El Paso Times Artist Apologizes For Cartoon of City Rep. Robinson Some Considered Racist

El Paso Times artist Keith Allyn Spencer has written a blog in response to accusations his drawing of City Rep. Carl L. Robinson that appeared in the newspaper is racist.

“The ‘Notable Quotes/Newsmaker of the Week’ cartoon of Robinson published on May 09, 2010, in the El Paso Times was in no way intended to be racist or stereotypical of a black person; but rather, it was meant to portray a caricature of El Paso city councilman, Carl Robinson,” Spencer wrote on his blog. “The illustration was a poor one if the point I tried to deliver failed as Robinson?s exaggerated features became the focal point rather than the content of the toon. This failure equates to bad design, poor judgment and a lack of realization of such stereotype sensitivities. … My apologies if I offended anyone. … I look forward to this experience making me a more mindful and cognizant artist and person.”

See the image in question and read the full blog, including recommended reading on racial stereotypes in art and media, here.