Reply #399: That you have to resort to misquoting me is telling.

[The Doctor.]

It tells me that you have no idea what I've said, and instead have superimposed your perception on both the cartoon and this thread.

It's a shame that the 'logic of a three year-old' escapes you.

In history, racist assholes have referred to black people as 'chimps', 'monkeys', 'apes' etc. Also in history, cartoonists have put animals in cartoons... including non-human primates, for purposes other than disparaging people.

Here's what's fascinating about your post;

You have decided, before any other consideration, that this was "done to" Obama. That much is obvious. What your perception filter has created is an absolute presumption of intent... which is why you imagine that this cartoon would be directed at McCain were he President. It can't occur to you, even on the stage of an alternate scenario, that the cartoon represents any other commentary than the one you've decided it must... despite the fact that there is no reference to the President unless you presume intent.

Basically, you made up your mind based on one piece of criteria and only because Obama is President. Everyone, yourself included, is in a heightened state of prejudice because Obama is in office. I can't blame anyone for that, and I'm sure that the 'dogwhistle' theory may hold water. But again; to conclude that the artist's intent was 'racism' requires making presumptions about his intent rather than relying on what's in the depiction. As I say; "Were McCain President, this cartoon would just indicate the artist's distaste for the stim bill." No one would think it was 'done to' McCain.

If what you're saying is that no one can put a non-human primate in any cartoon or commentary for the next eight years, no matter how innocent, simply because Obama is President, then say so and we can discuss that rationally. If you just want to insult and accuse, then feel free. Only one of those choices deserves respect.

Try asking questions if you don't understand what I'm saying, I'll answer them honestly and you will see my intentions are fair and reasonable.