I suppose it goes without saying that everyone is, by now, familiar with the following image:
Figure 1: Get over it
It appears that damn near everyone in the country is upset about this cover except me and the The New Yorker’s Editor (and, of course, whoever drew the damn thing). In fact, when I first saw the cover, I laughed so hard I damn near crapped my pants.
First of all, the fucking thing is clearly over-the-top political satire. Anyone that’s ever read The New Yorker, or even heard of it for that matter, is familiar with the fact that the magazine is CONSTANTLY printing controversial political cartoons designed to make people challenge their own perceptions. This naturally leads self-important reactionary left-wing douchebags (and so-called Educated Black People) to make pompous statements like the following:
“Yea it’s satire, and I know WE [pompous liberal yuppie douches] get it, but I don’t think the ‘others’ in America will.”
This shit enrages me for two sets of reasons:
First,
- Generally speaking, pompous liberal yuppie douches are NOT that intelligent - and yes, I draw SHARP distinctions between intelligence and education
- The vast majority of Americans DO NOT read The New Yorker
- Liberal douches are aware that most Americans DO NOT read The New Yorker
- If liberal douches think the cartoon would damage Obama’s image if it were exposed to the masses…why are they making such a fuss about it and shoving it into the national spotlight? SHUT THE FUCK UP THEN, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!
- The outrage displayed is, therefore, a disingenuous mechanism for gathering props from/getting laid by other liberal yuppie douches who find logically vacuous righteous indignation super fucking sexy
Secondly,
- The vast majority of Americans fall into one of two camps: those who like Obama, and those who do not
- The Americans that like Obama see the cartoon for what it is - a round lampooning of the ridiculous statements concerning Obama’s patriotism, heritage, religion, and ambitions made by…
- The Americans that do not like Obama. The effects of this cartoon on them will at worst reinforce internalized notions about Obama that nobody was about to change anyway, and at best (and far more likely) force them to realize just how RIDICULOUS their opinions are
People need to pipe the fuck down with the kneejerk self-righteous self-aggrandizing false outrage already. Obama has way bigger problems that a magazine whose cartoon, while controversial, will do nothing but help his chances.
Jesus fucking Christ.
I understand that it’s satire, and I’ve read a few past issues of The New Yorker (I worked in a library during college–those things were EVERYWHERE) and have enjoyed some of the political cartoons.
What interests me most about the cover is not how it has been/will be received, but what it says about the national consciousness. It’s interesting to me how the face of terrorism has changed (or in some cases, remained the same).
What does it say that a cartoonist, endeavoring to depict a hyperbolic “Boogey-man”, drew a picture of a black woman with an afro? That he or she drew two black people in mid-pound?
Are we still so frightening to the Great White Majority? Are people of the same mind as Anna (see yesterday’s post) so prevalent?
I hear you Chris, but I think this brought in additional stereotypes not specifically pertaining to Obama. I think I have a problem with the all Muslims are terrorists concept that is being feed through every channel possible. People who don’t like Obama aren’t going to like him and this just confirmed that. People who do like Obama are going to make the point further that this isn’t true and it’s just political satire, but I think people neglect the other implications that this cover implies. And truthfully as a Muhammad I’m tired of it.
Chris,
I respectfully disagree on a few points. I agree with the points that you raised but where I disagree is in the issue of discernment. I’m sure rational people when faced with satire are able to think and laugh and keep it moving. This election is different than others we have seen precisely because a lot of base emotions are being dislodged. People who believed themselves liberal and free thinking, Civil Rights types (i.e. The Clintons) are being faced with their own internalized racism. There have been rumblings that *when* Obama is elected, people will begin to feel as though racism no longer exists. No other candidate in the history of US politics has ever had to endure the covert and overt attacks on character, history, gender, religion, race etc. etc. than this man has. His wife has become fair game in a way that no other candidate, save ironically, Hillary Clinton when her husband was running and even that wasn’t as forceful and persistent or pointed or dangerously ignorant. Yet it persists.
Satire or not, it is unconscionable and way too “hot” of a topic to withstand satire or irony. People will see it as confirmation because it will seep into the subconscious and when they are in the booth in November, ready to cast their votes, all these “Satirical” images will flash in high speed in their mind and they wont’ have time to assess or balance the ’satire’… Their base fears will take over and they will realize, “OH SHIT! We’re about to elect a black man into office. What if that means reverse slavery for white people???” My friend, Jay Smooth of http://www.illdoctrine.com calls it, “Tolerance fatigue”.
I agree that the cover itself is not ‘bad’ in the grand rules of irony and satire but this particular election and the bullshit surrounding it makes it difficult for me to laugh it off.
