Since NewsBusters and the Drudge Report first introduced America to the Obama Joker poster -- with help from talk radio host Tammy Bruce, of course -- most media outlets have speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist.
WRONG!
As reported by the Los Angeles Times moments ago, the up-until-now anonymous creator of the poster sweeping the nation is a 20-year-old college student of Palestinian descent with largely liberal political leanings.
Honestly, you can't make this stuff up:
Bored during his winter school break, Firas Alkhateeb, a senior history major at the University of Illinois, crafted the picture of Obama with the recognizable clown makeup using Adobe's Photoshop software.
Alkhateeb had been tinkering with the program to improve the looks of photos he had taken on his clunky Kodak camera. The Joker project was his grandest undertaking yet. Using a tutorial he'd found online about how to "Jokerize" portraits, he downloaded the October 23 Time Magazine cover of Obama and began digitally painting over it.
Four or five hours later, he happily had his product. [...]
"After Obama was elected, you had all of these people who basically saw him as the second coming of Christ," Alkhateeb said. "From my perspective, there wasn't much substance to him."
"I abstained from voting in November," he wrote in an e-mail. "Living in Illinois, my vote means close to nothing as there was no chance Obama would not win the state." If he had to choose a politician to support, Alkhateeb said, it would be Ohio Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
How delicious: Kucinich, likely the most liberal of presidential candidates last year!
Although Alkhateeb claims he was making no political statement with the artwork, he's plugged into the Washington debate. Though born in the United States, his Palestinian family closely follows Middle Eastern politics.
"I think he's definitely doing better than Bush was," Alkhateeb said of Obama. Alkhateeb's views on foreign relations align with the Democrats, he said, while he prefers Republican ideals on domestic issues.
Alkhateeb's assessment of Obama: "In terms of domestic policy, I don't think he's really doing much good for the country right now," he said. "We don't have to 'hero worship' the guy." [...]
Regardless, Alkhateeb does agree with the Obama "Hope" artist about "socialism" being the wrong caption for the Joker image. "It really doesn't make any sense to me at all," he said. "To accuse him of being a socialist is really ... immature. First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
Outstanding.
Now that Alkhateeb has been unmasked, it's going to be fascinating to see how media outlets besides the LA Times report his Middle Eastern background as well as his political leaning.
Stay tuned.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Media will drop the story
August 17, 2009 - 23:19 ET by TuariWhy do I get a feeling that because of his background and political leanings, all of a sudden this story will no longer exist...
The money quote: "First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
Perhaps because you've seen
August 18, 2009 - 01:04 ET by DJEddlePerhaps because you've seen how the "MSM" operates? I'd say that's a pretty safe bet that they'll ignore it from here on out.
And, yeah...who did say socialism was evil? After all...a little socialism never hurt anybody, right?
Rational Liberty: Where Reason and Government Collide - The best website ever!
Known It For Weeks
August 18, 2009 - 01:25 ET by farstar99Won't make me stop using it.
Well essentially this is
August 18, 2009 - 02:03 ET by gmaniac1Well essentially this is the liberal media's modus operandi. Villify someone for racism only if they are a right wing conservative. I'm waiting on someone finding used up cans of spray paint at Democrat"ic" Representative Scott's house.
Great job as usual Noel and nice find. I can see the smarmy little far left loons are not liking that a story like this debunks another one of their many false claims.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
"I think he's definitely
August 18, 2009 - 06:59 ET by motherbelt"I think he's definitely doing better than Bush was," Alkhateeb said of
Obama.
A Palestinian who likes Obama's lukewarm support of Israel better than Bush's strong stance.
That's a shocker.
Kinda like Ted
August 18, 2009 - 08:47 ET by mattmKinda like Ted Kaczynski...
The bigoted, racist, prejudiced, judgmental, narrow-minded, haters are mostly on the Left - and I don't mean the poster guy, I mean the Leftoids who assumed he was some "right-winger."
No doubt, the Unabomber was
August 18, 2009 - 10:03 ET by gmaniac1No doubt, the Unabomber was an academic minded lefty who loved Karl Marx... that is so right wing conservative lol. That was a classic analogy matt;)
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
I thought that it was you
August 17, 2009 - 23:21 ET by 24enakI thought that it was you that was behind the joker poster, because I don't think you have missed one story about the poster. Is this like the tenth story about it here on NB, a complete waste of time and effort, at least in my eyes.
