The Columbus Dispatch editorial cartoonist Nate Beeler was named this year’s John Fischetti award winner for 2014. The award is unique in that it is based on one single cartoon. Nate’s cartoon depicted the Statue of Liberty and Lady Justice in a joyful kiss after the Supreme Court ruled on the Defense of Marriage Act.
From the press release, Nate is quoted:
“On the day of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, I felt it was not a moment to be droll or cynical. I wanted to simultaneously depict and celebrate the happiness experienced by same-sex couples and their supporters across the country. The court’s decision righted an injustice and was an affirmation of both dignity and freedom, which made Lady Justice and Lady Liberty logical icons to use in the cartoon. I hoped showing them rejoicing in a loving embrace would be an image that resonated with readers, and gratifyingly, the response to the cartoon has been tremendous.”
Honorable mentions this year goes to San Diego Union-Tribune cartoonist Steve Breen and the Miami Herald?s Jim Morin.
A great pick by the jury of the Fischetti Competition. Congratulations to Nate!
Congratulations, Nate… However, the Supreme Court did not “right an injustice” with this decision. Gays were not denied the right of marriage. Gays could marry – and many did – as long as they married someone of the opposite sex. What the Supreme Court agreed to do was change the definition of marriage.
Amazingly, after 5000 years of marriage meaning the union of one man and one woman, in just the last twenty or thirty years it seems humanity has suddenly become more intelligent and insightful. Maybe a sudden mutation in our genetic make-up has awakened us from a long nightmare of ignorance and injustice imposed on gay people and polygamists and we have arrived at the present enlightened age in the blink of an historical eye where anyone can marry anyone else as long as they “love” the other person or persons and agree to commit to them.
Perhaps those 5000 years lasted so long for a reason. Is it possible time will not be kind to the health of human culture with the coming of gay marriage and polygamy?
What an uplifting, upbeat cartoon and a fine choice for the Fischetti competition. Nicely done, Nate! Congratulations.