A recent episode of The Boondocks cartoon rubbed Reverend Al Sharpton the wrong way. The episode,
called The Return of the King, featured an animated Martin Luther King, Jr. using the "n"-word. The
story has King being named a traitor and terrorist sympathizer for his non-violent response to the September 11th
attacks. It aired on January 15, the night before the MLK holiday. I didn't see the episode, so I can't tell you
exactly how the "n"-word was used. Sharpton is demanding that Cartoon Network apologize and pull any episodes "that desecrate black historic figures." Cartoon Network released a statement (not an apology), defending Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder. The Network said, "We think Aaron McGruder came up with a thought-provoking way of not only showing Dr. King's bravery but also reminding us of what he stood and fought for."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-07-2006 @ 3:47PM
Trecesa said...
I just found out about Al Sharpton's comments in reference to the MLK episode of The Boondocks. Apparently Mr. Sharpton did not watch it. If he did then he's probably upset that he didn't commission someone else to do what Mr. McGruder. Huey is more of a radical civil rights leader than Sharpton ever was; I'm almost sad that Huey isn't a real person. We could use someone like him to continue the crusade. I'd like to suggest that Mr. Sharpton actually watch the show (with the volume up) before he starts criticizing. African-Americans FINALLY have a talented cartoonist who is talented and priveledged enough to be granted not only his own strip that is printed in thousands of news papers and all over the internet on a daily basis, but he also has a television show based on his strip. Kudos to you Mr. McGruder. I hope you don't let Al Sharpton bring you down. If he isn't careful he's going to turn into Tawanna Brawley.
"A boneless rib sandwich. What will they think of next?"
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1-25-2006 @ 6:59PM
Mike Smith said...
Boondocks regularly uses the n-word to describe people acting in extremely stupid ways.
In this case, Martin Luther King, Jr. was trying to start a new political party to continue his work from the 60's, but all anyone wanted to do was party.
I was hesitant when I started watching the episode, but was very impressed with how the story was delt with. Sharpton should not be angry with how Martin Luther King, Jr. was portrayed. He should be more angry that Aaron McGruder is way more on the ball about race relations then he is.
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1-25-2006 @ 8:16PM
Mack Jenkins said...
What I am wondering is this...did Sharpton even see it? It has been over a week, and he is just now replying. Normally he is running his damn mouth the very next day when something happens.
If he is going to star coming down on the n-word, where was he when the Chappelle Show was on? It's still on now, and I do not se sharpton on a crusade.
I love The Boondocks, and have been reading it for years. I have been hesitant about the show since the 1st episode since he does not use the n-word in the strip. But I will continue to support him.
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1-25-2006 @ 9:09PM
veal said...
I thought that show was heartfelt and very moving. My wife and I were both moved more by that than any other televised expression on Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. We didn't expect it - we were broadsided and in the very best way. I truly don't think Sharpton has seen the episode.
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1-25-2006 @ 9:23PM
Shawn Smallwood said...
Mack you must have missed out on the outlandishly funny chappelle conspiracy that hit the internet a few weeks back.
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1-25-2006 @ 9:46PM
doc said...
I get the feeling that Sharpton should just be glad that Aaron McGruder hasn't turned Huey loose on him yet. The Martin Luther King Jr. episode, along with Huey's Christmas Pageant, are my two favorite episodes so far. McGruder does a great job getting his point across while still telling an entertaining story. And even if you do disagree with his ideas, that is still no reason to censor him. Good on Adult Swim and the Cartoon Network for having his back. I expected no less.
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1-26-2006 @ 10:11PM
Brian said...
I love Boondocks... I did not see anything wrong with the show. People use the n-word everyday, but you don't see Al Sharpton attacking people on the street. I doubt if he's watched the episode, even if he has he watched it with the sound off, because he missed the entire message.
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1-27-2006 @ 3:33AM
Larry said...
I thought that the show was terrific. It showed how Martin Luther King would react to the state of blacks today in contrast to what he fought and died for. What he said when he used the n word, was "Will you ignorant n shut the hell up." He was trying to get their attention, but because they were so busy partying and fighting, (much of how they do today). He had to speak to them in a language they understood. Mister Sharpton should have watched the show because what followed after that was a deeply moving speech on black society. Mister Sharpton should pay more attention to what was been said, than what was said.
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1-30-2006 @ 12:41PM
Alisa said...
I love The Boondocks. The show really makes you think. My favorite part of the episode was when MLK was looking for an iPod, "I don't know if I need a 40gig or a 20gig, I tried to down load some mahaliah jackson but I forgot my access code". LOL. Great TV. My other favorite scene was during his speech at the end when he discuss about BET. I agree to the 2nd power about BET.
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