This is my first post on here and though it feels like shameless advertising, I really don’t think it is. I basically wrote the same article and agree with you totally on everything you said. I was beginning to think I was alone and crazy, but yeah. I disagree with you on a lot of things, but you put them in an entertaining way, so I read the blog, but this one was right on the money. http://dsdglobal.blogspot.com/2008/07/dsdeviance-barack-obama-scandal.html
There are so many typos and grammatical errors in my post but the only thing I feel compelled to correct is “Grand rules of irony and satire” should read “grand tradition of…”
Grammar is just the white man’s way of controlling how you punctuate.
I agree with this 110%. Im kinda disappointed with the Obama campaign too because they jumped on the bandwagon so quickly with the rest of the media denouncing the photo. Its making Obama’s camp look like they can’t take ANY kind of negative political pressure. And its reinforcing the fact that you can’t make any kind of negative statement against black people without backlash
Admittedly, at first I was pissed, then I understood it. I’m a little slow sometimes
Your absolutely right Chris, the majority of Americans dont read the New Yorker and therin lies the problem. The majority wont get the satire involved and more importantly wont read the article about Obama in the magazine. They will only see the image and remember the image. It is definately not racist or anything like that, to me its just unintentionally damaging to the Obama campaign.
Lifeisntshortenough.blogspot.com
Ms. Bisonette (HU?),
I can’t say that I’m disappointed. I think they are understandably gun shy. If Obama were to say, “I have family that practices Islam. Islam is a religion of peace. Like all religions there are fanatics that don’t speak for the whole group. Terrorists aren’t terrorists because of islam. etc. etc.” Folks would only hear, “OBAMA LOVES TERRORISTS! OMG! He hates everyone that was killed on 9/11!!!”
It’s sad but it’s true. He had to say something. Not because he doesnt’ get satire but because he understands that satire or not people are searching for ANY confirmation that what they believe is supported.
um… also what youngwonder said.
Gotcha Bassey. I was actually waiting on somebody to clear things up for me. Not really into the whole political thing
And yep, HU
Woops wrong tag, that would be
lifeisntshortenough.wordpress.com
AWWW HU!
I love you Chris! Okay now that that’s off my chest…I agree with you totally. This is even slightly related to something I wrote in a blog post a while back about Black America’s ability to take a satirical comic. (BTW I haven’t watched the news in a while so I have no idea how big of a story this is. This is the first mention of it I have seen…thanks for keeping me informed.) But anyway…every president ever has been targeted by satirists so why would Obama be any different. The fact that he’s black will make the kind of angles taken by the satirist’s hit home a little closer for black people (and in this case possibly Muslims) so black people will just have to collectively learn to take it and actually see the meaning behind things before we get all blindly enraged about stuff. That’s something that get’s on my nerves about us black folk. However it is sad but true that a lot of people just won’t get that it’s satire. You’d be amazed at what a large portion of the general population is is dumb as pencil shavings when it comes to things like this. I’d be interested in reading the article to see what was actually said now that I know it was written.
http://www.mysixcents.wordpress.com
Sadly, the cover did result in some unnecessary damage. I think the entire point, though, that this satire cover is only echoing the thoughts of many that probably won’t change anytime soon, if ever. These feelings were already there, and this cover was just bringing them all to the table, albeit exaggerated (though unfortunately, for some ignorant folks, the image may be 100% accurate in relation to their feelings toward Barack/Michelle).
I think the cover itself isn’t the problem, it’s the misguided (probably intentional, because as Chris said above, it’s pretty well known how The New Yorker rolls) ass-backwards portrayal of the cover in the media and the irritating hoopla surrounding it.
“What does it say that a cartoonist, endeavoring to depict a hyperbolic “Boogey-man”, drew a picture of a black woman with an afro?”
THIS is the only thing that bothered me about the cartoon. I think the artist himself views natural hair as as much of a political/social statement as the other elements of the cartoon, such as flag-burning. I think this because the afro is not central to the statement being made. It is an accessory to a certain idea–socialist revolution.
Everything in that photo can be reasonably argued to be a genuine affront to Americana. For example, Obama is supposed to be pictured in traditional Muslim garb (not Somali dress, as some have interpreted it). There is nothing wrong with being Muslim, but there WOULD be something wrong with having a sleeper cell president who secretly supports Osama bin Laden, which is what the artist is trying to portray. Similarly, government-endorsed socialist revolution cannot exist in an American-style democracy.
In my opinion, the fact that the fist bump is the focal point of the picture is intentional. The artist is satirically framing the gesture as the proof-wielding representation of all of the above.
Back to my point, though. What bothers me is that the artist views the afro as a fucking political statement. It would have taken nothing away from the cartoon to portray Michelle with her regular hair. An afro has nothing to do with socialism or revolution. It has to do with wearing one’s hair in a texture like that she was born with.
I am sensitive about this issue, because it bothers me that so many people still view Black women with natural styles as scary.
