They said the 2008 presidential campaign would never end. On Tuesday night America proved them wrong.
So many and massive are the challenges facing the nation, they said, Americans might keep postponing the election until they went away by themselves. But as captivating a distraction as the campaign surely was, in the end we went to the polls.
They’ve been saying a lot of things about the USA over the past few years. They’ve said Americans will borrow anything but trouble, that being the last thing still manufactured at home.
They’ve said the next president will owe his election to the American people and everything else to the Chinese government.
Maybe they’re right about that.
But the important thing is that America has turned the page. Turned the page and dog-eared the top corner so America can get back to it after the Super Bowl.
For the time to bear our burdens and squarely face our challenges will come soon enough. Now is the time for healing. Now is the time for Republicans and Democrats, Red State America and Blue State America, to acknowledge that for all our disagreements and sharp talk and occasional chatter of secession, we are all much the same.
For instance, we were all willing to reject our chosen candidate without batting an eye if he ever said anything that was too much of a downer. So they both made changing America sound pretty easy—you drill here, you tax there, you bring the army home or you stay the course. They made salvation sound as simple as getting beyond George W. Bush. Something we can all now agree is poppycock, which is why our nation enters dangerous and uncharted waters when the Great Unifier steps down as president in January.
The role of the press is to counsel, solicited or not, the nation’s leaders in times of trial. The Reader takes its duties solemnly. In fact, we found we had a special message for each potential leader, and so urgent and ardent were those messages—and phrased with no little eloquence, we’d like to think—that only the front page* would do.
With this issue, we speak our piece.
*We made an educated guess at press time Tuesday which front page should actually appear on our front page—but its companion is equally a keepsake. Download PDFs of the Obama and McCain covers.
As a youth and now an adult I'm not sure why individuals feel that making a racist comment is acceptable? Sounds like a radical and racist action to me.... Is there really a chance for HOPE in America? The melting pot that barely respect other cultures and demeans what he/she considers abnormal or wierd! A man who has hope and intergrity I support.
Is this serious?! Honestly speaking, I feel both of the covers are silly, and I'm shocked that were even released. It looks like a mockery of the both of them.
The commenters and several callers I've heard from seem to think the Reader's assuming Obama will screw up because he's black. To the contrary, we have extremely high hopes for him.
But no matter how jubilant some of us may feel about his election, the media's role isn't to cheerlead for elected officials. We serve our readers: we're observers and reporters and commentators. We were addressing Obama as the person -- not the black person -- whom we've handed an important new job and letting him know that even though we put him there, we'll be watching. Would you expect anything else?
People are overly sensitive. The Reader cover for Obama is in no way racist! They are simply saying "we have elected you to right the ship; don't screw this up."
How anyone could take that as racist is beyond me...
I think your covers are hilarious. If we lose our collective sense of humor, that's pathetic. The Obama cover echoed my feelings in that charismatic speaking is only one part of a leader's toolbox. We all need to stay involved, and keep in mind that though we elect them, they are there to represent US.
Look, the Democratic party spent more money than ANY other party in HISTORY and the Dems' support of BO is UNREPRESENTED in history... therefore they basically are letting BO know, "We got you here, now DON'T let us down!"
So if anyone misconstrues these covers as racist proves, once again, political correctness run amuck and racial over sensitivity does add to reverse racism and is worse than racism itself. So take a freakin' chill pill you who call everyone racist for just about any remark... lets not help to reverse the ONE thing Americans take most pride in as a freedom in this country, Freedom of Speech.
BTW, likewise McCain'c cover then should be construed as age discrimination, but I dont hear anyone bitchin' about that!
Get a clue over-reacting, overly sensitive left wingers!
How could we "postpone" the election? Isn't trouble the thing we export? When in the election did people reject their own candidate for saying downers? Who ever told you the role of the press is "counselor"?
These weirdly off base statements, mixed with watered-down cliches and world-weary adages, is the best the Reader can do at the most historic political moment of our lifetimes?
I'm a African-American, and I won't call your cover rasict; it's just shallow and in poor taste for the day after the election. I would have expected better from you guys.
As an African American media professional, I can say that at first glance, the Obama cover of Chicago Reader didn't really invoke much emotion from me. I see that it was meant to be funny, and to some it may be. It just didn't strike that chord with me.
What I can say is that this cover is in no way racist. I would hope that if our nation is progressive enough to elect a president who happens to be black, we are also progressive enough to understand that every commentary on his actions and/or potential is not meant to be a cheap shot taken at his background and heritage. As the headlines read, America is growing up. I hope that we as individuals can take that step forward, as well.
