Oh The Drama

Jul 14 | by Natasha

Here we go again. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are the subjects of a satirical cartoon on the cover of this week's The New Yorker and it's stirring up controversy. Michelle is depicted with an afro and AK 47 (playing on the "un-American" and revolutionary controversy she has been subjected to) and Barack is depicted as a Muslim with the American flag burning in the fireplace (playing on the Muslim rumors he has admonished since Day 1). Here are the different statements taken from Politico.com from both sides regarding this cover. The New Yorker says about its cover: “On the cover of the July 21, 2008, issue of the The New Yorker, in ‘The Politics of Fear,’ artist Barry Blitt satirizes the use of scare tactics and misinformation in the Presidential election to derail Barack Obama’s campaign.” And the rep from Obama's campaign says: "The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create. But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree." And what the cartoonist himself has to say: I think the idea that the Obamas are branded as unpatriotic [let alone as terrorists] in certain sectors is preposterous. It seemed to me that depicting the concept would show it as the fear-mongering ridiculousness that it is. Interesting. Speak on it.

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Political Fab

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Comments

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[quote comment="139838"]why

[quote comment="139838"]why are they f$%#ing with them like that???[/quote] Because they know old tired ass John McCain doesn't stand a chance and they use fear tactics to win/scare voters to his side. Anyone who falls for that insanity needs their head examined. This is Barack's election to win or lose. Anyone seen him on the cover of the Ebony Collectors Edition featuring the 25 Coolest Brothers of All Time, Black Cool? He looks soooo handsome, And Michelle is soooo fierce. Blackness at its finest!

by WTF?
9:20 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote comment="139975"]I'd

by WTF?
9:21 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote comment="139888"]And

[quote comment="139888"]And why are people sayin how come they didnt do that to Macain or any other politicle figure. [/quote] Actually, they did. Bush and Cheney were portrayed as homosexuals from Brokeback Mountain. Bush was also portrayed as Cheney's maid while he sat on his fat ass smoking a cigar. The New Yorker has been putting things on blast for YEARS and now blacks want to pay attention when Barack is used to put fear mongering on blast. This cover merely highlights the hysteria racists have about this man and his wife. We have to stop being so sensitive about EVERYTHING and appreciate when people are trying to teach...the racists...a lesson.

by Niki
9:27 pm - Jul 14, '08

lol shout out to Steevy dc

lol shout out to Steevy dc for being the actual 1st. u just betta get it lol

by Queens Couture
7:44 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote

[quote comment="139849"]People get a grip, Again I see yall need help understanding. Dont worry Im here. I am a black man and I wasnt offended heres why. What the New Yorker did was take all the stereotypes that the media and replublicans try convey and painted a tangible image with it. The new yorker was calling out the media, they were doing Obama a Favor by recogizing how the media tried to "paint" Obama. And that's why no thinking person will think that image is the real obama. people think[/quote] Sounds good! But who reads the New Yorker to know that. Nobody does. So what happens is, people continue to look at this bullshit ass picture on new stands and gather their own thoughs and interpretation- and the saga continues.

by Kim
9:42 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote

[quote comment="140000"][quote comment="139888"]And why are people sayin how come they didnt do that to Macain or any other politicle figure. [/quote] Actually, they did. Bush and Cheney were portrayed as homosexuals from Brokeback Mountain. Bush was also portrayed as Cheney's maid while he sat on his fat ass smoking a cigar. The New Yorker has been putting things on blast for YEARS and now blacks want to pay attention when Barack is used to put fear mongering on blast. This cover merely highlights the hysteria racists have about this man and his wife. We have to stop being so sensitive about EVERYTHING and appreciate when people are trying to teach...the racists...a lesson.[/quote] Thank you for the clarification. This is what happens when we are misinformed or only half informed. That's why it's important to know all the facts!

by Lola AM
9:45 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote comment="139975"]I'd

[quote comment="139975"]I'd like to see McCain's version... the plastic wife standing atop her family's beer cans... while his crippled first wife is hiding in the shadows.[/quote] Great point! I am so highly offended by this. Obama has a lot up against him, and it is sooo blatant. I know that I can't be a political figure, or the wife of one. I can't control myself to this degree.

