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The Scene was our Illinois arts & culture podcast through 2017. Rachel Otwell curated the podcast which provided full-length stories and follow-ups, links to other reports, and conversations with you.This podcast contained a range of stories from the world of arts & culture, from visual art to Springfield's DIY music scene, to profiles of interesting local characters. The podcast was about what makes artists tick, and the diverse culture that exists within our community.

ICYMI: Cartoonist Chris Britt Says It's His "Duty To Make You Uncomfortable"

Luke Otwell

Political cartoons and their creators have a special place in my heart. While growing up, my grandparents' house was decorated with dozens of cartoons (my grandfather worked for the Chicago Sun-Times). Many took a cynical stance on the Daley regime. I think one of my grandfather's most prized possessions is a printing plate he snatched before it got melted down and recycled. It contained the famous cartoon created by Bill Mauldin in the hours after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

All this to say - cartoons often suggest the feelings that are hard to put into words. They can elicit emotion and reflection that can cut across the barriers of language, and of political jargon. They are a perfect example of the power art has to share messages and call for change.

Chris Britt is a local treasure when it comes to political cartoons. His craft runs deep. He takes an often nuanced look at issues, be they as local as the goings-on of the Springfield city council and school board, or as global as the recent tragedy that shook the offices of Charlie Hebdo in France, and the world. Britt's recent commentary on that tragedy is one not to be missed, and his cartoon in response is equally provocative. CLICK HERE to see both at the Illinois Times website.

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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