You obviously love the poster, and love to waste yours and everybodies time finding stories about the poster so you can, yet again, post the poster on NB.
I like the poster
August 17, 2009 - 23:24 ET by shawn228....and most folks here consider me a lib.
"I swear sometimes the self-appointed moral police are as obnoxious and demanding of big government interference as "environmentalist" gun control advocates, labor unions and trial lawyers"~fitzfong
Shawn,
August 18, 2009 - 00:38 ET by R D Helm"....and most folks here consider me a lib."
LOL-Yeah, and I am the Sheik of Arabee, too.
Need a deal on a tent?
-Dave
24
August 17, 2009 - 23:26 ET by Noel Sheppard24,
Awwww. Are you sowwy it didn't turn out to be a white, racist, conservative? After all, I bet if it had, you'd be cheering like your team just won the Super Bowl!!!
To paraphrase Dashiell Hammett, the cheaper the troll, the gaudier the patter!
HEHEHEHE. ns
you said it, noel
August 17, 2009 - 23:32 ET by candanceI'm starting to smell a collective decision to moveon.org
Noel
August 17, 2009 - 23:37 ET by shawn228Can't wait to see other far left libs reaction on this, to quote a very wise man, "it will be delicious." ;-)
"I swear sometimes the self-appointed moral police are as obnoxious and demanding of big government interference as "environmentalist" gun control advocates, labor unions and trial lawyers"~fitzfong
it's been a bad Monday for them
August 17, 2009 - 23:39 ET by candanceObama flip flops on the public option, and now this. Methinks I'll need some popcorn for a trip over to DKos.
guys
August 17, 2009 - 23:47 ET by MrShyBut in the end, the artist admits to "socialism" not being such a bad thing... or am I missing something here?
I'm so caught up working on my NEW MR. SHY MUSIC VIDEO ("Be Good To Me", from my album "Super Star", on New Soul Records), that maybe I'm not paying 100% attention.
Noel, I figured it was a
August 17, 2009 - 23:53 ET by 24enakNoel,
I figured it was a college student whom was behind the poster, but I didn't think the person behind the poster was a white, racist, conservative, when I seen that poster I see the joker as portrayed in last summer's The Dark Knight. I never thought it was racist, and those whom did were grasping at straws.
I do wonder why it has become so popular with you. I don't think a poster merits the kind of attention it has received by you. And which media outlets have speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist? Any proof?
ahem
August 17, 2009 - 23:59 ET by candanceWhy don't you go ask this media outlet?
and while you're at it
August 18, 2009 - 00:17 ET by candanceYou can explain this gem at LA Weekly who said the poster served as proof that conservies would be burning crosses in public if they could still get away with it.
And then explain why LA Times quoted a famous artist expounding on a theory that some crazy conservative finally figured out how to use photoshop.
Not to mention the infamous Washington Post rant.
OK. That is one, but one
August 18, 2009 - 00:04 ET by 24enakOK. That is one, but one isn't "most" if he would have used the word some media outlets than I would have let that slide. But he said most, meaning more than some and a lot more than one, so keep them coming candance.
a hundred would not be enough
August 18, 2009 - 00:23 ET by candanceI know how this game works. You keep playing obtuse, like you haven't heard that accusation all over radio/TV/internet the past week.
You know exactly what the media thought about this.
That is exactly his game.
August 18, 2009 - 00:46 ET by JWFHe strolls in like he just crawled out from under a rock and demands mountains of evidence for every little statement.
Megan McCain - I don't think I've seen anything about it here..
Bush Twins - You will have to show me when the media gave the Bush daughters a work over. If someone wants to prove to me that the media attacked the Bush daughters than show me
Olbermanns attacks on Bush - Your statement would be stronger with some proof like some quotes where KO said Bush was a racist. live in the Show Me state so could you perhaps show me where Olbermann called Bush a mass muderer.
A blog entry about Olbermann worsting Coulter - Any other 'proof' besides a quote with no source.
9/11 - explain why another 911, why another 3000+ innocent people NEEDS to be killed?
Palin: Could citizen Palin, or anyone else elaborate on what the media, mainstream media, made up about her?
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Lawyer: Your honor this man
August 18, 2009 - 01:36 ET by 24enakLawyer: Your honor this man is guilty.
