Getting our attention has never been a problem for Michael Leunig. He drew this cartoon for The Age at the height of the fighting on the West Bank.
The first part shows a Jew confronting the great lie of the concentration camps: Work brings Freedom.
The second shows an Israeli soldier in 2002 confronting what Leunig sees as another great lie: War brings Peace.
This cartoon was never published by The Age. It was rejected by the paper's editor Michael Gawenda – who told Media Watch:
'I think it’s just inappropriate. Anyone seeing that cartoon would think it inappropriate.' Conversation with Michael Gawenda and Media Watch
That was not Leunig’s view. Still isn’t. The horrors of the Middle East is a theme he’s explored often in his long career at the Age where it’s been rare for him to have his work pulled.
'I think Michael Gawenda just didn’t get it. I think the drawing is sympathetic to all Jews who ever suffered but sympathy is not always expressed with sugar.' Conversation with Media Watch and Michael Leunig
When we approached Gawenda about this, he asked Leunig to release the cartoon to Media Watch.
'You put that up for your audience – and if your audience thinks that’s appropriate, then I’m in the wrong business.' Conversation with Michael Gawenda and Media Watch
So was The Age’s rejection justified? Leunig says he drew this for all people – not only Jews – “who are tearing their hair out about these things”.
But Michael Gawenda says he knocked it back because it went “beyond the limits” he sets for discussion of the Middle East. It’s a curly one but cartoons are for strong opinions.
We’ve put it up on our website so we can all take a long, calm look. abc.net.au/mediawatch - all one word. See what you think.
Have a look » Tell us what you think » http://abc.net.au/mediawatch/stories/popups/060502_s5f1.htm http://abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/060502_s5.htm
http://abc.net.au/mediawatch/stories/popups/060502_s5f1.htm
