This week's edition of the New Yorker has caused a lot of controversy. The front cover is a cartoon of Barack Obama wearing tradition Muslim clothing (a head covering and a long robe over pants - traditional in some but not all Muslim countries), giving a fist pump to his wife Michelle Obama who is dressed in army gear and toting a machine gun. They are in the oval office and there is an American flag burning in the fire place and a portrait of Osama Bin Laden hung on the mantel. The magazine has issued a response to the harsh criticism that has come in response - saying that it is meant to satirically demonstrate the unfounded criticisms coming from some ultra-conservative right wing pundits in the Obama campaign. However, many people (including both campaign agents from the Obama and McCain team) have argued that it is "tasteless and offensive" (according to the BBC article linked here).What do you think?? Click on the title of this post to see the cartoon for yourself.
Is it a good use of satire? What point do you think the cartoon drives home? Is it offensive? What do you think most people will get from the cartoon?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Jessica
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