Judge: Any proof. Any evidence.
Lawyer: No, why don't you find it yourself I'm not you "google monkey."
Judge: OK. Send him to jail.
This has been a play put on by 24enak, hold the applause.
La, la, la
August 18, 2009 - 06:56 ET by HockeyKidSo you cast yourself in the role of judge. Typical liberal narcissist. Your script has been corrected.
Lawyer: Your honor, the evidence has been clearly presented: means, motive and opportunity.
Judge (with fingers in ears): La, la, la. I can't hear you!
Shows featuring "24enak" repeated regularly on Newsbusters.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Hold the Applause?
August 18, 2009 - 23:03 ET by Seabeach4348I don't hear any applause, but some well-aimed rotten eggs might be more appropriate.
Find a hobby will ya already.
24
August 18, 2009 - 00:28 ET by MrShyOh, and looky above, you've got two, three, four....
Oh wait, I've got five, six, seven.....
http://www.youtube.c...
http://www.youtube.c...
http://www.telegraph...
Candance, we're 24's google monkeys. AND PROUD OF IT! :)
Scorecard: Mr Shy:
August 18, 2009 - 00:30 ET by NL207Scorecard:
Mr Shy: 7
24enak: 0
keep up the good work.
night shift
August 18, 2009 - 00:31 ET by MrShyI believe someone's working the Free Stinker night shift! :)
Thanks!
Stinker wasn't available to
August 18, 2009 - 00:34 ET by NL207Stinker wasn't available to render the service himself, so I thought it appropriate to stand in for him.
Shy,
August 18, 2009 - 00:45 ET by R D HelmActually, I am giving you 24-zip.
LOL-But what do I know? :-)
-Dave
Everyone is up so late.
August 18, 2009 - 00:50 ET by JWFLooks like stupid smacked backwards kane in the skull again. He is off punchdrunk. He has been utterly bested by all once again, so you won't see anymore of him here. Look to see where he slunk off to this time.
JWF,
August 18, 2009 - 01:03 ET by R D Helm:-)
-Dave
WRONG
August 18, 2009 - 01:05 ET by 24enakTom Petty I won't back down.
not surprising
August 18, 2009 - 06:35 ET by bktyou've clung to a ridiculous position, and posted ad nauseum. (which was also your original complaint about Noel.)
Nobody expects you to use your brain now.
More like...
August 18, 2009 - 08:12 ET by shawn228Tom Petty Free Falling
"I swear sometimes the self-appointed moral police are as obnoxious and demanding of big government interference as "environmentalist" gun control advocates, labor unions and trial lawyers"~fitzfong
Losers who are not wise
August 18, 2009 - 09:03 ET by NL207Losers who are not wise enough to back down will simply be shot down.
like a mouse when the light comes on
August 18, 2009 - 00:47 ET by candanceThat sound you hear is 24 scampering back to HuffPo.
I don't visit HuffPo, or
August 18, 2009 - 01:06 ET by 24enakI don't visit HuffPo, or Daily Kos. Media Matters, Thinkprogress is as far left I go into the blogosphere.
show us evidence/proof
August 19, 2009 - 09:54 ET by TruthMongershow us evidence/proof that you do not visit any of these websites...!!
Palin/Prejean 2012
but we shouldn't judge, shy
August 18, 2009 - 00:36 ET by candanceMaybe they really did think a liberal Palestinian did it to appeal to racist Republicans..........
You're counting the same
August 18, 2009 - 00:50 ET by 24enakYou're counting the same eggs twice. The Florida report (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6Ly13W735M) despite being The MSNBC anchor refuted what the guy from the WAPO said asking why Bush as the joker wasn't racist but Obama was. titled "MEDIA REPORTS CLAIMING OBAMA JOKER POSTERS "RACIST" ABSURD!!!!"
never said that the poster was racist, it said that it was vandalism, which it was.
The MSNBC anchor refuted what the guy from the WAPO said asking why Bush as the joker wasn't racist but Obama was. The MSNBC anchor also never said that it was racist.
The telegraph article was the about the LA Weekly, which candance already posted. So I think your back down to four.
More demands of proof
August 18, 2009 - 00:56 ET by JWFPalin again: Great proof again, can you provide some links other than just saying they (MSM) said this this and this. A direct quote would be nice.
good little lefty
August 18, 2009 - 00:56 ET by candanceSticking around to defend yourself - nice!
