Comments on: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Weigh in on the Provocative Cover From a Smarty-Pants Magazine http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/?xrs=rss_indecisionforever Indecision Forever blog Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:55:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Johnson http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-22204 Johnson Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:32:13 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-22204 It IS satire. What you are missing as that you are looking at every image separately. The whole thing as a unit is satire. it is satirical in the fact that it puts together some overly offensive images in such a fantastical way. The fist bump is key to all of this with the E.D. Hill "terrorist fist jab" thing to be kept in context. Think about it. The New Yorker seems to be indicating that they are actually a bunch of fist-bumping flag burning terrorists. It's funny because it's so absurd! It IS satire. What you are missing as that you are looking at every image separately. The whole thing as a unit is satire. it is satirical in the fact that it puts together some overly offensive images in such a fantastical way. The fist bump is key to all of this with the E.D. Hill "terrorist fist jab" thing to be kept in context. Think about it. The New Yorker seems to be indicating that they are actually a bunch of fist-bumping flag burning terrorists. It's funny because it's so absurd!

]]> By: Ronald Doda Jr. http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21811 Ronald Doda Jr. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:43:52 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21811 I think its okay, but it is missing the rest of congress and executive branch, and there should be a small figure representing a citizen like a where's waldo cartoon. I think its okay, but it is missing the rest of congress and executive branch, and there should be a small figure representing a citizen like a where's waldo cartoon.

]]> By: obamagramma http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21694 obamagramma Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:07:53 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21694 At least Stewart & Colbert didn't jump on the cartoon controversy bandwagon. At least Stewart & Colbert didn't jump on the cartoon controversy bandwagon.

]]> By: Sphilk http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21687 Sphilk Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:37:08 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21687 I thought Stewart's clip was great and the message was clear; stop attacking the first amendment and pay attention to the far more prevalent and critical problems arising (financial institutions, inflation, iraq, ad nauseum) I thought Stewart's clip was great and the message was clear; stop attacking the first amendment and pay attention to the far more prevalent and critical problems arising (financial institutions, inflation, iraq, ad nauseum)

]]> By: abseygale http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21650 abseygale Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:05:33 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21650 My mother-in-law told me the New Yorker cover reminded her of the anti-Semitic cartoons that were published in Germany before she had to leave Austria. Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon, but sometimes they convey and help spread ignorance and hatred. Here are a couple that were published in Germany in the 30s. Like the one of the Obamas in the Oval Office, they express the fears and ignorance of many at the time. http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/images/sturmer/ds11.jpg http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/images/sturmer/ds7.jpg The New Yorker publisher says the Obama cover is just satire and everyone understands. To that I say, he is too far removed from ordinary people to be an effective publisher. In my daily life in Los Angeles, I've come across a few people who generally hide their racism, but who believe and seem to take pleasure in the lies that have been fabricated about the Obamas. One saw The New Yorker article on a table and it clearly made him feel more confidant and justified in expressing his views. (This person screened a horrible pseudo-documentary about Obama for me. This documentary is being distributed online where it's being used to rile up racists.) My mother-in-law told me the New Yorker cover reminded her of the anti-Semitic cartoons that were published in Germany before she had to leave Austria.

Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon, but sometimes they convey and help spread ignorance and hatred. Here are a couple that were published in Germany in the 30s. Like the one of the Obamas in the Oval Office, they express the fears and ignorance of many at the time.

http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/images/sturmer/ds11.jpg
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/images/sturmer/ds7.jpg

The New Yorker publisher says the Obama cover is just satire and everyone understands. To that I say, he is too far removed from ordinary people to be an effective publisher. In my daily life in Los Angeles, I've come across a few people who generally hide their racism, but who believe and seem to take pleasure in the lies that have been fabricated about the Obamas. One saw The New Yorker article on a table and it clearly made him feel more confidant and justified in expressing his views. (This person screened a horrible pseudo-documentary about Obama for me. This documentary is being distributed online where it's being used to rile up racists.)

]]> By: Michael http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21647 Michael Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:49:46 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21647 Being from Denmark I have to say this: DO NOT MAKE CARTOONS OF THE MUSLIMS! Apparently, some of them don't appreciate satire... Being from Denmark I have to say this:

DO NOT MAKE CARTOONS OF THE MUSLIMS!

Apparently, some of them don't appreciate satire…

]]> By: Mash Ablanco http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21645 Mash Ablanco Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:32:15 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21645 It all comes down to this. If Obama gets to be president, will the MSM do its job and report objectively on his actions or will they be afraid of the attacks of his followers? Think about it. The reactions to this cartoon are really worrisome (just read the comments posted here). History has shown that it's never good for a country when the ruler controls the press., and it's even scarier when the press seems to jump with glee into his pocket. Power is power and it must be kept in check no matter the ethnicity of the person exercising it. In a democracy anyone in power is fair game. It all comes down to this. If Obama gets to be president, will the MSM do its job and report objectively on his actions or will they be afraid of the attacks of his followers? Think about it. The reactions to this cartoon are really worrisome (just read the comments posted here). History has shown that it's never good for a country when the ruler controls the press., and it's even scarier when the press seems to jump with glee into his pocket. Power is power and it must be kept in check no matter the ethnicity of the person exercising it. In a democracy anyone in power is fair game.

