The New Yorker Cover Controversy
The Obamas Depicted as a Muslim Iman and as a Terrorist
The New Yorker cover depicts Barack and Michelle Obama in the Oval Office doing a "fist bump" in triumph. In the background one can see a portrait of Osama bin Laden and the American flag burning in the fireplace.
The New Yorker cover, which is for the upcoming July 21st 2008 issue, accompanies an article entitled "The Politics of Fear", said to describe fear tactics being used to derail the candidacy of Barack Obama. The New Yorker cover is said to be a satire on the image of Barack and Michelle Obama being promulgated by their carious political enemies. The New Yorker cover is the work of artist Barry Blitt.
Both the Obama and McCain campaigns have united in calling the New Yorker cover tasteless and offensive.
The problem with good satire is that it has to be immediately recognized as such. The problem with the New Yorker cover depicting Barack Obama as an Ayatollah and Michelle Obama as a SLA terrorist is that it looks too much like an attack using stereotypes. Barack Obama, despite his middle name, is not a Muslim, not to mention an Iman. Michelle Obama, despite her unfortunate statement about her pride in her country, is not a terrorist.
The New Yorker's lame attempts to explain that its cover is just a satire just makes things worse. If one has to explain a joke, then it's not very funny. While funny can sometimes be offensive (just ask the late George Carlin), offensive is often not very funny.
An example of visual satire that worked could be found on the cover of the National Review shortly after Newt Gingrich and the Republicans won control of the Congress in 1994. The cover depicted Newt Gingrich as a barbarian warrior leading an assault on the gates of the Capitol Building while riding an elephant. While liberals probably throught the Gingrich was the second coming of Atilla the Hun, his supporters reveled in the depiction.
In a perverse sort of way, the New Yorker cover flap may generate a little sympathy for the Obamas. This is despite the fact that the cover was on an elite, liberal New York magazine and not-say-the American Spectator.
The effects of the New Yorker cover controversy will likely be short lived, though. Some people will, no doubt, be reticent about criticizing the Obamas, even when such criticism is warranted, just for fear of being called bigoted. But sooner or later something else will happen in the campaign that will get talked about. The New Yorker cover flap will join the history of a Presidential campaign that has proven to be a long, strange trip indeed.
Source: Ya can't make it up, Jonathan Martin, Politico, July 13th, 2008
Published by Mark Whittington
Mark R. Whittington is a writer residing in Houston, Texas. He is the author of The Last Moonwalker, Children of Apollo, Dark Sanction, and Nocturne. He has written numerous articles, some for the Washington... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentAnd furthermore, it was only AFTER THE FACT that I found it it was a parody, and a drawing in pencil. Hell, I thought it was a photo taken from the Obama family photo album when i first saw it. It seemed so accurate, I never even gave it a second thought that it might not be a genuine depiction of fact. Huh? So, it's not really an Obama family photo? Could have fooled me.
I'm with Sheryl on this. Now poor Obama is a victim. Truth be told, and don't tell anyone I said this, but if ya ask me the cartoon was 100% accurate, but keep it on the down low - if the peeps around AC ever hear what i just said, they will publicly take me to task. I will be labeled a hater, etc., and we can't have that now, can we? Nice job Mark.
Interesting and thoughtful, as well as conversation provoking.
It is satire plain and simple any informed and educated individual can understand that.
The New Yorker is not starting nothing, they are just providing some social commentary based on what has been out in the media in the last year.
I am glad they have done this so some real constructive dialog can occur.
And yes i am a liberal non conservative but not necessarily a democrat.
For the last year I have gotten a chance to speak with people from a variety of countries and a small minority of them actually thought that Barack Obama was a Muslim.
People from France, Brazil, Peru,Mexico and Japan, so the rumors, lies and fabrications need to be corrected. Because some people think perception is reality.
We need to do away with the fear, doubt and worry.
I see your article as your "subjective" opinion rather than "objective" opinion.
Thats why we live in a capitalistic democratic country, and we need to keep it that way.
I agree with "Brad" - you handled this well. I think sometimes covers like this actually drum up more "sympathy votes" for the person depicted rather than drawing any doubt to their character.
Nice article, written well without being overly opinionated and infalmmatory. Well done.