We're still waiting for your proof that the MSM asserted otherwise. Contessa Brewer asking about Bush doesn't count.
24
August 18, 2009 - 01:07 ET by MrShyDude, it's more media outlets "putting it out there". Stop being dishonest here. Media was "picking up on it". That's, uuuuhhh, what news outlets do. It's called a story going "viral". The Telegraph article was about the poster-racist issue, first and foremost, and was presenting this "controversy" to a new, fresh UK audience and using one of the US's papers as it's source.
Really, quit the dishonesty.
EDIT: I never use the word "dude", but it's late and I'm quickly growing frustrated.
Just a bit of trivia, DUDE
August 18, 2009 - 07:34 ET by kangarooJust a bit of trivia, DUDE also means a big pile of camel $hit he he he
Kangaroo, so I guess
August 18, 2009 - 08:13 ET by FeynmanFanSo I guess that would give Aerosmith's song "Dude Looks Like a Lady" a whole different meaning...
Produce one that didn't.
August 18, 2009 - 00:26 ET by NL207Produce one that didn't. Then keep them coming. So far, you've placed a big fat zero on the table to support your position.
Score. Candance: 1 , 24enak: 0
nwahs ... another of these backwards screen names. I wonder if there is any actual difference between these posters.
I never claimed that not one
August 18, 2009 - 01:01 ET by 24enakI never claimed that not one media outlet has speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist. So I don't have to provide evidence for that claim, because I never made it.
If Noel wouldn't have used the word 'some' instead of "most" then it wouldn't have bothered me.
NL207: -3840.2 24enak: 2894871.5.
They are two different people so there is a difference between me and nwahs, though no difference between Leonardo DaVinci and nwahs and me, llew ta tsael eht yaw ew etirw.
"If Noel wouldn't have used
August 18, 2009 - 01:08 ET by R D Helm"If Noel wouldn't have used the word 'some' instead of "most" then it wouldn't have bothered me."
Bullsh*t.
If Noel had employed the phrase "blue sky," you would find something to bitch about.
-Dave
WRONG
August 18, 2009 - 01:21 ET by 24enakTo say "most media outlets have speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist." is loaded, and false (since it would be nearly impossible to compile the numbers to say a majority of media outlets have proclaimed the posters as racist).
Like if I say "most" whites like the color blue, it would be impossible to prove that claim, but if I said "some" whites like the color blue then that is a true statement.
"Some" media outlets have said that the poster is racist is a true statement, "most media outlets have called the poster racist" would be a illogical statement, that is my complaint. Semantics sure, but that is what is bitched about on this website and others.
If Noel had employed the phrase "blue sky," you would find something to bitch about. The sky isn't blue the sky is black, the atmosphere is blue during the day, just kidding lighten up, being a smartass.
There he goes as usual.
August 18, 2009 - 01:14 ET by JWFHe demands proof from others -
And which media outlets have speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist? Any proof?
Yet when proof is demanded of him -
I never claimed that not one media outlet has speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist. So I don't have to provide evidence for that claim, because I never made it.
Anyone for a big ol' steaming plate of hypocrisy straight from the stove?
If I said that "not one
August 18, 2009 - 01:25 ET by 24enakIf I said that "not one media outlet has speculated the artist was likely white, consrvative, and racist" then I would be an idiot, some have but not "most"
I guess I hold Noel to higher standards, I guess that was my fault.
Yeah, I agree...
August 18, 2009 - 08:05 ET by UnsaneIndeed, you do hold Noel to higher standards than the Leftists and Socialists with which you are slavishly aligned.
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Hey brains bigot.
August 18, 2009 - 00:08 ET by JWFAnd which media outlets have speculated the artist was likely white, conservative, and racist?
We are not your google monkeys. Go search your ultraleft websites for more material to cut & paste.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
I'm sorry, I must have
August 18, 2009 - 00:15 ET by 24enakI'm sorry, I must have mistaken NB for Media Matters because they provide PROOF, via links and transcripts to their articles.
When someone writes "most media outlets have speculated the artist was likely a white, conservative, and racist." I figure they would have evidence to support their claim. But I guess I have been spending to much time on Media Matters, they have spoiled me with all of their proof and what not.
http://mediamatters.org/ (so you don't have to waste your precious time on google, I provided a link.)
