February 16, 1995
Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to the cartoon by Michael Abate, "Manic-Depressive Boy Dresses for Church" (Gater, Jan. 31). Perhaps this cartoon had a clear meaning to the cartoonist, but I saw absolutely nothing humorous in the story or picture and I was offended by the flippant misrepresentation of manic-depressive illness. There are many ways that cartoonists have captured the realities of illness, disability, personal struggle and even dysfunctional families, but a cartoon with suicide as the punch line is way off the mark. As a counselor, I know the healing power of humor and the catharsis that can be shared in a poignantly drawn comic strip. Unfortunately, Abate's attempt fell flat and managed to be offensive as well.
I would urge the Golden Gater to expect more sensitivity and more clarity from the works they choose to print.