Barack Obama calls New Yorker cartoon an ‘insult against Muslim Americans’
Earlier on last month, i wrote about the state of Islamaphobia that exist in North America and specifically in the political process.
Senator Barack Obama who is currently running for the highest political office in the United States reacted to the controversial satirical cover the famous New Yorker Magazine released earlier on this month.
Here is what he had to say on CNN’s “Larry King Live” last night to discuss the controversial New Yorker cover depicting him as a Muslim and his wife Michelle as a militant.
“Well, I know it was the New Yorker’s attempt at satire,” Obama told Larry King. “I don’t think they were entirely successful with it. But you know what, it’s a cartoon, Larry, and that’s why we’ve got the First Amendment. And I think the American people are probably spending a little more time worrying about what’s happening with the banking system and the housing market, and what’s happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, than a cartoon. So I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about it.”
When King asked if he was bothered by reports that some Americans believed that he is Muslim and was raised in a Muslim home, and how he would remedy that, Obama replied:
“Well, you know, by getting on Larry King and telling everybody I’m a Christian and I wasn’t raised in a Muslim home and I pledge allegiance to the flag and, you know, all the things that have been reported in these e-mails are completely untrue and have been debunked again and again and again. So, hey, all you can do is just tell the truth and trust in the American people that, over time, they’re going to know what the truth is.”
He also stated his belief that the cover was more of an insult to Muslim Americans.
“You know, this is actually an insult against Muslim Americans, something that we don’t spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I’ve been derelict in pointing that out. You know, there are wonderful Muslim Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things. And for this to be used as sort of an insult or to raise suspicions about me I think is unfortunate. And it’s not what America is all about.”
I applaud his emphasis on the effects of the cover in demonazing American muslims. It’s a slow start in the battle against islamaphobia, but atleast there is a point of reference.
What do you think of Obama’s opinions?
July 19th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Politics is a very messy game. Yea, its correct to fight Islamophobia but I do have my doubts about Obama. I remember seeing the news about how two hijabi women were prevented to sit behind him so they won’t come in the pics taken for the TV news. Not so inclusive (sarcastic tone). Now, he comments on this cartoon. Is this some sort of “inclusion game” that is part of his political strategy or is he really sincere?
July 19th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hey arzoo,
Thats a reasonable assessment.
However i wanted to point out that it was a volunteer that made the decision not to sit the hijabi women behind the camera’s not the OBAMA campaign or its staff.
In fact the campaign apologised and released a statement highlighting that it is unexecusable.
Barack Obama also called the two ladies personally and apologized for the incident.
The fact that islampahobia s on the rise is inexcusable. We must sever this ugly cancer before it spreads. Therefore it is important that everyone is alert of such prejudice at all levels of civic engagement and not ignore it as an isolated incident.
September 15th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Aha! thanks for the feedback. Totally appreciated