by GODIVA
9:47 pm - Jul 14, '08

really? please please don't

really? please please don't but all white people in the same category you put the person whoever decided to do this.I am half white and from the start i been supporting Barack.When i saw this i was not only shocked but i felt like we took several steps back in history.Obama will be an amazing president.Some people can't accept the fact the same black men who were once slaves, in a few months will become commander in chief.=]

by Jessica[R]
4:31 am - Jul 15, '08

[quote

[quote comment="139849"]People get a grip, Again I see yall need help understanding. Dont worry Im here. I am a black man and I wasnt offended heres why. What the New Yorker did was take all the stereotypes that the media and replublicans try convey and painted a tangible image with it. The new yorker was calling out the media, they were doing Obama a Favor by recogizing how the media tried to "paint" Obama. And that's why no thinking person will think that image is the real obama. people think[/quote] I think people get that. Of course, we know the intention was to make fun of the GOP using scare tactics BUT, it was still IRRESPONSIBLE. If anything, it should be a small cartoon inside the magazine, with it's corresponding article (so that people who normally buy the magazine can see it), but NOT ON THE COVER. Big difference.

by Yay Area
4:52 am - Jul 15, '08

A black man is about to

A black man is about to accomplish what we thought could never happen,and a black woman is about to become the first black first lady of the whitehouse and this ish comes out. Whoever at the magazine that let this go into production should be fired and so should the person who drew this ignorant b.s. Im all for having a sense of humor but this ish is not funny.

by Kat
5:00 am - Jul 15, '08

IT IS CALLED SATIRE,

IT IS CALLED SATIRE, PEOPLE!!! The New Yorker is known for its satire about political figures. OBAMA IS NOT IMMUNE! Why do Black people think that no one can say anything about him or they are racist??!!! This is the nature of politics. People say shit about McCain, people say shit about Obama, people say shit about ANYONE who throws themselves into the political arena. GET OVER IT!

by allnatural
5:31 am - Jul 15, '08

This is Webster's definition

This is Webster's definition of satire. Satire a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn. This cover ain't that! Satire hit's it's mark when it takes truth and makes fun of it. There is no truth except in some biased individuals minds that Barack is a Muslim and is in cahoots with Osama bin Laden. It is also untrue that Michelle is a terrorist because of so Faux dubbed terrorist "fist bump" The racial connotation is unmistakable. The New Yorker can hide behind a label of satirist humor or call it a joke if they choose but racism by any other name still stinks. A picture is worth a thouesand words that people will be seeing all week.

by LuvangelHussein330
8:40 pm - Jul 14, '08

am i first?

by steevy-dc
7:38 pm - Jul 14, '08

FIRST!!

by obamas mama
7:39 pm - Jul 14, '08

FIRST!!

FIRST!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!

by obamas mama
7:39 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote

[quote comment="140035"] Thank you for the clarification. This is what happens when we are misinformed or only half informed. That's why it's important to know all the facts![/quote] No problem. Since I can't posts links, I recommend some of you Google it to see the other covers. The magazine is more liberal than what some may think. I KNOW people are not familiar with this magazine, because this is the first time it's been an issue for blacks...lol There's a cover with Barack and Hillary in bed and her picking up the phone.There was no outrage over him sleeping up in the bed with a white woman, like this...lol

by Niki
10:13 pm - Jul 14, '08

Dare is say it? 1st... This

Dare is say it? 1st... This shit is a mess. white ppl. can't live with em, can't send them back to Europe.

by Queens Couture
7:40 pm - Jul 14, '08

this is crazy... i am lost

this is crazy... i am lost for words

by ann pretty girl
7:40 pm - Jul 14, '08

OBAMA WILL NOT WIN THIS

OBAMA WILL NOT WIN THIS ELECTION JUST WAIT AND SEE. AMERICA ACTS AS THOUGH THEY HAVE OVERCOME RACISM AND THEY WANT TO LOOK ALL CIVIL SAYING ALL AMERICANS HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE BUT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AMERICANS (WHITES) ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT AND ARE NO WAY NEAR READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT. I AM ALSO BLACK, WOULD BE ECSTATIC IF OBAMA WINS BUT THIS IS JUST THE TRUTH.