I'm sorry, but you must have mistaken me for someone who cares
August 18, 2009 - 00:18 ET by JWFGo ask mommy to educate you, or your mommy in absentia media matters.
You obviously don't care. I
August 18, 2009 - 00:23 ET by 24enakYou obviously don't care. I mean you follow me around correcting my grammar and spelling, and calling me names, and responding to my seemingly my every post, so you obviously don't care.
really, 24?
August 17, 2009 - 23:30 ET by candanceConsidering the fact that almost every major newspaper in the country seemed obssessed with it too, and it was used as an excuse to whine about racism, I think it's only fair to mention the convenient fact that this "racism" came from a lefty.
Silly me, what am I thinking? Throw a liberal Palestinian under the bus? Not gonna happen.
Gee, 24enak
August 17, 2009 - 23:41 ET by BarkerGood thing you're not packing heat, you know, trying to shoot the messenger and all.
Great job Noel, you've made history.
If it's such a waste of
August 18, 2009 - 00:25 ET by ckc1227If it's such a waste of time, why do you insist on wasting your time posting in threads about it?
This is the first time that
August 18, 2009 - 00:50 ET by 24enakThis is the first time that I have wasted my time commenting on the poster. The tenth time's a charm they say.
count em dudw
August 18, 2009 - 06:26 ET by nadadhimmiHey, the poster has been on NB A LOT fewer times than has Time put adoring and worshipful pictures of "The One" on it's cover. Be careful, you'll get a fever blister from kissing Barry's butt so often.
The msm will just skim over
August 17, 2009 - 23:33 ET by bigtimerThe msm will just skim over this for the most part don't ya know...
What I liked the best out of all of this in Alkhateeb's very own words were this:
"After Obama was elected, you had all of these people who basically saw
him as the second coming of Christ," Alkhateeb said. "From my
perspective, there wasn't much substance to him."
...At least we agree on something.
Like I said...the msm will remain mum for the most part....they can't have any of this...now can they?
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT - the anti-establishment
August 18, 2009 - 08:48 ET by dscottBT - the anti-establishment mentality is so ground into young libs they would find a reason to oppose their own just for the sake of agrument. It's rebellion for rebellion's sake, a case of perpetual juvenile delinquency. If you removed all the conservatives, independents and moderates from society, the libs would still find fault and target one of their own for villification.
It's especially ironic that this budding leftist saw right through Obama's empty rhetoric and recognizes him as a self serving pol willing to ride the wave of populism where ever it takes him without regard to the principals he so espouses. It just goes to show how true the Joker's quote was, "this town deserves a better class of criminal and I'm going to give it to them."
The poster is still a work of genius, just now we know the genius is insane.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
I think.......
August 17, 2009 - 23:44 ET by pantryman....the poster actually improves his image by making his dumbo-like ears smaller.
At any other time he looks like a taxi with both doors open.
I have often wondered how he remains grounded in a stiff wind.
Another teachable moment?
August 17, 2009 - 23:56 ET by metaphorsbwithuAwww ... the artist isn't a white, conservative racist?
Bummer, man!
metaphorsbwithu
Motivation
August 18, 2009 - 00:06 ET by slickwillie2001On the area of Firas's webpage where the Joker art had first been posted, this was his caption to the art: "Not necessary indicative of my political views. But I do think hes not all he said he is. You can already sense he's backing off his claims of change."
So clearly he thought the Bamster is not radical enough.
It's times like this
August 18, 2009 - 00:14 ET by Defector01That God shows he really does have a sense of humor in all this
I have only ever made one prayer to God, a very short one: O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it - Voltaire
Call Me Weird . . .
August 18, 2009 - 00:24 ET by DoktorFranken. . . . but it never entered my mind to care who made the poster and especially what nationality, race, gender, or political bent that person might be.
I was just enjoying the fine job. And people display this poster as often as they can because, well, because poor ol' W got extremely unfair ribbing 27/7 since 2000 so it's just natual to throw a bit of that back to the Left.
No harm in that. It's not that we hate Hussein so darn much, it's just the fact that he deserves our eternal scorn.
