Above: (in sketchy translation) The sex slaves of Boko Haram in anger. “Do not touch our family allowance? “
Last nigh, Charlie Hebdo was recognized at the PEN Gala. They received the 2015 freedom of expression courage award. However, many are unhappy with this decision.
About 200 writers signed a protest letter expressing their disapproval of the recipient of the award. The writers didn’t regard the ‘comic’ illustrations of Charlie Hebdo as one of courage but as acts that promote cultural intolerance.
We all know how extremist Charlie Hebdo’s cartoons are. It’s so culturally intolerant that last year in Paris, Charlie Hebdo was attacked by supposed Jihadists who killed 12 of its staff.
Six writers who were meant to play hosts at the ceremony backed out, also in protest last month. All of the writers have pointed out that regardless of the right of free speech, there should be imits.
However, New York cartoon editor, Bob Mankoff didn’t join the others in the protest. He stayed back to commend Charlie Hebdo. He said, “there was no way I was gonna back out because, well, frankly, I rented this tux,” he said. “Worth every penny. It’s bulletproof.”
“And that’s all folks!”