Include me in the group that did not like the New Yorker magazine cover. I do understand that they
said that it was just satire. That it was just intended to be edgy and humorous. They also said that I would get the joke,
if I wasn’t stupid. I must be stupid, I didn’t get it.
According to Webster’s dictionary, one of the definitions of satire is "A literary work that holds
the human vices and follies up to ridicule or scorn." Another is, "Trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit
vice or folly." I don’t think that cover fits either of those categories. Actually I do think that last definition pretty
much covers what they intended and under that definition it is irony – but that begs the question. What vice or folly
are they exposing and why would they want to discredit Obama?
The burning flag in the photograph of the terrorist Osama bin Laden suggests that there have been some valid
questions about Obama’s patriotism. His wife was shown with an automatic weapon slung over her shoulder. How the New
Yorker got there is puzzlement to me, since I suspect that Mrs. Obama has never owned a weapon and probably has no idea
how to use one.
It is unexplainable that the New Yorker felt they needed to expose or discredit the Obama’s
on their cover. Most Americans believe that they have led exemplary lives. They are both graduates of one of the finest universities
in the world, and they have not been tainted by any scandals. So, in my judgment, it was a strange leap for the New Yorker
to come up with that cover.
Despite their protestations to the contrary, I believe that the New Yorker did this to hurt the Obamas.
This inflammatory cover on a highly respected magazine added some credence to the viral e-mails that are swamping the Internet.
They must have expected this result. I am (also) certain that the Obamas did not like the cover, but that they did not let
it ruin their day. They both have steely determination, and they have learned how to rise above these kinds of distractions.
They truly believe that the issues of today, the economy, inflation, Iraq, Iran, health care, and the myriad of problems our
country faces today, are more important than the ugly cover of a magazine.
I do not subscribe to the New Yorker but I have read many of their magazines. As a publication, it
is generally as good as it gets. I know that I would not dare send a resume to them. I did have the opportunity to see 10
of their previous ‘political covers.’ Compared to this one, they were benign. In my opinion, this is by far, the
worst one that they have ever done
While I thought that the magazine threw a low blow, and I was disappointed with it, I was not angry or even
upset with them. It seems to me that they are a part of a culture where attacks like this are regrettably all too common.
I also think that they have been greatly surprised at the angry reactions of so many people around the world. This experience
could not have been pleasant for them.
Like the rest of us, they will watch the respect and affection that the Europeans will bestow on Mr. Obama.
Many of them speak English, and they have been following our presidential race very closely. For example, I read a report
that said 85% of the people in France, and 80% in Germany preferred Obama over McCain. They are puzzled that the citizens
of this country do not seem to understand his unique intellectual gifts. They hope that he will be able to end this war, and
help to create a world where peace and prosperity reign.
[You may contact John Randolph Rogers at jorrogers@aol.com.]