I hope I am not all over the place, here.
First I was mad. Then I was like…”eh”. Now I kinda laugh at it.
and her bush is ill.
P.S. fist bump action is definitely going to be a feature of the Obama action figure coming to toy stores in 2010.
Michelle sold separately.
I wonder if Obama actually thinks the cover is funny but has to say it’s offensive. He’s a latte-drinking elitist. He probably thinks it’s funny.
I dont agree Chris, b.c. while the New Yorker does frequently publish political cartoons, they generally DO NOT put them on the cover of the magazine.
This cover is EVERYWHERE. People who do not read the magazine are exposed to it because it is just that racist and media has gobbled it up in a hysteric frenzy. And for that reason it will not bode well for the Obama campain as a result. Therefore the New Yorker needs to be and is being checked.
Lets not forget that PC’s in America have spawned FLAG burning in other countires. If they can get pissed and say shit went too far, so the fuck can we.
That being said, yeah… we DO need to get over the drama of it, because I know worse ’satire’ is on the way. Speak, be heard and move on.
Chris! GAWD how I love you.
“The outrage displayed is, therefore, a disingenuous mechanism for gathering props from/getting laid by other liberal yuppie douches who find logically vacuous righteous indignation super fucking sexy.”
Falling off my chair laughing [and having cube neighbors looking at me askance].
I’ve heard more than once that this generation a) doesn’t have a sense of humor and b) enjoys getting righteously angry at any opportunity. Would be interested in your thoughts regarding this.
Obama had to have at least pursed his lips to suppress a grin when he saw that cartoon. It honestly is funny. Blitt got their facial expressions down to a fucking T.
About the so-called, by some news agencies, “Angela Davis” ‘fro: natural Black hair is still seen as anti-establishment and a political statement, not a style/health choice. Who cares. The cartoon is funny because it’s so ridiculous!
I know I’ll probably never hear the end of this, but I really feel like black people always make too much out of nothing. I work in an office where I am the only non-black person (I’m latin btw..), and they just won’t shut-up about this.. I had one colleague who came up to me and explained why I shouldn’t see the movie “Hancock”. He said that it was terrible how they were portraying a black superhero as a drunk, and he had to go to a white man to reform himself… Comments like that drive me insane, because it makes these otherwise intelligent black people seem overly sensitive… They get so ass-hurt over everything, it’s ridiculous. Somebody asked me if I was voting for Kevin Powell, and I said “no” (personally, I think he is one bitch-ass dude, a herb really..), and his reaction was as if I had lynched somebody…. Point is that the more educated a black person seems to be, the less of a sense of humor/reality/satire they seem to have… Everybody is on their Chuck D. nowadays…..
Right on the money with the comment…
I don’t think the New Yorker was wrong (its what they do). I wouldn’t expect Howard Stern one day to start being socially responsible because he cared about politics.
Not wrong, but stupid in a sense. They should have known that it would be a hot button for a lot of people and stayed away from it UNLESS they knew it was going to be hot button and that is why they did to get the attention and stir up controversy. If the latter is the case then good thinking on their part.
I support Obama but that doesn’t mean that I will take away anyone’s right of free speech (whether sensitive or not).
I don’t blame Obama’s camp for putting out one response and leaving it at that. Can’t ignore the media’s request for a comment because that will only fuel them more (idiots) and I liked that he personally did not address it (at the NAACP convention) and shrugged it off as another senseless topic.
The only people that I would be mad at is the media for calling on their political pundits who have nothing else to do at 8pm (like have sex with their wives/husbands) than to come on air and discuss such stupid ass topics when the country is headed in a downward spiral.
I love it when the media claims that it is what WE (as if we don’t have a voice for ourselves) want to hear when they are forcing it down our throats given us no other options.
What about the pundits who come on TV and say….this is such a minor issue that we shouldn’t be talking about it….THEN WTF IS YOUR ASS DOING ON TV TALKING ABOUT IT! DoucheBags!
I think he is pretending to be offended to peddle to middle America; the same way he has to pretend to be offended by Rev. Wright saying shit one can hear in almost any Black church in America.
Also…Knatural–I CARE! I am sick of straightening my hair for job interviews for fear that naps scare off white people.
Glad I’m not the only one who wasn’t pissed off, but I can see why it would upset some people…not a lot of people are down with the satire thing.
OooOoOoo fist bumping action figures, I want one.
Sorry but Hancock was racist.
p.s. I wish the media would just call it what it is…”pound,” “dap,” “hit the rock.” Fist bump…
@ Jen
“Obama had to have at least pursed his lips to suppress a grin when he saw that cartoon. It honestly is funny. Blitt got their facial expressions down to a fucking T.”
