Dwayne Booth, also known as “Mr. Fish”, is an American political cartoonist who has been making waves in the world of art and dissent. However, his bold and provocative cartoons have recently made him a target of criticism from Zionist and pro-Israel groups. In March, Booth was fired from his position as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, sparking a debate over the limits of free speech and the current repressive crackdown on art and dissent.

In an exclusive interview with Marc Steiner, Booth discusses his firing and shares his thoughts on how to combat the growing censorship and suppression of artistic expression.

Booth’s journey as a political cartoonist began in the early 1990s, when he started drawing for alternative newspapers and magazines. His bold and satirical style quickly gained attention and he soon became a regular contributor to publications such as Harper’s Magazine, The Nation, and Truthdig. His cartoons have been praised for their sharp commentary on political and social issues, while also receiving backlash for their controversial content.

However, it was his recent cartoons on Israel and Zionism that sparked the controversy leading to his firing. Booth’s cartoons depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a bloodthirsty warmonger and criticized the pro-Israel lobby’s influence on American politics. These cartoons were met with accusations of anti-Semitism and calls for his dismissal from the University of Pennsylvania, where he had been teaching a course on political cartoons.

Booth’s firing has raised concerns about the limits of free speech and the increasing pressure to conform to a certain narrative. In the interview, he shares his disappointment in the university’s decision and the lack of support from his colleagues. He also expresses his frustration with the current political climate, stating, “We are living in a time where dissent and criticism are increasingly seen as a threat, rather than a necessary part of a healthy democracy.”

Booth’s case is not an isolated one. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of censorship and suppression of artistic expression. From the removal of controversial artworks in galleries to the cancellation of performances deemed too provocative, artists are facing increasing challenges in expressing their views and pushing boundaries.

So, how can artists combat this repressive crackdown on art and dissent? Booth believes that the solution lies in standing together and supporting each other. He calls for artists to “make more noise, make more trouble, and make more art.” He also emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs and not compromising for the sake of acceptance or approval.

Booth’s firing has also ignited a larger conversation about the role of universities in protecting academic freedom and fostering critical thinking. As institutions of higher learning, universities should be a space for open and diverse perspectives, rather than a place for silencing dissenting voices.

In the end, Booth’s story serves as a reminder that art and dissent go hand in hand. As artists, it is our responsibility to use our platforms to challenge the status quo and provoke critical thinking. And as consumers of art, it is our duty to support and defend the right to free expression, even when it may make us uncomfortable.

In the words of Booth himself, “Art is not meant to make you feel comfortable, it’s meant to make you think.” Let us stand with Dwayne Booth and all the other artists who are facing censorship and repression, and continue to use art as a powerful tool for social and political change.