Satire or Tasteless?

The New Yorker calls it satire ... Many call it plain disgusting.



This week's cover of the New Yorker shows the Obama’s in the oval office: Barack Obama in traditional Muslim attire and Michelle Obama rocking a 1960’s afro, wearing boots and carrying an assault rifle. An American flag is burning in the fire place and a picture of Osama Bin Laden hangs neatly on the wall.

Both the Obama and McCain political camps agree that the cover is tasteless.

The magazine, however, says the magazine is satire and that the cover “combines a number of fantastical images about the Obama’s and shows them for the distortions they are”. The also add that satire is apart of what they do.

Some agree with magazine.

The Huffington Post says the magazine pokes fun at ignorance and opens up a forum of discussion.

We do indeed have freedom of speech but in the spirit of fairness the New Yorker should design a cover that pokes fun of the McCain camp. If they want to poke fun at stereotypes show McCain sitting in a wheelchair being pushed by an over made-up Cindy as he breaths deeply in an oxygen tank.

There is indeed a fine line between good satire and flat out tasteless mockery.

This TV shirt sold on the streets by a TV shirt vendor is a clear example of when “joking” goes too far. Holding the shirt is an angry protester.

Why? Oh Why Michelle? Please don't say it ... No!

After months of campaigning for her husband, Michelle Obama made a comment that not only costed her husband votes in the democratic primaries, but also created the perfect play ground for you-tubers and bloggers.

"Hope is making a comeback and, let me tell you, for the first time in my adult life I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."

Michelle Obama has since done several interviews explaining her comments, trying to convince the masses that she indeed loves and cherishes the country that has given her so much. However this has done little to keep the blogs from being written and videos being posted about her “unpatriotic” ways.

John McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, used the comment as the perfect opportunity to show her patriotism.

Many republicans jumped on the patriotic boat and began to create videos showing their “American Pride”.

Barack Obama has had his own “unpatriotic" drama. Claims have been made that he refused to say the pledge of Allegiance at an event. He also been questioned about how often he wears an American flag pin.

Though these issues will not fix the economy or provide solutions in regards to our international relations; it sure to take first stage during this general election campaign.

So Michelle, for your comments either intentional or not, you get this week's "Why oh Why did I say that " award.