YES! That was probably one of the funniest things about the cartoon to me. Especially Michelle’s expression. It is waaaay too spot on to not be funny. But yeah, I agree Obama is just playing the President of Mainstream America game. Which, hell, they ALL have to do to get elected. Obama, even more so. He has to play this dirty game to get his ass in the Commander in Chief chair.
He can’t just cater to us, we don’t carry the election. He’s just trying to stay universal, but please believe this man will (and should) have us as a priority because it will be about damn time SOMEone made us a priority. It’s our time. It’s BEEN our time.
Just playing devil’s advocate here:
If “Hancock” would’ve starred say, [Random white actor here], would it have been seen as racist?
Or what if Morgan Freeman played the PR guy to rehabilitate [random white actor]’s image? Would there be a problem with that?
The moral of the story is: people need to stop being so sensitive about everything…
Wait, was Hancock SUPPOSED to be black? I was sitting here thinking that Will Smith was becoming one of those “universal” actors that protray those type of protags whose race is ambiguous…not mentioned.
Jen - Stop caring. How can one expect to move forward - professionally, spiritually, in life in general - if I make moves based on fear, especially regarding White folks. Though I’m still learning this lesson and I haven’t quite arrived, but certain things I refuse to give power.
Halfway through the movie the question ‘why does the drunk superhero have to be black’ crossed my mind, but I tried to chalk it up as a part intended for any actor, but Will Smith was chosen because of his bankability in the box office OR it could have been written for a black actor in the first place then……
And how is Hancock racist?
Reaching.
I am sure that either Obama drinks a beer maybe 2 or have ‘relations’ with his wife before every conference which is why he remains so calm and doesn’t let little things bother him.
We have seen what happens when those things don’t happen….hmm hmm hmm Hillary/Bill
I’ll stop being “sensitive” when there is more balance in the mainstream media. I used to sort of gloss over things and just say, “no big deal” until I had a son, who is going to grow up to be a black man in a society that still undervalues him.
I’ll stop being sensitive then.
I agree on some points but I do think that the New Yorker missed the bulls eye. I still don’t understand why a flag is burning in the fireplace. I don’t think it’s just “Over-the top” satire. When I look at it I see very little, beyond the fist bump, to denote the sense of ‘ridiculousness’. Yes, people ’should know’ that these images are a false representation of the Obamas, but the picture doesn’t make that clear and it should be made clear. Mad Magazine does better. The New Yorker fell on it’s face. You want to know what would have made it REAL satire, Obama’s pastor sitting in the background in his religious vestments with crosses and a big flag from the state of Hawaii.
Cosign Jen on the ‘fro business
The flag is burning to show how un-patriotic the Obama’s are perceived.
@ Knatural: This is probably the most racist thing I’m going to say today (but I hate everyone equally, so don’t fret): BLACK PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS REACHING…….
It’s like you can’t go anywhere, do anything, see anything, comment, etc. without a black person’s Racism Radar being on all the time. I wish people would just accept things for what they are and stop trying to make something out of nothing all the time…
If a movie has a Black superhero, and it’s a white guy who cleans up his image, so what?
If Barack Obama is on the cover of the New Yorker fist-bumping his wife in terrorist garb, so what?
TAKE A JOKE PEOPLE….
**warms up Seafood Pasta for lunch to watch the fireworks coming**
“Point is that the more educated a black person seems to be, the less of a sense of humor/reality/satire they seem to have… ”
High five Joel…
My mother always said that common sense and book smarts can’t set horse (i.e. get along or coexist) because as book smarts increases common sense decreases…
@Bassey: You make an excellent point about the way the mainstream media portrays African Americans, but being as I’m a part of this industry, I do have to point out, that if you want things to be more balanced, you have to be in the space…
Mainly, why is it that BET, promotes shows like Hell Date, while MTV has True Life, and all these other somewhat informative shows. Both networks are Viacom-owned, yet BET puts out garbage compared to it’s sister network…. If black people stopped accepting things that the mainstream media was feeding them, then maybe they would have a chance, but it doesn’t seem like that will ever happen (especially considering how Hell Date is the #1 show on BET)….
“If black people stopped accepting things that the mainstream media was feeding them, then maybe they would have a chance, but it doesn’t seem like that will ever happen (especially considering how Hell Date is the #1 show on BET)….”
I’m also in the industry and one of my good friends works for BET. It’s not as simple as what you just stated. But I’m sure you know that.
set horse? Damn Bajan’s and their backward talk…
Joel - that’s not racist at all. Blacks, and Latinos to a lesser extent, are way too racially sensitive. It’s so annoying because other races know this about us and proceed to walk on eggshells around us in public, or TV, at work. I’m so sick of it. Sometimes our (Blacks) over-sensitivity ruins the potential for honest dialogue about race and other social issues.