]]> By: JIMPSU http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21644 JIMPSU Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:54:19 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21644 Have we all gotten so ignorant that we no longer get satire when we see it. God help us and comedy central. Have we all gotten so ignorant that we no longer get satire when we see it. God help us and comedy central.

]]> By: Julia http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21641 Julia Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:48:30 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21641 Actually, I think what Stephen Colbert said is right. It's funny because it's TRUE. By reading all of Obama's interview transcripts and books, by watching him speak, by checking out the way he smiles...it's obvious he just hates America. He doesn't mean anything he says. It's all a facade. He and his troupe of merciless terrorists will kill you. Guys, don't vote for Obama. The minute he gets this country he will destroy it. Not with guns, but with subversive-flagpin-abandonment. Funny, how for a bunch of self-proclaimed satirists, satire doesn't seem to work on you people. Maybe it's not GOOD satire, necessarily. But unless you've got the 411 on the New Yorker conspiracy to kick Obama, I suggest you stay at home and mope for perhaps...thirty seconds over this cover. People who believe that any of what is being said about Obama is true were never going to vote for him anyway -- that's why they choose to believe it. Actually, I think what Stephen Colbert said is right. It's funny because it's TRUE. By reading all of Obama's interview transcripts and books, by watching him speak, by checking out the way he smiles…it's obvious he just hates America. He doesn't mean anything he says. It's all a facade. He and his troupe of merciless terrorists will kill you.

Guys, don't vote for Obama. The minute he gets this country he will destroy it. Not with guns, but with subversive-flagpin-abandonment.

Funny, how for a bunch of self-proclaimed satirists, satire doesn't seem to work on you people. Maybe it's not GOOD satire, necessarily. But unless you've got the 411 on the New Yorker conspiracy to kick Obama, I suggest you stay at home and mope for perhaps…thirty seconds over this cover. People who believe that any of what is being said about Obama is true were never going to vote for him anyway — that's why they choose to believe it.

]]> By: Meghan http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21640 Meghan Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:39:24 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21640 While I appreciate what Jon Stewart is arguing - that the cover is just a cartoon - I think in this instance he fails to appreciate the power of an image. And even if the image was not influential, there is a basic standard of civility in discourse to which reputable media outlets usually hold themselves. This cover wasn't "controversial" and "thought-provoking" and it certainly wasn't "satire." It was just a visual depiction of lies that have been spread about the Obamas. It's like actually burning the American flag - it's not illegal, it shouldn't be illegal, but it is disrespectful and inappropriate. It undermines popular discourse, rather than adding to it. It wasn't funny. It wasn't even interesting. It was offensive. While I appreciate what Jon Stewart is arguing – that the cover is just a cartoon – I think in this instance he fails to appreciate the power of an image.

And even if the image was not influential, there is a basic standard of civility in discourse to which reputable media outlets usually hold themselves. This cover wasn't "controversial" and "thought-provoking" and it certainly wasn't "satire." It was just a visual depiction of lies that have been spread about the Obamas.

It's like actually burning the American flag – it's not illegal, it shouldn't be illegal, but it is disrespectful and inappropriate. It undermines popular discourse, rather than adding to it.

It wasn't funny. It wasn't even interesting. It was offensive.

]]> By: MT http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21639 MT Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:26:06 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21639 It isn't art. It isn't satire. It's libel. The New Yorker took lies that have been spread about a public figure and published them with no real explanation. The New Yorker keeps claiming the cover is satire. But what exactly are they satirizing? Perhaps if they'd shown the image like a thought bubble above a sleeping elephant, it would have made a point. As it was, it was just offensive. What is most interesting is that so many in the media turned to blame Obama for not giving them anything of which to make fun. Jib Jab managed it, portraying Obama dancing and floating through a Disney-esque forest sprinkling the word change like fairy dust. That's satire, making fun of his good-two-shoes like image and his monosyllabic message. The New Yorker? Just crass, offensive, tasteless, inappropriate and I repeat, libelous. The editor should be fired. It isn't art. It isn't satire. It's libel. The New Yorker took lies that have been spread about a public figure and published them with no real explanation.

The New Yorker keeps claiming the cover is satire. But what exactly are they satirizing? Perhaps if they'd shown the image like a thought bubble above a sleeping elephant, it would have made a point. As it was, it was just offensive.