WaPo on Joker
August 18, 2009 - 00:30 ET by slickwillie2001Memory Lane:
Obama As The Joker; Racial Fear's Ugly Face: http://www.washingtonpost.com
"Obama, like the Joker and like the racial stereotype of the black man, carries within him an unknowable, volatile and dangerous marker of urban violence, which could erupt at any time. The charge of socialism is secondary to the basic message that Obama can't be trusted, not because he is a politician, but because he's black."
And now we find that it had nothing to do with him being black. Imagine that.
Isn't it telling that it's
August 18, 2009 - 07:02 ET by HockeyKidIsn't it telling that it's the libs who see racism behind every tree? No wonder the KKK was the southern Democrats' "action arm".
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Heres the deal, Maui county is the ONLY county in the USA
August 18, 2009 - 00:36 ET by upcountrywaterwhere Kucinich WON..The presidenticy primary vote.
So My plans of pasting up that Obama socialist poster , would have been a boost for 0bama...
May work in fly over country, not here where Capitalists come to die.
So Alkhateeb does agree with the Obama "Hope" and He wanted to BOOST THE LOVE FOR ALL THINGS 0BAMA...
perfect....
just perfect...
Reagan VS Liberalism
Posters? What posters?
August 18, 2009 - 01:15 ET by OxyConThe Obamamedia is going to pull an Emily Litella on those "racist" posters now.
"Never mind!"
So much for the "racist
August 18, 2009 - 05:08 ET by RR GOPSo much for the "racist whitey" approach.
Knuckleheads.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Wow
August 18, 2009 - 06:27 ET by BKeyserI said the other day that I never saw the poster as racist, and in fact, I didn't even understand how it could be perceived that way until someone mentioned black man in white face. I figured it was probably a conservative, batman fanatic. I guess I was wrong...
removed for replacing
August 18, 2009 - 06:54 ET by HockeyKidelsewhere
So it was a lefty huh,
August 18, 2009 - 07:30 ET by kangarooSo it was a lefty huh, ROFL
Do we now get cart blanche to put this poster up from here to Timbuk2 and not have to worry about getting thrown in the whose cow? Just sayin
Well, the producer of the
August 18, 2009 - 07:28 ET by nadadhimmiWell, the producer of the poster wasn't a white, gun totin', Militia belongin', racist, homophobic, hating, "typical white person" "teabagger". So what! He SHOULD have been. So by Dan Rather and CBS's standards of reporting, the story was perhaps not true, but accurate. Hey WAPO, what does this "teach" us about race relations in Amerikkka today?
forgot...........
August 18, 2009 - 10:08 ET by armedcitizenun-American birther.... ;-)
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
WHAT!!
August 18, 2009 - 08:29 ET by charlietexasyou mean it wasn't made by a right wing nut job, racist, uneducated, nascar watching, teabagger, hick, loser???
It was made by one of them elite democrats???
WOW
You Guys Are ALL wrong...
August 18, 2009 - 08:51 ET by beauxdogThe poster character has not been caught yet.
This Palestinian in Chicago is no more reponsible than the Times photographer who took the original photograph. HE adapted someone else's work and created a derivative work which still appeared as the cover of a Time Magazine.
SOMEBODY ELSE adapted HIS work and made a whole new derivative without the Times cover imagery and added the word "Socialism".
The history student in Chicago is NOT responsible for the production and/or distribution of this poster.
There still may be a white, conservative, racist, male responsible for this attrocity.
Thank you.
Beauxdog
Onion
August 18, 2009 - 09:06 ET by CaringwhiteguyHow should we interpret today's homepage at The Onion?
http://www.theonion....
Can this be the work of radical, right-wing, white supremicists? Well, maybe just White Onions.
Be sure to click for the video.
While this irony is funny;
August 18, 2009 - 09:08 ET by SvenWhile this irony is funny; there was never anything even remotely racist about this!
Just makes the point; Liberals always see racisim...even when there is none!
Money Quote
August 18, 2009 - 09:08 ET by Wonder95Here is the money quote for me.
Pretty much explains both sides right there - libs think he's the second coming, conservatives realize he's just an empty suit.
Joker poster
August 18, 2009 - 09:20 ET by QueenMumWell, doesn't this present a dilemma for those on the right who tried to defend this poster?
However, it's true that the MsM will have to shut up about it now. Strange bedfellows indeed.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
Well, doesn't this present
August 18, 2009 - 09:25 ET by SvenWell, doesn't this present a dilemma for those on the right who tried to defend this poster?