I have to disagree with you on this one Chris. Although the cover is blatant satire, most Americans will not see it that way. Too many people will see the cartoon at face value and will take it as an affirmation of the internet rumors. I dont think we can give the general American pulic too much credit, I mean they elected Bush and Cheney…twice!
As a person who is pro-Obama, when I first saw the cover on sunday night I was hoping that it would gain national media exposure if only for the offensive image it paints of black men, black women, and muslims. This comic reinforces my belif that no matter how far black people come in academia, the corporate world, or in the political arena we will still always be broken down into the same negative stereotype: Afro-having, “whitey” hating, anti-americans.
We also have to ask ourselves how many other presidential candidates at this point in the election would be characterized so offensively (as Rep Ford pointed out yesterday on the Today Show). Would a right-wing magazine publish a cartoon of an elderly John McCain chaising after an underage beauty queen with piles of cash in the background, while wearing a wedding ring? Or a a cartoon of him sitting at the table with John Kerry trying to get on the dem ticket in 2004? Or even a photo of him hooking up with a dark Indonesian women and having a child out of wedlock? Republicans are smart enough to know that images like that speak a thousand words before McCain even opens his mouth. When we think about it that way we can see that the advantage goes undoubtedly to the republicans, doesnt matter if it was a liberal mag that did the damage.
But I do have to agree that the Obama campaign should have handled this more effectively. They could have used the cover as a vehicle to highlight those stereotypes and stike them down. Perhaps it would have helped to quell the controversy before it even really started.
I worked on the movie “BlacKout” (I made the website, and managed the online marketing), and BET just didn’t really seem all that interested in the project (just my opinion)… There are just not enough minorities in the media to make a push for change…. Therefore, minorities just deal with the nonsense that’s pumped to them…..
@Knatural: Good thing we have this site then right?…
@Knat–I agree with Jen. I care because I still get people stopping me on the street telling me how brave I am to wear my hair in its natural state, implying that it takes courage not to use the creamy crack. I care because I still get jokes about Black Panther membership. I care because I can’t wear my hair out to work, and yet natural alternatives such as cornrows or braids are still seen as inappropriate and ugly (http://www.diversityinc.com/public/2615.cfm).
I’m not trying to make a political statement. I’m not trying to intimidate anyone. I was just tired of my hair being so ravaged. I was tired of paying $70 every five weeks to essentially kill my hair. I was tired of not being able to play out in the rain (a favorite pastime of mine) or work out without having to go home and overhaul my head.
When will the world get that afro /= flag-burning, card-carrying anarchist?
I like the cover. I’m going to save the magazine to commemorate the
BS that he has to deal with.
Rev Luv- Of course not, because that is unusual. PR Exec. is not a career where blacks are prevalent also white men are usually portrayed (and considered) as ‘Everyman’ so it wouldn’t be playing to any biases. I think what pushed Hancock to the ‘preconceived bias’ edge is his whole “Drunkenness, Hubris, Unreliable, Press Conference Repentance, Jail Time, Taboo Relationship Having, Otherness.” All things that are popularly identified with black males and specifically black male sports figures. In any case look at most black male movie roles and you’ll see a theme.
That being said, f*ck the establishment and go see Hancock anyway. Will Smith gets paid and it’s a fun movie. Until you have more black producers, screen writers, studio executives and directors your going to have to put up with the bias of someones else’s storyline.
And for the record, I think that we sometimes are not afforded the luxury to simply “take a joke.” Hang around with me and my friends for a few minutes (not even hours) and be prepared to be offended by the stuff we talk/laugh/joke about, HOWEVER, when it comes to how we present ourself and the jokes that are made about us (us being black people) I really don’t think we have the luxury to laugh it off and shrug and say, “oh those crazy white people! So satirical and awesome all the time!”
I, personally, found Hancock offensive and racist. Just about everything about it and had it had redeemed itself in the end, then maybe I’d feel differently. But it is my opinion that the movie was very faulty. Didn’t it bother anyone else that most of the black people in the film were criminals? And not villians. But drug dealers and gang bangers and murderers and thieves up until the very last scene in the movie. So you have a movie about a black superhero with issues. Fine. But within that movie we have every stereotype being played out not only by the lead but by the supporting actors. Not only that, Charlize Theron’s character nearly kills him to protect her family. And HE ends up leaving in order to save her. Why couldnt’ that role have gone to Kerry Washington. or Gabrielle Union. what do I have to do to see a black man protecting a black woman on screen? What do I have to do get a love story for my people? Besides write one. Which is what I am doing.
Maybe, I am reaching but that shit bothered me.
Obviously, your mileage may vary.
Would a right-wing magazine publish a cartoon of an elderly John McCain chaising after an underage beauty queen with piles of cash in the background, while wearing a wedding ring?
No. Because this is real. Right?
