There has been copious commentary around the world about the unfortunate cartoon by Sean Delonas at the New York Post including this BBC article about the subject where I am quoted.

There is not much that I can add to the clamour except to say that the cartoon in question was a failure. The cartoonist did succeed in getting millions of people to chat about his work, but the cartoon was a failure because the artist did not deliver the message of the cartoon in a clear and effective manner.  A cardinal sin in the profession.

There is a lesson/advisory here for editorial cartoonists everywhere. In years past a sloppy or ill-thought out cartoon could often pass unnoticed into obscurity. I have published over 7000 cartoons in my career… and I’m sure more than a few of them were unfortunate and forgettable. 

Today the ever present eyes of the internet will be scanning our work the for signs of controversy. Our worst work will be held up to high scrutiny. Now more than ever, we need to be aware of the power and potential of our cartoons. We all want millions to be discussing our cartoons… but not for the wrong reasons.