• Urgent action responding to antisemitic poster on campus

    04Mar
    Categories: Uncategorized Comments: 2

    Dear friends, allies and concerned students,

    The local Jewish radio show “radio 613” reported on and informed QCRED early on March 3rd that they had found posters around campus depicting a Nazi flag with the swastika replaced by the Star of David to promote a production of the “Merchant of Venice”.

    QCRED condemns those responsible, Vagabond Theatre, for making a deeply offensive and racist comparison. This act evokes the historical and body memory of the Holocaust and regardless of the intent, directly marginalizes those who are forced to carry this legacy.

    As a group that puts anti-racism above all other politics and remains a space that works for the liberation of marginalized peoples, we see the ramification of these posters as both reflecting and reproducing antisemitism. Further, Vagabond Theatre is profiting from the use of hateful imagery to evoke a response. This is shameful and unacceptable. Along with the posters, QCRED is deeply concerned about reports that the play itself involves the portrayal of Jewish characters with horns, false noses and Nazi-inspired armbands.

    Regardless of the play’s goals and intentions, Vagabond Theatre’s promotional material continues to hurt and affect students across Queen’s campus. QCRED is thus requesting Vagabond Theatre to issue an official apology and for all posters to be taken down immediately. Furthermore, QCRED calls on the administration to take a firm stance by condemning this incident and undertaking an investigation into the actions of Vagabond Theatre.

    To view an image of the poster: http://twitpic.com/16hpwj

    If you would like to pass on your own concerns to the principle or Vagabond Theatre you can contact them at:

    principal@queensu.ca

    vagabondtheatre@hotmail.com

    In solidarity,

    QCRED

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