patiodog wrote:Been wondering why Angela Davis was ringing bills. She's a prof at my first alma mater...
Personally, the most concise statement I've seen about this NYer cover hoopla that I agree with came (as it often does) from Jon Stewart. "Here's what Barack Obama's response should be. 'I am not offened by this cartoon depicting me as a Muslim extremist. Because you know who's offended by cartoons? Muslim extremists.'"
But I suppose this is the most important important issue in American politics at the present moment.
Well, possibly.
Thing is, it is clever satire.....but I cannot help thinking the Obama campaign is correct in thinking it may do them damage.
Remember, the right wing machine is busy creating just that blanket propaganda virus...that Obama is a radical muslim....and Little k's experience with Google is a chilling example of how successful it has been.
This cover may well continue in the minds of the careless and stupid not as what it was, but as a vague impression that even the New Yorker said it...or not even that, as simply a powerful picture in their minds, supporting the lies of the right.
It only matters in the minds of those who will vote, and of them, of the swinging voters, but it may well end up as a destructive factor for Obama.
It's sad, but true.
I don't think it's so easy to dismiss a negative reaction to the satire as just humourlessness if you understand the effect this stuff can have on those who do not seek accurate information, or who don't get it.
(smiling) I think this is a good thing.