by L
10:14 pm - Jul 14, '08

I can't believe people are

I can't believe people are still making these offensive cartoons. It is clearly racism.

by Kim
7:41 pm - Jul 14, '08

Not FUNNY at all....

by Nissa
7:42 pm - Jul 14, '08

bitchassness alert!! level

bitchassness alert!! level orange!

by tru eyz
7:42 pm - Jul 14, '08

not too fast obamas mama

not too fast obamas mama (LOL)......! don't like the cover - did not think it was cute nor funny. bottom line - OFFENSIVE. you know that's how they all look at minorities anyway.

by steevy-dc
7:46 pm - Jul 14, '08

There are two aspects that I

There are two aspects that I find particularly distressing, apart from the Obamas being depicted as terrorist and unpatriotic--the illustration alludes to Black nationalism/radicalism (Michelle Obama) as unpatriotic. In many instances, it hints to the media's and the U.S' long prevading sentiment that Black pride is unpatriotic. Michelle Obama's illustrated character only furthers this belief, but it also coupled with the sexist notion that women should be seen and not heard. To add insult to injury, the cover prompts the audience to conclude that Black femininity is almost in opposition to the country, by nature. Second, I find it equally frustrating that throughout this continual controversy of Barack Obama's religious affinity, is that very few point out that identifying as Muslim is not a bad identity, nor is it inheirently anti-american. Amist defending the Obamas' legitimacy as Patriotic Americans, how unfortunate the media and public has been in allowing Muslim people's name and faith to be drug through the mud. Yes, the illustration is purposed to be satirical, but embedded in its objection of how the right wing media as portrayed the Obamas are pejorative messages about minority identities that have yet to be defended.

by Tomas
10:18 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote comment="139818"]Dare

[quote comment="139818"]Dare is say it? 1st... This shit is a mess. white ppl. can't live with em, can't send them back to Europe.[/quote] --- Exactly. This sh*t will continue to happen up until and even AFTER election day. White people can't stand the feeling of being threatened by the success of a minority. But you know what?? That @ss will be handled come Election Day. They know Obama is in it to win it, and they're crappin' their pants just thinking about it. The New Yorker is a punk @ss magazine anyway. Which is why their sales continue to drop.

by danielle1986
7:46 pm - Jul 14, '08

I fail to see the satire in

I fail to see the satire in this offensive cartoon. All this proves that "THEY" are shaking in their hillbilly boots. "YES WE CAN" ... let's say it together now: "YES WE CAN".

by Martinique_fr
7:46 pm - Jul 14, '08

why are they f$%#ing with

why are they f$%#ing with them like that???

by yella&slim
7:47 pm - Jul 14, '08

This is just beyond

This is just beyond ridiuclous. They think they are so slick by using a cartoon and hiding under the guise of it being a supposed "satire". Bull!! It's straight up racisim. Plain and simple. Why not do a cartoon of Cindy and John in a trailer park with a couple cans of beer scattered around? You'll never see any ish like that. But this crap they get away with. Never fails.

by Certified Dime
7:50 pm - Jul 14, '08

ok so the editor o r what

ok so the editor o r what ever he is has to ne white...like are you serious witht tis crap, buring the american flag, a picture of osama.....i dont know what to say, this is some real bitchassnes....foolywang....bs...this is not funnay on any type of level and the fact that this even made it to the print room and on the stands is re-donkulous!!!!!!! i know the the rev. is gonna speak on this...

by NOBITCHASSNESS
7:51 pm - Jul 14, '08

tasteless cover for NY

tasteless cover for NY OBSERVER. I DON'T WANT TO READ IT...YEAH, I ALREADY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SAYING & THINKING ABOUT OBAMA, SO WHY BOTHER. YES, THEY ARE SHOWING HOW RIDICULOUS IT IS TO THINK THE OBAMAS ARE NOT PATRIOTIC, WHILE SHOWING A CARTOON THAT ANTI-OBAMAIST'S WILL GET A KICK OUT OF...SHAMELESS PUBLICATION. THIS IS THE SAME OBSEVER THAT DOWN PLAYED THE EFFORTS TO KEVIN PEMBERTON'S WORK WITH THE BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY, BY HIGHLIGHTING IS ATTIRE...WHO CARES WHAT THE BROTHA WAS WEARING. LET THE FOOLYWANGNESS BEGAN!!!

