Oh, to be back on grad school right now, sitting around the big table in my media ethics seminar discussing the current controversey over the cover of The New Yorker magazine (pictured above). Have you heard the fuss? Basically they're being skewered from both sides about the tastefulness of running a cover that satirizes some people's perceptions of the Obamas. The rumors that Barack is a closet Muslim and Michelle a black militant, celebrating their victory in the Oval Office while the American flag burns. Personally, I think it's quite clever and I'd like to think that the Obamas got a good laugh about it themselves. Once you run for office and become a public figure, everything's fair game.Will it just be more fuel for the fire of those who believe some of the misinformation? Is it a put-down from the left, mocking conservatives who dare challenge the ascent of the Obamas? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
5 comments:
Too intellectual for my blood, I fold.
I agree that once you run for president, you are a target. I think it's kind of funny, but I'm sure being prominently featured on the cover of the New Yorker will have a bigger effect than if it were in a political cartoon column. Don't think it will fuel the fire, just excite a reaction
I think that those whose political (or otherwise) opinion is largely swayed because of cover art is EXACTLY what is wrong with people today. I don't mean to sound so negative, but the masses (or perhaps it is just the media)tend to be so reactionary that it causes one to wonder where common sense has gone. Are the Obama's that exteme? I doubt they are. Will the New Yorker's cover fuel the fire? No doubt it will. Especially hysterical if, like you said, the fire comes from the right because of conservatives taking it seriously while it was meant by the left to make fun of exactly that.
I have to agree with Laurie. I think people can look at the cover and find ways to strengthen whatever spin they like. However, I need to disclose that I love Michelle O and was annoyed at first glance by the cover. I get tired of defending her to people who think she's a, "angry black woman". Aren't we all? ;)
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