you), STOP THE PORK SPENDING!!!!
We need all hands on deck! All special interest must stop. If the little people keep losing jobs, there will be no one to buy anything in this country. We need to focus people. Stop letting your attention be diverted by news fluff. Start harassing your congress person and senators. ALL OF WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO BE HEARD. To the person who wanted to know if Obama could or would speak for himself, I say no he should not engage in a reply. I would think that he is a little busy right now. Besides, the cartoon is an offense to the people of this country and I think that we have responded no matter what color we are.

Anntoinette Lyons Smoots says:

March 4, 2009 at 10:48 pm

Dear John, thank you for the intelligent and well deserved harranging of the editor of the NY Post. It has become a habit for not only editors (newspapers), but politicians, radio hosts, etc., to print or convey these vile images since President Obama began his journey to the Presidency. I am glad that you spoke up and didn’t bite your tongue or hide behind your fame and not respond to this blatant stereotype and recall of the past insults against black people. Thank you.

Zechariah Stephenson says:

March 21, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Poor Chris Brown. That guy can’t catch a break!

Iniqua says:

March 31, 2009 at 1:10 am

AMEN! AMEN!! So Eloquently and well put!! Very much what I thought about the situation!

freesoul13 says:

April 12, 2009 at 6:40 am

A very big thank you John for standing up with integrity and courage. I live in London and would not of known of the the New York Post’s scurrilous activities if not for your stance.

Keep shining the light on these dark practices.

onetallbeautifulsistah says:

April 25, 2009 at 11:05 am

Thank you John for standing up, and putting it down!! The nerve of some people never ceases to amaze me. That paper will never dot my door step nor will I set eyes on it again. A billion apologizes could never right this wrong.

Jessica says:

June 13, 2009 at 3:14 pm

this is why we should be married

Anonymiss says:

September 11, 2009 at 6:41 pm

big ups to JL for taking a stand && to anyone else who speaks out against the enemy.

Kamika says:

October 15, 2009 at 8:23 pm

I think Mr. Legend’s letter was well written and straight to the point. I echo his sentiments.

I wonder though, why hasn’t Mr. Legend penned a letter to his fellow musicians to ask them to stop the denigration of black women, vilification of ghetto crime bosses, and from promoting crass materialism? Yes, his letter was on point, but from my perspective he’s talking out of the side of his neck.

…I’m just saying.

October 15, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Correction. Glorification not vilification.