Check it out. I had a very visceral reaction to a disturbing image over there. I thought about putting it up on the blog, but decided against it. I don't know how I feel about it yet. But feel free to discuss guys.
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Hmm, the image seems a little unfocused (not literally). Like it's trying to play on the theme of imperiled white womanhood a la Birth of a Nation...but since the Klansmen are in the villain position, it doesn't really come off. I guess my point is that it seems more misguided than offensive.
it's only going to get worse.
I am a northern white, those images don't mean much to me it is just offensive, but I walk in a different world. It may remind others of the undercurrent of violence against blacks that remains, we don't know how far below the surface - From listening to NPR yesterday I learned for the first time about some of the real fears regarding Obama that the image seems be trying to induce. - So I guess some would find it extremely offensive and perhaps frightening.
To echo some of the comments over at feministing, this particular image, as well as the media coverage of Michelle Obama in general, was much discussed in the black feminist blogosphere *last* week. Feministing, not surprisingly, is late to this conversation.
Check out What About Our Daughters: http://whataboutourdaughters.blogspot.com/2008/05/creator-of-michelle-obama-torture.html and
Godwin's law should be extended to lynching.
I can't look at life through the eyes of a black person because I'm not black. But what I can say is that everyone has an opportunity in life. Some do something with it, others squander and blame for not "getting what is theirs". Obama has done something with his opportunity and that's to be admired.
Ron - You don't have to look through the eyes of a Black person, just recognize and acknowledge the use of racist imagery. Clearly you know little about Black people and have chosen not to LEARN anything. Use this as an opportunity to do so.
Yeah Ta-Nehisi we discussed this almost 2 weeks ago. The image was pulled off kos immediately. The other thing not mentioned is the diarist is UNAPOLOGETIC of his use of the image. He in fact created it. He's from West Virginia and professes to be an Obama supporter. So this is coming from someone who considers himself an ALLY. It shows how clueless he is as well.
Black people should not be in bed with the DailyKos. I dont trust those fools one bit. They represent your typical superhip white liberal who probably feels comfortable using racial slurs amongst eachother'cause they are so "edgy". I mean, they might as well be Pat Buchanan as far as I'm concerned. They just coming from a different angle.
We definitely seeing this kind of phenomenon more and more. Status Ain't Hood over at The Village Voice has similar racial nonchalance thats becoming more mainstream.
These jerks get off on the notoriety they generate.