Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Satire = Insult
Okay, so I've decided to take a bit of a break from my usual relationship banter to indulge in some current issues that have been going on in the media. I guess it goes without saying, that Barack Obama is taking a great deal of heat from the media, which happens with any political campaign. The first instance that struck me as peculiar and down-right disappointing were the comments that were made by fellow Aggie Jesse Jackson. If you didn't know about this . . . just type JESSE JACKSON in any search engine and you'd be surprised how many hits you'd get about this one subject. Then The New Yorker, a magazine published in the city bearing the same name, released it's most recent issue with an interesting depiction of Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama. If you haven't seen it, I'm going to describe the images to you. The New Yorker is an American magazine that publishes reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. The main argument for this cover image was that it was political satire and that was all it was meant to be. Hmmmm. In the satirical cartoon the senator is clad in a turban (a blatant image to satisfy the accusations that he's a terrorist) and Michelle Obama is rockin' an afro, army fatigue, and a shot gun. It appears that the husband and wife team are "dappin' each other up." Oh and did I forget to mention that there is an American flag burning in the fireplace and portrait of what looks like Osama bin Ladin is hanging over the same fireplace. No matter how much the media tries to make this out to be "funny", it really boils down to blatant insult and a bold attack disguised as comedy. Even though the magazine is based around the satirical cartoons, they're making a serious statement and they always have. I'm not really sure what I want to ask today. I guess I just want some feedback and your thoughts on these recent instances. Feel free to share your thoughts on both. I'm just curious to hear what you all have to say . . .
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2 comments:
yo! it's amazing to me how our government, and our society is. Racism is worse now than it has ever been. I was highly disappointed in Jesse Jackson, he was angry because he thought or thinks that Obama is not a president for the black people, it's not about that, that's why he didn't make it as president because he was for the black people only. The media is disgusting, and it saddens me more than anything, because the minds of people are just so sick and stuck in yesterday, instead of just working together as a nation we fight, we are the only nation that is completely divided.
Submitted by RockWill
While the comments, actions, and level of support toward the political hopeful isn't surprising, it doesn't lessen the blow when things like this occur. The political arena is a dirty playing field all together. And unfortunately, the commonality of skin color does not guarantee us a "Kumbiyaah cirlce" of grace. Many people resent Obama for his journey to the White House. The more interesting element is that those who have a distain for him, look like him! I venture to say in the months to come that he( Obama) and his campaign staff will be under constant watch. Everything will be criticized from his choice of tie,to the education reform plans, to the broccoli he may have eaten for lunch! It is increasing sad though to notice how the common goal of government isn't seen through the eyes of Obama'a family....us... black folk. Yes, we celebrate a man of color making it this far-- but his platform spands far beyond his exterior. He's incredibly intelligent, articulate, and qualified to lead this country. What should drive us more, is that there is a person who desires to take on this awesome task, who will finally have US in mind.That should put a whole new perspective on our stand.
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