Queen, most conservatives that I know and observed on the blogs loved this poster (still do!). Not sure what you're refering to in your above question?
The only dilemma is for the Liberals...they made it an issue of race, not us.
Conservative talkers are
August 18, 2009 - 10:16 ET by QueenMumConservative talkers are gloating about the fact that the creator of this poster is a liberal-leaning Palestinian. I appreciate the irony. But how can you defend the poster (other than as free political speech). I personally find the poster disrespectful. This is what I mean about a dilemma. Conservatives seemed to have embraced the sentiment of the poster without consideration of the disrespectful nature of the image. Perhaps you could untwist my thinking on this, Sven?
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
Queen
August 18, 2009 - 10:49 ET by SvenFirst let me say, I always enjoy reading your posts! You always provide thoughtful and well reasoned analysis of the issues.
OK, when this poster came out, I (along with many others) thought wow...this is a great symbolic image of who Obama is...still do! This poster was so effective, the Libs were crying "Racism!!" As usual, when they're against the ropes, they try the racism card. I'm still not sure how racism was observed from this poster? It was a Batman charater for crying out loud!
Now we find out that it was a Liberal who actually came up this this poster! Whether it was a liberal or conservative who designed this poster; does it really matter? NO! It was an effective characterization of who Obama is.
At the same time, this revelation of who the actual creator is only adds to the perfect irony! The libs made this a race issue, not us!
So, my final analysis is, the conservative scored in two ways:
1. It was a great, effective depiction of Obama. We know this by the response of the Libs.
2. This revelation proved yet once again who the real racists are.
Again, the only ones who have a dilemma here are the Left...they made race an issue, not us. They were the ones demanding to know who this was...not us! My concious is clear. I as a conservative am enjoying this on several levels ;-)
Thank you, Sven. Perhaps
August 18, 2009 - 11:20 ET by QueenMumThank you, Sven. Perhaps I'm just a bit older than you. :) What I see in this poster is black face
in reverse. An old vaudeville staple that has become racially
offensive. I guess if one doesn't consider this possibility, the Joker
image predominates. It seems that if one reads the comments of the
artist, the political statement is a bit more complex (or confused).
I think we are mostly in agreement. The MsM again stepped in their own crap and, as is their want, choose to walk away instead of picking up after themselves. Sometimes if I'm conflicted on an issue, it helps to throw out my thoughts to see if someone else can help to organize the argument. Thanks again.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
Queen, I do think I see
August 18, 2009 - 11:39 ET by SvenQueen,
I do think I see where you're coming from on this.
Thanks for the clarification on why you saw this as offensive...I hadn't thought of that.
I think we are mostly in agreement. The MsM again stepped in their own crap and, as is their want, choose to walk away instead of picking up after themselves. Sometimes if I'm conflicted on an issue, it helps to throw out my thoughts to see if someone else can help to organize the argument. Thanks again.
Queen, this is a good for reminder for me as well. Sometimes these issues aren't always Black and White (No pun intended!!) ;-)
Nice chatting with you on this topic! :-)
Sven
The problem is that the
August 18, 2009 - 12:24 ET by G. MayThe problem is that the image is clearly based on and linked directly to The Joker. One must fire up the imagination a little to connect the dots to "reverse blackface". Being very familiar with the old Vaudville/cartoon gag of blackface, that thought didn't even enter my mind until someone else made that connection.
The racism charge is simply a stretch of the imagination and any perception of disrespect is based upon this fancy.
Great point, G. May
August 18, 2009 - 13:08 ET by BarkerAnd most (if not all) 'blackface' representations have come from the left.
G. May
August 18, 2009 - 15:07 ET by SvenThe problem is that the image is clearly based on and linked directly to The Joker. One must fire up the imagination a little to connect the dots to "reverse blackface". Being very familiar with the old Vaudville/cartoon gag of blackface, that thought didn't even enter my mind until someone else made that connection.
Yes, this is why I said that I have no problems with my Conscience on this poster. It wasn't Obama's color or race that this poster was conveying, it was the content of the Jokers character, or lack thereof. I was simply trying to understand Queens misgivings about it.
