On Feb. 19, the popular comic strip Dilbert’s creator and Danville resident Scott Adams made hateful remarks towards African Americans on his podcast. Because of this, hundreds of magazines and newspapers decided to stop publishing Dilbert comics

More than 2,000 newspapers in 57 countries and 19 different languages have published Adams’ comic strip. The comic’s main protagonist, Dilbert, is a white-collar office worker who navigates the difficulties of everyday business politics and satirizes the multitasking of his supervisors. After Adams made racist remarks, hundreds of newspapers dropped the comic strip. 

“Scott Adams‘ humor is very insightful and he did have a brilliant way of skewering corporate culture, in many ways he opened our eyes up to the silliness of corporate culture. But unfortunately now his voice is associated with racist comments,” said art teacher, Michael Doyle.

Adams’ racist comments targeted the African American community and openly supported segregation. The remarks Adams’ made on his podcast showed his true character and beliefs. 

“The best advice I would give to White people is to get the hell away from Black people, just get the f**k away,” said Adams. 

Adams’ publisher, Andrews McMeel Universal, announced on Feb. 27 that they are breaking off their relationship with the cartoonist because they do not advocate for any criticism that is motivated by prejudice or hatred.

“We are not a home for those who espouse racism. We certainly do not want to provide them with financial support,” said Chris Quinn, a page editor for Andrews McMeel Universal.

In a YouTube video where Adams defended himself to his viewers he reveals that he lost 80% of his income as a result of these comments. Adams showed doubt regarding his potential cartoonist career, since newspapers stopped publishing his comics.

“I will always like the Dilbert cartoons. I think they’re funny and I think that they’re very well done but after hearing the comments that Scott Adams made I would never buy any of the books or do anything to support the cartoon strips anymore,” said journalism and video production teacher, Wendy Connelly.

After going on his racist rant, Adams showed zero forgiveness towards his controversial statements. Adams was mindful of the consequences of his remarks and expected backlash.

“In this climate we’re in today there is no tolerance for people making racist rants online,” said Connelly. 

Adams making racist remarks on his podcast doesn’t only reflect himself but also reflects how his community in the tri-valley views him. Adams previously co-owned a restaurant in Pleasanton’s downtown area, titled Stacey’s Cafe, and currently lives in Danville. 

“I think it’s especially interesting for us here in Pleasanton because he is a local figure. So when he says that he lives in a white community it’s like he doesn’t understand who we are as a community. The tri-valley is super diverse and he seems to have his eyes closed to that,” said Doyle.