Dozens of newspapers will cease to publish the syndicated “Dilbert” comic strip after its creator called Black people a “hate group” that white people should “get away” from.
Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, which began to be published in 1989, was swiftly criticized for his racist comments, and several newspaper networks announced their publications would drop the comic strip.
Adams’ racist comments were made during an episode of his YouTube podcast on Feb. 22, when he referenced a poll released this month by Rasmussen Reports that asked respondents if they agreed “It’s OK to be white.”
Rasmussen Reports, a conservative-leaning polling company based in the U.S., surveyed about 1,000 “Americans” online and via phone earlier this month. With only 13% of the total U.S. population identifying as Black, and only 1,000 Americans surveyed, the poll has come under heavy criticism.
About 47% of Black respondents did not say they disagreed with the statement “It’s OK to be White.” About 26% said that they “disagree,” and 21% said they were “not sure.”
The poll question also didn’t center around Black people’s opinions on the question.
Twitter CEO Elon Musk, a longtime follower of Dilbert, was one of few public figures to show support for Adams after his statements triggered a firestorm.
In another video released on Monday, Adams stood behind his controversial statements last week, saying Whites should “get the hell away” from Blacks.