What is most interesting is that so many in the media turned to blame Obama for not giving them anything of which to make fun. Jib Jab managed it, portraying Obama dancing and floating through a Disney-esque forest sprinkling the word change like fairy dust. That's satire, making fun of his good-two-shoes like image and his monosyllabic message.

The New Yorker? Just crass, offensive, tasteless, inappropriate and I repeat, libelous. The editor should be fired.

]]> By: prana9 http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21634 prana9 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:39:13 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21634 Art 1 Politics 0. Sure you may not like the cover (art is still subjective I believe) but you sure can't say it wasn't effective. Talk about self-referential. I hoped Obama was the type of leader that could tell people that he understood the cover was satire and it attempted to have the media look at itself and the Obama-monster they created. But instead, Obama (like the media and Republicans!!) feigns he was offended thus, in effect being complicit in the very behavior the cover lampooned!! Just is its ability to draw a interesting response from the public, the media, and the politicians I commend the artist for the concept and the New Yorker for having the audacity :) to publish it. Art is cool. Art 1 Politics 0.

Sure you may not like the cover (art is still subjective I believe) but you sure can't say it wasn't effective. Talk about self-referential.

I hoped Obama was the type of leader that could tell people that he understood the cover was satire and it attempted to have the media look at itself and the Obama-monster they created. But instead, Obama (like the media and Republicans!!) feigns he was offended thus, in effect being complicit in the very behavior the cover lampooned!!

Just is its ability to draw a interesting response from the public, the media, and the politicians I commend the artist for the concept and the New Yorker for having the audacity :) to publish it.

Art is cool.

]]> By: Caity http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21632 Caity Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:03:04 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21632 Oh come on. What's the big deal? Aside from being rather comical, it's probably more to the side of the truth than all the garbage Obama is feeding everybody. He should NEVER be president. That'd just be flat out scary. Oh come on. What's the big deal? Aside from being rather comical, it's probably more to the side of the truth than all the garbage Obama is feeding everybody. He should NEVER be president. That'd just be flat out scary.

]]> By: Whitney http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21625 Whitney Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:23:52 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21625 Isn't this cartoon an example of satire? Aren't they truly drawing attention to the ridiculous media coverage of Obama's religious faith? I enjoyed it. It reminds me of the Read A BOOK satire video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN2VqFPNS8w ... that the media could not understand http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OiuDKh_pAg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSV3eyHzQSs&feature=related Isn't this cartoon an example of satire? Aren't they truly drawing attention to the ridiculous media coverage of Obama's religious faith? I enjoyed it. It reminds me of the Read A BOOK satire video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN2VqFPNS8w … that the media could not understand http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OiuDKh_pAg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSV3eyHzQSs&feature=related

]]> By: kwesi http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21621 kwesi Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:05:05 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21621 The New Yorker cover proved two things; that some people just don't get satire and just because you have the power to say something doesn't mean you should. as an example, see the link for more nonsense http://www.livesteez.com/news/news_detail/934 The New Yorker cover proved two things; that some people just don't get satire and just because you have the power to say something doesn't mean you should.
as an example, see the link for more nonsense

http://www.livesteez.com/news/news_detail/934

]]> By: Random Flying Objects http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21613 Random Flying Objects Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:02:10 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21613 Truly hilarious. Indeed, this is why we get our news right here, at the The Stephen Colbert Show. Sad that no one is discussing what makes a GOOD satire. Just because something is satirical doesn't mean it's good satire. The cover was bad because it lacked context and the juxtaposition of something that would bring its point home. Art is allowed to be vague and given to be interpreted in different ways. Good political satire keeps the message in the control of the artist--it should be clear what he/she is trying to say. This cover wasn't so much offensive as just lame. A good satirist could have made it more poignant and funny at the same time. Fact is, The New Yorker takes itself so seriously that its cartoons/attempts at humor/poignancy are, as Jon points, pretty lame. (I mean, really. New Yorker dude makes it clear that he doesn't watch SC; he merely refers to him as a pop culture icon the way your average cultured person likes to pretend they're all up on pop culture so as to prove how in-the-know they are.) Truly hilarious. Indeed, this is why we get our news right here, at the The Stephen Colbert Show.

Sad that no one is discussing what makes a GOOD satire. Just because something is satirical doesn't mean it's good satire. The cover was bad because it lacked context and the juxtaposition of something that would bring its point home. Art is allowed to be vague and given to be interpreted in different ways. Good political satire keeps the message in the control of the artist–it should be clear what he/she is trying to say. This cover wasn't so much offensive as just lame. A good satirist could have made it more poignant and funny at the same time. Fact is, The New Yorker takes itself so seriously that its cartoons/attempts at humor/poignancy are, as Jon points, pretty lame. (I mean, really. New Yorker dude makes it clear that he doesn't watch SC; he merely refers to him as a pop culture icon the way your average cultured person likes to pretend they're all up on pop culture so as to prove how in-the-know they are.)

