It`s troubling to see that a newspaper with the national reputation of the Tribune is sanctioning racism by running Jeff MacNelly`s editorial cartoon on Nov. 28.
The cartoon depicts the famous vista of the Hollywood Hills with the ubiquitous sign that reads ”Hollywood” being replaced by one that reads
”Horrywood.” The new spelling, I assume, is a commentary on the recent acquisition of major movie studies by Japanese corporations and investors.
What may seem a funny little jab at translation and pronunciation actually reinforces racist cultural stereotypes and generally encourages anti- Japanese sentiments felt by an America that is no longer able or willing to pay its own way. It`s a shame to see a usually witty and sometimes insightful mind like MacNelly`s stoop to cheap-shot tactics to fill space or make a deadline.
