Version two: a plain image without a plane in sight

The New York Post was forced to change its front page last Thursday after realising the illustration was likely to offend Japanese people.

The story, about the New York Yankees baseball team having signed Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, was illustrated with an image of him piloting a plane reminiscent of those used in the world war two bombing of Pearl Harbour.

The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) was quick to complain but the Post's managing editor, Frank Zini, said:

"We recognised early on that an image intended to amuse and play off the Yankee nickname 'Bronx Bombers' might be considered offensive by some people, even though that was not our intention. Therefore, it was removed after a very small number of papers had been printed."

So the Post pulled the image. But the AAJA didn't think his apology went far enough and sent Zini a letter, which is published on its website:

"We appreciate your candour in explaining that the image and accompanying headline were meant to 'amuse and play off the Yankee nickname 'Bronx Bombers.' We take you at your word that it was not the paper's intent to offend. However, when something that egregious is published, we believe it warrants a more direct apology. We're sure you understand how hurtful and damaging stereotypes are. Seeing Tanaka, a Japanese national, depicted in such a way conjured up hateful imagery."

Sources: Jim Romenesko (1) and (2)/AAJA/iMediaEthics