… I heard a news story on NPR, about a controversial New Yorker cover depicting Obama and is wife in the oval office carrying guns and burning the flag, among other things. At first I found it a bit shocking and sort of sad. Then the reporter went on to explain the motivations and I thought about it, this is the New Yorker after all, what do we expect. They have a reputation for satirical covers.
So, I sort of went about my day until I received an email from the Feminist Majority asking me to petition the New Yorker to pull the cover. I could see why they were “outraged”, but it is my feeling that the benefit far out weights their concern. So I sent an email to the editor, but mine went like this:
Subject: Thank you for getting people talking!
Dear Editor:
I received a template message from the feminist majority, but I don’t really find myself agreeing with them on this one. Individuals who are familiar with the New Yorker know it has a long standing history of leaning towards the liberal side of things and fair reporting. They would also be acutely aware of the fact that the covers tend to be satirical in nature, basically 100% of the time. Leading them to open the magazine and READ MORE.
So I part ways with my feminist friends on this one. Now people are talking. We are seeing the erroneous information about Obama that is being sold to the more ignorant Right. It is because of this cover that we have gained the chance to speak out about it, on multiple national platforms .
I can see why people are up in arms about the covers subject matter, but lets take that energy and put it where it belongs. Lets use the opportunity, this cover has provided us, to strengthen Obama and inform the nation! So, I say thank you for getting people talking; keep the cover!
Best,
M
Burlington, VT
Sorry feminist majority!