by SOMALIA
7:51 pm - Jul 14, '08

This is outrageous!!! It is

This is outrageous!!! It is 2008 and Black people are still subject to such cruelty. I love that the Obama's remain graceful, logical and determined. The ultimate goal of presidency will be met soon... Bravo to both Michelle and Barack... Righteous... I love them both... shouts out to the CHi

by Ms.YBF
6:12 am - Jul 15, '08

YES WE CAN!!!!

by steevy-dc
7:53 pm - Jul 14, '08

If the New Yorker thinks

If the New Yorker thinks their "satirical" cartoon covers are OK, let's see them do a cover showing Dubya shaking hands with the Taliban since he used to be all friendly with them back in the day.

by pixie
7:55 pm - Jul 14, '08

People get a grip, Again I

People get a grip, Again I see yall need help understanding. Dont worry Im here. I am a black man and I wasnt offended heres why. What the New Yorker did was take all the stereotypes that the media and replublicans try convey and painted a tangible image with it. The new yorker was calling out the media, they were doing Obama a Favor by recogizing how the media tried to "paint" Obama. And that's why no thinking person will think that image is the real obama. people think

by tyson14
7:56 pm - Jul 14, '08

Black Americans vote!!!

Black Americans vote!!! Period....VOTE!!!!

by THETRUTH
6:20 am - Jul 15, '08

Satire? What about if the

Satire? What about if the posted on the cover a dark skined man with big bright pink lips eating a water melon and chicken wings, with a crack pipe and a pistol beside him? Satire? Or blatant racism? Watching CNN right now about this topic.. dosen't seem the "intended" satirical message was communicated.. but the majority of people reconized this was a tasteless and offensive joke. Like the ones you used to hear in grade 4.

by Toronto Dude
6:25 am - Jul 15, '08

that cover is tasteless...

by nikki
7:58 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote

[quote comment="139849"]People get a grip, Again I see yall need help understanding. Dont worry Im here. I am a black man and I wasnt offended heres why. What the New Yorker did was take all the stereotypes that the media and replublicans try convey and painted a tangible image with it. The new yorker was calling out the media, they were doing Obama a Favor by recogizing how the media tried to "paint" Obama. And that's why no thinking person will think that image is the real obama. people think[/quote] No one needs your help understanding a thing...BOTH political parties commented on how tacky this cover was. There is way to get a point across WITHOUT being offensive to the person/subject you are supoosedly trying to help. Go sit your ass down in the corner.

by Whatever
8:00 pm - Jul 14, '08

I understand what the

I understand what the cartoonist claims is the reason for the cover. We all know he did for the controversy and attention he knew it would bring. I just love how negative deeds get all of the attention and positives are turned into negative things when it comes to the actions of a particular group of people. I listen to right-winged (although they'd be hard pressed to admit theey’re right-winged) talk radio. I just want to hear what kinds of nonsense they choose to spew. When they have to admit something positive about Obama, they almost choke on the words as they come out and then immediately follow it up with some negative unfounded opinion. They disrespect Michelle O b/c lets face it. We (blk women) are not liked in this country. PERIOD!!!!!!!!! How long will they try to put this ridiculous crap out there? Even though we all know it's wrong, people will see that cover, not read the story and that will be an image that comes to mind when they think “Obama”. We all know the power of an image. And to put that out there is not done on accident, no matter what lame reason the NYorker and their cartoonist give. Please. Where is the McCain cover? Haven't seen it. But that's ok. We shall see who prevails come November. And I noticed on the other post about Michelle that someone said they won't vote for Obama b/c she's being inducted as an AKA. Okay, your ignorance is not welcomed. Read the post and then do some research. She hasn't accepted anything and even if she did, that would make you waste one of the most important votes of your lifetime? Idiot!!! I know that's off the topic but hey, I never post a comment and wanted to say that. Peace. Get angry about this bull crap and get revenge by getting educated, taking action and making positive change! ONE.