I still stand by the two points I made concerning this issue:
1. It personifies Obama perfectly
2. Shows who the real racists are (Liberals)
Re Respect
August 18, 2009 - 11:34 ET by slickwillie2001Yes, the Obama Joker poster is disrespectful of the Bamster. So are 90% of the posts here, and much of the political discourse that goes on. That's the nature of politics. I see nothing wrong with showing a lack of respect for the Bamster. He's a bad President, bad for America, and I hope we can throw him out of office as soon as possible.
Now the MSM must scramlbe
August 18, 2009 - 09:25 ET by DavartNow the MSM must scramlbe to find a way to blame this on some right-wing-nut-job as the original artist doesn't fit with their anti-Obama stereotype. Can't wait to see how they spin this.
http://www.angrywhit...
The Angry White Guy Blog
Even though it was created
August 18, 2009 - 09:41 ET by Ruths husband BenEven though it was created by a lib, I still want the tee shirt. What can I say? It speaks to me.
Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read. - Groucho
Hey...
August 18, 2009 - 14:34 ET by beauxdogThis dog is enlightened... you can read... inside... can't you?
Beauxdog
Good art is good art no matter the politics of the artist.
August 18, 2009 - 10:11 ET by jawebster1This guy, a self confessed Lib, nailed Obama and many thanks to Time magazine, which ran umpteen dozen cover photos of this particular "Joker", for providing the platform and inspiration for another "Joker". Jim Webster
art is interpretive
August 18, 2009 - 10:20 ET by katainkentI'd say he lost control of his original message. Hehehe.. But oh how funny to see the MSM turn their noses away from this one - It think it will be tossed faster than three day old fish.
___________________________________________
"The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" - HR 3200 (Health Care Bill) Pg. 203. Ln 14 & 15
The real bias
August 18, 2009 - 11:06 ET by slickwillie2001The real media bias in this story is the old media's lack of interest in finding the artist. During the week that the poster went viral, you could enter 'Obama Joker' in google and find the artist's website on the first page of hits. On his webpage he discussed why he did the poster (which was back in January), and in the comments many congratulated him on his work. He responded with a posting ridiculing the media for spreading the notion that the artist was unknown and didn't want to be found. All this time he was saying 'here I am'. I believe that many old media outlets found him and ignored the story because he didn't fit their profile of the artist.
Re poster vs art, that argument is nonsense. Had someone taken any photograph of the Bamster and put 'socialist' under it, that would not have been a story. Had someone put up Obama Joker posters with no caption underneath, it would have been approximately the same story it is today.
Oh snap! The Rocky
August 18, 2009 - 13:33 ET by wiwfOh snap!
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
who, indeed?
August 18, 2009 - 13:45 ET by kono"First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
Nothing wrong with being a socialist. Trying to inflict a socialist gubm'nt on others, though.... that's entirely another story.
If that isn't evil, it's stupendously ignorant and wholly misguided.
Imagine that . .
August 18, 2009 - 13:47 ET by 1611LilacLadyA liberal Palestian (Is there any other kind?) and fellow Chicagoan.
Oh the delicious irony!
Isaiah 5:20a
Woe unto them who call evil good, and good evil. . . KJV
LL... Was one of the
August 18, 2009 - 16:59 ET by bigtimerLL...
Was one of the first things that crossed my mind as well...delicious irony indeed.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
The Joker Poster
August 18, 2009 - 16:57 ET by ahusserI never considered the poster to be racist but a very satirical and fitting poster to our imposter in chief. I recall the University of Northern Colorado's attempt to get back at all those who use American Indian stereotypes in their team names. It backfired on them as gosh dang it they sold a lot of t-shirts because white folks were proud of the recognition LOL
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
A senior history major?
August 18, 2009 - 22:53 ET by Seabeach4348So the Alka-seltzerdweeb guy is a history major? Was he comatose during every class, or did his liberal (progressive) commie professors cram 10 lbs of of the usual anti-American crap into that 5 lb capacity head of his?
Hey, Alka-seltzerdweeb, you may want to consider changing your major because you're the one who is immature and "behaving stupidly" here.
And why is it immature to call the Obozo a socialist? I mean, what ISN'T socialist about Obozo?
Let the pretending begin
August 19, 2009 - 08:46 ET by Blogger Guy00001The media will now begin to pretend that they never knew that the joker guy is a liberal. After a few months of pretending, they will be able to pin the poster on right-wing extremist mobs.