A Distressing Note

It was distressing to note the term Chinaman in the “B.C.” comic strip that appeared in View on Oct. 5, 1987, especially since the strip has always been one of my favorites. Cartoonist Johnny Hart is entitled to his opinion, but he does not have the right to show his contempt of the Chinese by using such a slur. The Times was negligent for allowing it to appear in print.

WEI LIANG YU, MD

Claremont

Richard S. Newcombe, president of Creators Syndicate Inc., which distributes “B.C.,” says cartoonist Hart “meant no offense” and thought the term similar in usage to “Englishman” and “Irishman.” Newcombe apologized for any offense it caused and said the word will not appear again in the syndicate’s comic strips. The Times, recognizing that Chinaman is considered by many to be pejorative, apologizes to its readers.