]]> By: Jenny Hurwitz http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21611 Jenny Hurwitz Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:55:11 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21611 Barak should thank the New Yorker. All this hoopla will clarify via most television "news" (ie crap) shows that he is not Muslim (which should not be a problem if he were, but reality is Americans will not elect a Muslim at this point) and that his wife is not a "radical gun slinger" or other such misperceptions. I think the New Yorker assumed its audience was its usual readership and would relish the over the top satire - but I guess some Obama supporters feared people passing newstands and misinterpreting the cartoon. I need to find the magazine and see if there is a subtitle - think I heard there is - such as "fear mongering". That would be a good idea to have on the cover along with the cartoon. The cartoon reminds me of a bit done by a comedian (was it on SNL?) of what some Americans fear in an African-American president - and proceeded to do a bit where the Oval Office was done up in a wild style and the President and First Lady were dressed up in some stereotyped 70's blaxploitation flick garb and dancing to funky music. Anyone know who did that bit? I think Barak should have a press conference and straight-faced say he thinks it's a perfectly beautiful and accurate portrayal of his home life - wink wink nudge nudge. Barak should thank the New Yorker. All this hoopla will clarify via most television "news" (ie crap) shows that he is not Muslim (which should not be a problem if he were, but reality is Americans will not elect a Muslim at this point) and that his wife is not a "radical gun slinger" or other such misperceptions. I think the New Yorker assumed its audience was its usual readership and would relish the over the top satire – but I guess some Obama supporters feared people passing newstands and misinterpreting the cartoon. I need to find the magazine and see if there is a subtitle – think I heard there is – such as "fear mongering". That would be a good idea to have on the cover along with the cartoon. The cartoon reminds me of a bit done by a comedian (was it on SNL?) of what some Americans fear in an African-American president – and proceeded to do a bit where the Oval Office was done up in a wild style and the President and First Lady were dressed up in some stereotyped 70's blaxploitation flick garb and dancing to funky music. Anyone know who did that bit? I think Barak should have a press conference and straight-faced say he thinks it's a perfectly beautiful and accurate portrayal of his home life – wink wink nudge nudge.

]]> By: Eric Westphal http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21610 Eric Westphal Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:48:04 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21610 As I am an American living in Europe I must inform you that Europe is laughing at America right now. A cartoon has dominated the news for two days. It was in poor taste but unless you live under a rock or need to spread your neo-con misinformation and need some graphics, then you would realize it's a satire and go on to more pressing news like the weather. As I am an American living in Europe I must inform you that Europe is laughing at America right now. A cartoon has dominated the news for two days. It was in poor taste but unless you live under a rock or need to spread your neo-con misinformation and need some graphics, then you would realize it's a satire and go on to more pressing news like the weather.

]]> By: Brian Meyers - F.R.C.E. http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21608 Brian Meyers - F.R.C.E. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:37:47 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21608 At this point during the election process John McCain is realizing that Obama can relate to the populous of America more-so than himself. Also Obama must deal with a freedom of speech doctorine. Personally I don't even see why a publication in ONE city made/edited by a small handful of Americans can have any offence when there is no factual data supporting ANY part of the Cartoon... If anything it was a irresponsable move made by the editors to NOT put a disclaimer on the cover explaining it's just a joke. Bad Timing when a nation is in the grasp for ANY AND ALL information about either canidate. This is why I took it upon myself to shoot this video the day I saw that cartoon.... Too many people are mis-informed about the facts (keep in mind i made the beat, wrote the song, shot AND edited the video in less than 48hrs.) check it out... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Er0u1OkhH8 At this point during the election process John McCain is realizing that Obama can relate to the populous of America more-so than himself. Also Obama must deal with a freedom of speech doctorine. Personally I don't even see why a publication in ONE city made/edited by a small handful of Americans can have any offence when there is no factual data supporting ANY part of the Cartoon… If anything it was a irresponsable move made by the editors to NOT put a disclaimer on the cover explaining it's just a joke. Bad Timing when a nation is in the grasp for ANY AND ALL information about either canidate. This is why I took it upon myself to shoot this video the day I saw that cartoon…. Too many people are mis-informed about the facts (keep in mind i made the beat, wrote the song, shot AND edited the video in less than 48hrs.)

check it out…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Er0u1OkhH8

]]> By: Dillon http://www.indecisionforever.com/2008/07/16/jon-stewart-weighs-in-on-the-provocative-cover-from-a-smarty-pants-magazine/#comment-21607 Dillon Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:29:27 +0000 http://blog.indecision2008.com/?p=3806#comment-21607 Its a %@#@ing cartoon!!!!!! Its a %@#@ing cartoon!!!!!!

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