Here's an issue we'll be discussing on today's bloggers' roundtable (should time permit): racist cartoons from the 1940s that have been circulating on the Web.

Cartoons like this one:

The New York Times has more:

Among the millions of clips on the video-sharing Web site YouTube are 11 racially offensive Warner Brothers cartoons that have not been shown in an authorized release since 1968.

The cartoons, known as the 'Censored 11,' have been unavailable to the public for 40 years.

... These cartoons were controversial when first released; the N.A.A.C.P. unsuccessfully protested "Coal Black" before it was shown in 1943. Richard McIntire, the director of communications for the N.A.A.C.P., wrote in an e-mail message that 'the cartoons are despicable. We encourage the films' owners to maintain them as they are -- that is, locked away in their vaults.'"

What do you think? Should the clips be removed and "locked away in their vaults"? Or are they culturally and historically relevant -- no matter how racially insensitive?

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7zRZ6arn1%2BosqTAyKilrGeemsS0rc2draKdp6h8c3yPcWZpbF%2BXubCzxp6prJeipMKvsNOamaWdj6eupLXSrZacmaJjtbW5yw%3D%3D