New Yorker Mag's Obama Satire Creates Controversy
The current issue of The New Yorker magazine has created a firestorm of controversy. The cover depicts Obama dressed as a terrorist with his wife dressed as a black panther and an AK-47, with a picture of Osama Bin Laden hanging over a fireplace and an American flag burning.
The New Yorker explains that they were merely looking to satirize the ludicrous attacks that have been levied at Obama, such as that he is muslim and anti-American. However critics see it as an attack on Obama.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, Barry Blitt the artist who drew the cover said, “I think the idea that the Obamas are branded as unpatriotic [let alone as terrorists] in certain sectors is preposterous. It seemed to me that depicting the concept would show it as the fear-mongering ridiculousness that it is.”
Obama, in his typical diplomatic fashion, has said it was an "attempt at satire" that “probably fuels some misconceptions". He went on to say, "I don't think they were entirely successful with it. But you know what? It's a cartoon," Obama told CNN's Larry King, "and that's why we've got the First Amendment."
Obama spokesman Bill Burton has already said in a statement, ''Most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree.''
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