by d
8:00 pm - Jul 14, '08

Not funny!! jackass

by Sunni
8:01 pm - Jul 14, '08

BARACK 2008!

by les923
8:02 pm - Jul 14, '08

I don't even see what the bif

I don't even see what the bif deal with the cover, if anything they're just exposing how ridiculous some ppl beliefs are when it comes to Obama & the rumours. If Obama is smart his campaign handlers will use that to highlight to middle america (u know those slow Christians) that Obama is a 21st century Joe Louis & not a Muhammad Ali. Now for the ppl who saying when they going to do da same with McCain, one must remember that McCain has been in the national spotlight for over 25 years, let be real, 4 years ago expected Hilary Clinton to be the democratic nominee and most ppl didnt hear of Barack until he made that speech in the 2004 democratic convention.

by Madmax2099
10:37 pm - Jul 14, '08

That is the problem... they

That is the problem... they expect America to think when we all know half of America doesn't like to think and will take this drawing literally.

by Resse
8:03 pm - Jul 14, '08

[quote

[quote comment="139849"]People get a grip, Again I see yall need help understanding. Dont worry Im here. I am a black man and I wasnt offended heres why. What the New Yorker did was take all the stereotypes that the media and replublicans try convey and painted a tangible image with it. The new yorker was calling out the media, they were doing Obama a Favor by recogizing how the media tried to "paint" Obama. And that's why no thinking person will think that image is the real obama. people think[/quote] ...not so fast mr "i am a black man"; i understand satire- i'm sure we all do, but Obama is the candidate, not his wife. And if we are applying satire to the presidential candidates where's the New Yorker in [i]their[/i] use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice and folly, for McCain. alls i'm saying is, i'll go for the "massah ain't mean to offend nobody!" statement from the New Yorker if they would've exhibited that same bullsh!t for Obama's opponent.

by AmuseD
2:03 am - Jul 15, '08

[quote comment="139814"]am i

[quote comment="139814"]am i first?[/quote] How about a comment regarding the post? [quote comment="139815"]FIRST!![/quote][quote comment="139816"]FIRST!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!![/quote] Two comments and you still wasn't first. How about a comment regarding the post next time?

by Lola AM
8:08 pm - Jul 14, '08

I don't see it as a big deal!

I don't see it as a big deal! It just shows how looney all the things they say about him and his wife are. Even if it was intended to be offensive, let's take a step back. Obama has an insane amount of support right now. He is clearly going to be a force to be reckoned with in this election. The media and those against him know it. This would be just another ploy to try and make his image look negative. The guy is ideal for president: he is a leader of the people, not the black people, but of people in general. The guy has no bad records, he has a family and he has faith, he is DEMOCRATIC (which is what people are wanting now), and he is Columbia U. & Harvard educated. Obama has no dirt on him as far as his ability to run the country. The media has to dig deep into his personal life to get a story. Right now, they would be trying to find anything they can to use against him. And this is just a weak attempt to make him look bad, if that's what they are trying to do.

by PAige
6:55 am - Jul 15, '08

Hi Everyone: Think the

Hi Everyone: Think the cartoonist is on target with the mindset of racist Whites…. Say what you want about it, but we know a picture is worth a thousand words… Why stress ourselves out with anger? We already have enough worries with Economy. Instead Blacks, Whites, Browns and everyone in between need to show up at the polls in November by the millions. Come on people lets be proactive not reactive…

by Gem
8:09 pm - Jul 14, '08

YOU pay your bills my sister.

by Kizzy
10:48 pm - Jul 14, '08

that's really messed up, i

that's really messed up, i mean here they are trying to make a change in america, politically and socially, and ppl are tryin to shoot them down with stupid rumors, its really frustrating and im definitely offended by it

by Krazie K
8:10 pm - Jul 14, '08

I think the cover is

I think the cover is ingenious. The New Yorker was in no way trying to paint Obama as a Muslim, or Michelle as a radical. It's called satire, people. George Bush and his media try to portray the Obamas as everything that they are not, which is all the illustrator is demonstrating. But art was, is, and always will be controversial, which is beautiful. I just think people should just keep current on the news, thus opening their minds to political art like this.