The media − television, film, print, radio, online and interactive − influence how we view the world. It presents messages about culture, race, ethnicity, and religion − and can promote positive representations as well as reinforce negative stereotypes. Media also provide an important space for debate and discussion on race relations issues. Cartoons spark racism debate that all New Zealanders can be free to share their views even when those views may be offensive to others. Speaking out about the important role of cartoonists, Al Nisbet said “Cartooning should be like playing practical jokes and annoying people, having a crack at all sides. You’ve got to push the envelope otherwise you have namby pamby, PC cartoons.”42 Cartoons about free school meals faced a strong backlash this year, with complainants alleging that the cartoons were stigmatising, offensive and stereotyped Mäori and Pacific peoples as spending their money on cigarettes and gambling. Cartoonist Tom Scott argued in response that cartoons are there to “puncture the pride, the power and self-image of the wealthy and powerful”. The cartoons were published at the end of May in the Marlborough Express and The Press. The first depicted two overweight adults dressed in children’s school uniforms joining a line for free school meals. One of the adults, says: “Psst! ... If we can get away with this, the more cash left for booze, smokes and pokies!” NZ First List MP Richard Prosser was condemned for racist remarks including comments calling for young Muslim men from “Wogistan” to be banned from flying and describing Islam as “a Stone Age religion”. The MP later said that he regretted his comments which were reported in many countries. The second cartoon showed a large family sitting around a table littered with Lotto tickets, beer cans and cigarettes with an adult saying: “Free school food is great! Eases our poverty, and puts something in you kids’ bellies!” Featured in an article in Investigate magazine, his remarks sparked discussion on the way Muslim issues are portrayed in the media. Some people said Mr Prosser’s comments were an example of politicians making political capital at the expense of Muslims. Others said that it was a telling example of how Muslim issues are reported in the media, often in a sensationalist way. Amid claims that his illustrations were ‘racist’ and ‘not funny’, cartoonist Al Nisbet defended the cartoons saying it was the right of cartoonists to cover controversial topics − including ones to do with race. The Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy, responded, saying: “The cartoons further stigmatise New Zealand children living in poverty and the use of negative stereotypes is insulting and derogatory in the extreme.” The debate over the cartoons emphasised the difficulties faced when balancing the right to freedom of expression with the prohibition in the Human Rights Act aimed at stopping the incitement of racial disharmony. Although freedom of expression is not absolute, a very high threshold is necessary before the prohibition in the Human Rights Act can be said to have been breached. Some critics have argued that the threshold should be lower, while others have said that maintaining a high threshold means Tüi Tüi Tuituiä | Race Relations in 2013 Backlash follows “Wogistan” remarks In her Stargazer blog, Anjum Rahman described how media reporting of Muslim issues often focused on stupid comments, such as Mr Prosser’s, instead of identifying interesting and reasoned pro-Muslim stories. Rather than ignoring irresponsible and silly comments, a big deal was made of them garnering even more attention. Most damaging, however, was the often vitriolic comments toward Muslims appearing on social media whenever these sorts of issues become headline stories. Mr Prosser’s comments received much attention online, highlighting the rise of social media as a major source of and venue for society’s discourse. This brings new challenges and responsibilities. Racial harassment and hate speech is more difficult to monitor in social media, and it is often left up to individuals and communities to take action. 57