For those of you not aware, the New York Post published this – and a lot of people are offended by what they perceive as racist (and possibly president-threatening) “art”.
However, of more interest were our opinions here at home:
- My wife “got” it right away: the chimp was representing President Obama, and it was an obvious racial slur, as well as a non-too subtle reference to assassination. Coming from the sister company of Ultra-Conservative Fox News (both Rupert Murdoch properties), it made perfect sense.
- I thought it was representing the idea that “any monkey” could put together a stimulus package, and just tied in with the local (Connecticut) shooting of a pet monkey. As for the reference to the “writer” of the bill, I saw no problem, as many people are involved in drafting this legislation (even if President Obama will eventually be called the “author” or “architect”).
Now you may agree or disagree with one of us (let’s face it, one of us is right, right?), but the more important fact is, we were split down the middle.
And here’s the REAL point: imagine that cartoon making its way through New York Post headquarters.
If my household was split 50/50 as to the meaning, weren’t the offices of NYP split?
Darn right.
So they knew they had something offensive (at least to a goodly percentage of people).
And they published it anyways.
So folks, you’ve been played.
Talk about how horrible it is.
Or talk about how inoffensive it is.
But just keep talking – PLEASE.
Because the New York Post could have held off on it – and didn’t. And they want you to talk. But don’t worry – I expect they had the apology drafted before the cartoon was even published.
And now as it settles down, they’re off to the next issue (“did you SEE the way Bradgelina looked at Jennifer at the Oscars?”)
Well played NYP – I’ve never read you, and I never will, but you obviously have no problem with slinging sleeze to get readers. In the ages old tradition of newspaper folk everywhere (whose motto is “if it bleeds, it leads”), you could have taken a moral stand, but chose to go the low-brow controversy route.
As for everyone else, pro AND con, you have a choice – fuel the (artificial) fire, or give it up.
Imagine if instead of accepting the apology, we see it for the sleeze it is, and hit NYP where it hurts, such as boycotting them, apology or no apology. Boycott them if you think they’re offensive. Boycott them if you think the cartoon is meaningless. But boycott them.
And imagine keeping it up – and sending a clear message to everyone everywhere manipulating you and your emotions.
Because if you don’t take a stand for people manipulating you deliberately, it will continue.
After all, people ARE talking, aren’t they?
While I am not a liberal, I did vote for Obama and I sincerely hope that he turns around and does what is best for the country and the majority of it’s citizens. Moore is right about Obama using what he has while he has it. The Republicans have found a common enemy for themselves and a good portion of the whites in America, and that enemy is Obama. They couch it in several terms, but it all boils down to racism. I never thought I’d live to see white Americans revert to racial attitudes that I thought were dead, but we can’t deny what has happened. I remember my Dad and uncles changing partys back in the 60s because of the Civil Rights Act, and I remember why. It’s the “southern stratagy” all over again, but this time on a national scale. It makes me sick to hear people who I thought were open-minded Christians say the things they say. It makes me ashamed to be considered one of them.