@Bassey: You’re kidding right?…. Please tell me your not serious…
@ Ariel
The main stream media has always refused to sincerely relate to the public. Especially the minority public. They know it’s called Dap, goddammit and if they didn’t they could have easy pulled any ol’ somebody on the street aside and asked.
But calling it a fist bump and throwing quotations around it gives it it’s foreign, minority edge.
@Knatural
Sometimes our (Blacks) over-sensitivity ruins the potential for honest dialogue about race and other social issues.
And to some extent, it contributes to this bullshit “not everything is about race” mentality that is running rampant. It’s like the race card default counter-attack for non-blacks. The race card IS abused, and that very fact has allowed other races to spout that phrase EVERYtime an issue comes up that just so happens to actually BE about race. It’s kinda like the Boy Who Crief Wolf thing…now that some have decided to use this card past its maximum limit, non-blacks are hella comfortable shooting out “not everything is about race” for every single possible instance that involves us and in some of those instances, it IS about race.
But since they know we are prone to abuse the race card, people will jump at the opportunity to point it out, even in inappropriate situations.
@Joel: Don’t patronize me. If you disagree then dialogue. Actually, I don’t want to hijack the site with a back and forth. Do whatever.
Now I don’t know the magazine industry or the journalism industry but I would think that the best thing to have done would be to create a cartoon, front and back cover, with both candidates. I think it catches a lot of people attention b/c the cover just has one person so people are not sure of the angle that the magazine is trying to do. Also, I think the magazine has to know what they are doing w/ this cover b/c I heard that they did a nice piece on Obama inside but the cover is going to catch the negative attention. Similar attention to Tiger Woods and the Golf Magazine with a noose on the cover.
When will the world get that afro /= flag-burning, card-carrying anarchist? - Jo
When women proudly wear and stop feeling awkward about it. I understand some jobs have ‘rules’ about hairstyles…Fuck That.
I heard about that Glamour Magazine crap.
“I’ll stop being “sensitive” when there is more balance in the mainstream media. I used to sort of gloss over things and just say, “no big deal” until I had a son, who is going to grow up to be a black man in a society that still undervalues him.
I’ll stop being sensitive then.”
Preach Bassey! It is so upsetting to know that stereotypes of black people are being SOLD to black people and we cant get enough of them! And then the few of us who have a knowledge of our history and attempt to voice the outrage are told to shut-up and stop being so damn sensitive!
To me, that comment is almost worse than being called a nigger to my face!
yep Knatural.. set horse… there are days when I don’t even understand what is being said to me (usually granny or some elder is talking and using terms that I just can’t figure out what they could possibly mean) but I digress.
I agree on the sensitivity issue. Everywhere I go this cover is a hot topic. One place it is not being discussed though is in my office. No around the water cooler discussions here. I am wondering if it may have something to do with the fact that I work for a company where I am the only non “white” person. I have taken note of the fact that where conversations of race and religion come into play they are very careful about what if anything they say to me or even ask me.
The image is shocking, which is the point, if I’m not mistaken. Satire is supposed to be biting and extreme, so as to provoke dialogue. I appreciate satire most when my initial response is “WTF?!” However, we live in the microwave age where people don’t want to be encouraged to think or explore deeper meanings. That’s how we come to the “chosen few” who decide what the public is “smart” enough to handle.
As an aside to Jen’s comment re: naps scaring the white folks, I have mixed feelings on that. The fro, at it’s inception, was something of a revolutionary statement and I took it as the artist capitalizing on that. My personal experience has been that black folks are FAR more afraid of naps than white folks. I’ve been natural for about three years now, and it’s typically my own people that get up in arms about my hair.
Joel Then- I agree with you “TAKE A JOKE PEOPLE” but I also understand where the anger is coming from…blacks (of every culture) in America have always had to ‘take a joke’ because they ALWAYS were THE JOKE. Everyone has their moment where the societal pressure gets too much and they want to scream STOP IT. Of course, that doesn’t get you anywhere but it does help relieve stress. I think that the problem is too many people don’t actively try to buck the system (ie; NOT going to see social irresponsible movies ON PRINCIPLE) they’re all waiting for the next person to lead.
Me, I want to change the system. I’m tired of the same patronizing tired roles and stereotyping. It’s not like movies CAN’T have that but what about OTHER view points….there is not enough diversity.
Dom,
Obama did use the cover to address these rumors on Larry King last night. So the cover may have help. But most have already made up their mind about him anyway.
From my personal experience, the black people who seem to have the most difficulty dealing with things like this tend to be these college-educated, raw-food-eating, I’ll-wear-my-hair-in-a-giant-fro-having, erykah-baduh-listening, african-clothes-wearing, types who have nothing better to do than be offended by everything….
