Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

By the way, I disagree with the assertion that Barack Obama's enemies have treated him more unfairly than other presidential candidates in American history.

Two famous ones, for example:

Thomas Jefferson in league with Satan, bent on destroying America

King Andrew Jackson walking on a destroyed Constitution

And let us not even get into how George W. Bush's enemies, people such as Michael Moore, have treated him these past eight years.

mises · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Location: retired

I thought it in bad taste but not unusually bad taste. The left (if I may use that term) has dished it like gangsters for the past 8 years. They can take it too.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I don't see anything wrong with the picture but I can sympathize with the campaign's wish it not be on the cover. Who wants negative stereotypes of themselves splashed all over? People who buy the magazine will presumably read the article and see the picture in a context. Having it on the cover for people who are just walking past the newsstand sends a different message.

All in all, it's a pretty minor thing.

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

It is potentially harmful in places in the United States where the allegation that Barack Obama is a Muslim (and therefore sympathetic to "terrorists") has resonated. I am sure the New Yorker intended little more than to ridicule Obama's far right critics. But I am assuming, based on the Obama campaign's reaction, that this image might have unintended staying power in such places as the Midwest.

Maybe you are right, though, Ya-ta Boy. Perhaps it remains much ado about nothing. Perhaps the real story here is: "Another Slow News Day; What Else Do You Expect Us To Talk About?"

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I think I saw in a poll somewhere that 13% believe he is a Moslem. After 6 months, people have their minds made up about his religion and facts aren't going to persuade them one way or the other. Neither will one picture like this. People will either find it funny or let it reconfirm their prejudice.

A smarter tactic than complaining to The New Yorker would have been to stage an immitation of the cover picture (minus the burning flag) and use the photo op as an opportunity to counter the stereotypes--and get some free publicity.

Pligganease · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: The deep south...

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

You're probably right. It would give Fox News a big opening. On the other hand, I'd love to see a public pillorying of the idiot wing of the Republican Party.

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

I cannot find a link to the cover. But the March 24, 1997 National Review did something similar to the Clintons and Gore, painting them Chinese to allude to the Republicans' allegations that Beijing had bought influence with the Clinton Administration.

Nowhere Man · Joined: 08 Feb 2004

Kuros · Joined: 27 Apr 2004

SirFink · Joined: 05 Mar 2006

The New Yorker is read by liberal intellectuals. About three of them. It also has some of the funniest comics anywhere. But it's edgy stuff that's over the heads of most idiots. Really, who cares?

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

RJjr · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: Turning on a Lamp

The only thing we know for sure is that if a similar cartoon had been made about the New Yorker's editor, the wailing and cries of "antisemitism" would be deafening and the ADL would be out in full force.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Here's a slightly different spin on the story:

The problem with rapid response is precisely that it is rapid, and therefore might be hasty and ill-considered. That is clearly the case with the Obama camp�s amazingly dumb tantrum regarding the New Yorker cover � a magazine friendly to Obama whose illustration was clearly intended to be a parody of anti-Obama feeling on the Right. Three seconds of thought might have led the campaign to reconsider its decision to denounce the illustration. Six seconds of thought might have led the campaign to see the illustration as an opportunity, to say, �The New Yorker has brilliantly encapsulated the evil right-wing campaign against Barack and Michelle Obama, a campaign that must not be allowed to gain purchase in the American psyche.�

As a bonus, the article includes 5 Obama 'jokes'. Here's one: Barack Obama and a kangaroo pull up to a gas station. The gas station attendant takes one look at the kangaroo and says, �You know, we don�t get many kangaroos here.� Barack Obama replies, �At these prices, I�m not surprised. That�s why we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.�

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/jpodhoretz/16021