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Garry is a young black professional, Florida State and UNC Law grad, and attorney currently residing in Miami, FL.

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Tasteless and Offensive?

July 14th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

So by now you’ve seen, heard or been texted about the cover of the New Yorker depicting Michelle and Barack Obama as militant, terroristic, and unpatriotic. At the risk of furrowing many of your brows as I already have my coworker and close friend, I’m just going to say it: I’m not offended. Rather than go on and on, I’ll sum up my reasons in a few points so we can get straight to your comments:

1. It is time for a daring and fair conversation about the hysteria and lies surrounding Obama and his family and associations.

Obama New Yorker Cover
The New Yorker

2. The cover is PURE satire. In my head anyone who reads anything other than Enquirer or watches Jerry Springer exclusively would pick up on the fact that is it over the top and on purpose. Those who inform themselves about candidates already have the information. And, those who don’t might actually pick this up thinking they’ll find support of their views only to realize they are mistaken.

3. The New Yorker doesn’t make these kinds of gaffes. They knew what they were doing and it’s not in their best interests to be racist or offensive. It is in their best interests to be provocative and tell the truth, even satirically.

Now, I could be being very naive. Sometimes I forget everyone doesn’t read the NYTimes, seek alternative and objective news or media, or particulalry care to be informed. Most Americans are too busy working and making sure their families are taken care of. I am concerned that those who believe these things about Obama and Michelle may not take the time to actually read the article. They can just wave it around in ignorance saying “I told you so.” But, I like to think this cover will saturate bloggers, radio and news reports for the next few days and will force a lot of people to talk about the facts and to me that is a good thing. What do you think?

Viewing 2 Comments

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    I don't like the images...but I must admit, this is the kind of thing The New Yorker does all of the time...I didn't think they were picking on the Obamas...With that in mind, I'd say they are being fair, even if I don't like the image. So no protests from me.

    I don't read The New Yorker, but I am intrigued. I'll go to the bookstore and check it out.
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    i don't read The New Yorker and no I'm not protesting but I couldn't believe they did this cover! It still hinted of overt racism (satire notwithstanding)...

    and regarding your point about his family assoc. and daring conversations, my question is why didn't we have these same convo's regarding all the other non-black candidates. No one talked about Vince Foster, Mena Arkansas and the litany of blood trails, bad business deals and mishaps that followed the Clintons...

    I just hate when we as black people seem to be so hard on ourselves but we give everybody else a FREE pass!
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