Like, honestly, do you really expect to have a corporate job with your hair looking like a tree?… My favorite is when they say that they are “free” by not having corporate jobs. Now I’m not saying have a 9-5 is everything (I’m a web developer, I make up my schedule as I go along, and I dress as I please), but it’s like one big cover-up….
I work with some people who only buy natural African products, and drink these nasty juices and shit, and I’m just like what the fuck man? Can’t you just be normal? You can be healthy and still be cool….
It’s THOSE TYPES that really anger me, ’cause they’re so full of shit themselves, and then they have the nerve to offer these social commentaries that are so nonsensical, they make Al Sharpton look like he’s a part of MENSA….
oops I know I’ve made a few typos
that should read “….socially irresponsible..”
Knatural- See that what I’m talking about! A hair revolution, nobody’s gonna get ‘jumped’ just because I wear braids or a ‘fro. Shoot, people need to get used to seeing “militant” black people….not everybody is meek and mild.
“Would a right-wing magazine publish a cartoon of an elderly John McCain chaising after an underage beauty queen with piles of cash in the background, while wearing a wedding ring?
No. Because this is real. Right?”
Damn straight its right, but the right wing media DOWNPLAYED that ish. They didnt put it on the cover of a national magazine which is exactly the point Im making.
Also, I would like to point out the fact the Black people can be just as racist (if not more so) as white people can be….
@Knat: I’m going to point at that comment when my co-workers ask why I decided to wear my hair out tomorrow.
In the interest of exploration, I’ll try it.
Despite my sensitivity regarding my hair, I agree with everyone commenting about Black people being overly-sensitive. This, “Sometimes our (Blacks) over-sensitivity ruins the potential for honest dialogue about race and other social issues.” is so true. It honestly hurts me whenever I witness one of my non-black friends tip-toeing around issues such as this. Everytime somone I love feels the need to qualify a statement with “I’m not racist, but…” a little part of me dies. Damn, you know? Don’t you think I know that? Why else would I hang out with your cracka ass?
From my personal experience, the black people who seem to have the most difficulty dealing with things like this tend to be these college-educated, raw-food-eating, I’ll-wear-my-hair-in-a-giant-fro-having, erykah-baduh-listening, african-clothes-wearing, types who have nothing better to do than be offended by everything….
Like, honestly, do you really expect to have a corporate job with your hair looking like a tree?… My favorite is when they say that they are “free” by not having corporate jobs. Now I’m not saying have a 9-5 is everything (I’m a web developer, I make up my schedule as I go along, and I dress as I please), but it’s like one big cover-up….
I work with some people who only buy natural African products, and drink these nasty juices and shit, and I’m just like what the fuck man? Can’t you just be normal? You can be healthy and still be cool….
It’s THOSE TYPES that really anger me, ’cause they’re so full of shit themselves, and then they have the nerve to offer these social commentaries that are so nonsensical, they make Al Sharpton look like he’s a part of MENSA….
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
Tea
I didnt see any coverage of that and I have to wonder how many other people will. I certainly doubt it will be more people than see the photo.
Joel Then- You are also correct about the hair thing, but I have to say it is a pretty simple solution. A large ‘fro or long locks like long hair on white men, may not be appropriate for the corporate environment. However, having your hair cut low or in small braids is hard for ’some people’ to stomach. So there does need to be open dialogue between the predominately white corporations and their ‘minority development group’ or whatever in HR to discuss what preferences they have to appearance/attire. Unfortunately, in America most people like to ignore racial or cultural differences until they become contentious ie; Muslim attire vs. Sikh attire.
Joel then…. you’re killing me: “Like, honestly, do you really expect to have a corporate job with your hair looking like a tree?… ”
While I can understand (and maybe agree with) you contempt for hearing whining, this is insane. GOD created the hair that grows from black peoples heads. Are we supposed to apologize for that shit? Sorry, but THAT irritated me and explains why the ma in your myspace pic is YT or damn near.
But I was going to send you a link to this article explaining why SOME black ppl feel the movie was racist: http://sohhdotcom.typepad.com/sohhcom/2008/07/hh4prez-blog-wa.html — Personally I saw the movie and it was OK to me. You don’t have to agree with Jasiri X, but such is the story of life. I mean how would you feel if Hancock was named Jesus and wore white t-s and pressed khakis and said spoke with an accent while chewing on a churro?
But um , as far as Black ppl being sensitive, that is true. We are. But, trust that the latino’s will get their chance since you guys have usurped the lead minority situation in America. When you hear ‘cans and spics then see how sensitive you get.
i’d like to self aggrandize your pee-pee, chris
Joel-DUH everyone has the potential to be racist! I think you need to head over to the Racialicious blog and maybe you’ll realize that the issues that we’re talking about don’t just effect black people but that most minorities in America have a problem with their views and attitudes being portrayed as unidimensional.
@KadiBaby: I agree with you wholeheartedly, my only request is that if you are going to have any kind of hairstyle, don’t go overboard.. I’ve been to offices where people have a bunch of crazy shit in their hair, and it smells like fuckin’ seaweed and what-not…. That’s just ridiculous.
White people are afraid of minorities, and with good reason, as there are many who can compete at a high level and be just as (if not more) successful.
I’m not even going to get started on the non-educated types who get jobs at places like Target, the mailroom, etc…. They deserve their own blog entry, as they are a disservice to all educated/reasonable minorities everywhere…
Also, as a side point, I’d like to point out that even though I have nothing against someone trying to live a healthy lifestyle and make an impact on their community/friends/etc., I must say that a lot of this nonsense about hydro-colonics, raw-foods, etc. is just hippie bullshit used by so-called educated people to scare you into joining their cults of Bohemia….. Point is, have a balanced diet, and exercise, and you’ll be fine. You don’t need these green drinks to “detoxify” your body… Besides, have you ever smelled these people? It’s like death in a can…
I’ll say it: I don’t care whether Obama is elected. We don’t agree on gun control, the death penalty, I don’t care about Iraq, and I think he is a chicken-shit when it comes to education. (read: If you want to talk about community responsibility and public education, quit harranging from the pulpit, walk the walk, and send your kids to your local public school. And until you are ready to do that, shut the hell up.) The guy is another “centrist”/yuppie black douchebag scared of white people. I’m starting to think this guy is such a coward that blacks would have done better under Bill Bradley or Howard Dean.
Here is Baratunde Thurston’s (Aka Jack Turner) take on it: http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/07/jacks-back-my-take-on-the-new-yorker-joint-w-npr-audio/
@ Ayo: I read the SOHH article after one of my co-workers gave me a speech about how I shouldn’t see Hancock, I wish I had just kept my mouth shut about going to see the movie…. Also, I’m not saying that black people need to apologize for their hair, just be balanced about that shit. Honestly, just be a normal human being and shit will be all good….
And yes, my fiance is white, and I constantly get the evil look from both black and latin women who get upset because someone as intelligent and successful as myself didn’t stick with a sister or a mami… To that I say, STEP YOUR GAME UP LADIES…..
“Like, honestly, do you really expect to have a corporate job with your hair looking like a tree?…” - Joel Then
“Can’t you just be normal?” - Joel Then
Joel Then is obviously a racist. Statements like that are the exact reason we are sensitive to what people say.
@Monie: I am an equal-opportunity hater, I don’t care about race, I have a contemptuous outlook towards people in general, regardless of who you are, or where you are from…
step it up like the white girls huh?
This is about to get really hilarious…
@ Joel Then
“Like, honestly, do you really expect to have a corporate job with your hair looking like a tree?… ”
Like, honestly, do you really expect people to accept this bullshit?
I think this is a fucking troll.
Really, what is ‘normal’? Next, Joel will be talking about us being in “Blackville”
Joel Then: So what should a ‘balanced’ black girls hair look like? *running to get notebook*
LMFAO @ Blackville. Not-so-great memories of that “Let’s not get ghettooo” fool.
@Ayo: I celebrated my six-year anniversary with my girl yesterday, and I must say that the reason I have been with a white woman is because of the following: (and yes, this will sound tired, and ignorant to everyone, but I’m speaking from my own personal experience, not anyone else’s) Black women are too argumentative and self-defeatist, and latin women are too controlling and demanding. I have dated both, and that is the feeling I had, and that’s why I kept it moving…. My girl may be white, but that does not mean she is not a strong woman with a desire for success and ambition. She keeps me on my toes, and pushes me just as hard as any black or latin woman possibly could.
@Cheekie: I don’t expect people to accept anything I say or think, so therefore, I don’t go out of my way to shove things down people’s throats in attempt to further my beliefs. If you don’t agree with me, then whatever. This is America, you can think what you want, lol….
“I am an equal-opportunity hater, I don’t care about race, I have a contemptuous outlook towards people in general, regardless of who you are, or where you are from…”
@Joel Then
A lot of racists say that.
LOL @ Joel “I’d like to point out that even though I have nothing against someone trying to live a healthy lifestyle……. I must say that a lot of this nonsense about hydro-colonics, raw-foods, etc. is just hippie bullshit used by so-called educated people to scare you into joining their cults of Bohemia….”
That is true once again, but I doubt you’ll find ANY of those people on THIS blog. I, for one, am NOT down with that ish…and I’m a vegetarian; but I choose to eat ice cream&cake, and eat eggs and fish. Everything is about balance and moderation. Some people just try TOO HARD. I say, stay angry Joel!! And come vent regularly at this blog…maybe Chris will even let you ‘guest write’.
Oops…spoke too soon. LOL
Cosign Chris!! HA HAAA