Chicago Reader definitely broke with the tone of other publications covering this story. And I have to admit, I don't think it was a smart move. However, to each, his own.
In 1960, Mad Magazine famously ran with two covers. One carried a portrait of JFK with congratulations and a message: "We were with you all the way, Jack!" Flip the mag over and there was Nixon: "We were with you all the way, Dick!" Granted, Mad isn't The Reader and this year's portraits were designed to have a certain measure of gravitas -- but jeez, folks... All this hypersensitivity and conspiracy-driven overthink -- if it continues -- is going to leave us even more paralyzed as a nation than we've been for the last eight years, or more. People, relax a little -- or YOU'RE going to screw this up, and we're ALL going to be, well, the worse for it. Meanwhile: I was with you all the way, BarackJohn!
This, from the Reader? My first reaction after seeing it for two seconds was "what?" Such a momentous victory after eight years of fucking torture at the hands of an imbecilic despot screams out for a cover that lauds this awesome candidate and the watershed historic moment that this is, not some lame wisecrack. And yes, it does beg the question, why exactly would he be expected to screw it up? Dumb.
You would think there would be a better, funny or not, way to celebrate the week of John Burge's arrest, Studs' Turkel's death, and progressive Chicago's victory in the election.
I am beyond disappointed that this is the approach to a president elect that your publication has chosen. Lovely that you cover your tail by showing us the McCain alternative that is equally alienating.
With any luck the person who was ultimately responsible for this decision will be unemployed shortly, as many of the general voting public currently are.
So what was the headline when Bush won the last two times?
The implication that someone of the president elect's education and caliber is not far superior that those he has preceded is fantasy. The thought should be that he would be the one least likely to screw up based upon value placed on education by mainstream society standard...ie your standard.
Be sure next time your actions reflect organized thought instead of a mindless sterotype.
There is nothing racist about the headline! The fact is that BO is also white blooded, so where's the prejudice? Many are ecstatic about his victory and that's great, but quit blaming everything on racism!
perfect title... not racist at all. when you have a job surrounded by all the stress, things tend to happen. OBAMA DONT SCREW UP OUR NATION!!! We tell that to every president!
I am a republican who voted democrat...yet again. The cartoons and the banner quotes rock. There is nothing racial said. Your paper has quoted the next first lady word for word. Looking thru your paper, i will be visiting again. thanks for being really candid and funny. The first amendment is a wonderful thing.
Do you want the entire text of President-elect Obama's Acceptance Speech on a poster, t-shirt, mug or any other assortment of items. Choose from either B&W or a color edition where the word "America" is in Blue and the Words "Yes we Can" are in Red! Yes We Can! Yes We Did! Check it all out here: http:// www. cafepress.com/gobama2009
The problem with having so many hopes vested in one man is that any failure to answer all of those hopes can be seen as a failure of the whole, and the adulation can quickly turn into rancor.
When I picked up my copy of the Reader this week, I didn't even look at the cover. When I got home, I saw it and got so angry that I went back out and put the paper back. It's not that I thought it was racist or anything, just mean, stupid, and annoying. It was one more cynical thing that I'm tired of hearing. Is Obama going to live up to many peoples' ridiculously high expectations? Probably not; no one could. But could we please not start telling believers and hopers that they're so wrong, in the first few days after the election? Let us be happy for a little while. We deserve it after the last 8 years.
Ok you can defend the Reader or you can express your disguist in it's choice of words. Yes we have freedom of speech and the paper has it's right to express itself how ever it pleases. I am not a Chicagoan I live in Houston Tx and I find this article very disturbing. I think your point was made yes your paper got some national attention but you did it disrespecting the highest office in the land. That is very unamerican and unpatriotic. Never has the President elect been disrespected a day after the election. I dont think it is racist but a poor business decision. It doesn't matter if he is black pink blue or green it matters that we unite as Americans. We can only progress and move forward through team work and not seperatism, that is exactly what the Reader has done to itself trying to be different. Let's grow up people, the fact is he is black and he is in office. There is no changing that, but he also is intelligent and open minded. I believe he will listen to the right and take into consideration there policies and recommendations. I personally feel he might even reach out to some for his administration. Lets rebuild America instead of Breaking it down.
After reading the comments. I still believe that the remark on the banner is offensive. The economy is screwed-up now; how much more can he screw things up. Sterotypically in the United States black males are labeled screw-ups and worthless which makes me think that remark was demeaning. On nightline President-Elect was asked what is your petpeeve and he responded "cruelty" Yes, we have freedom of Speech but we need to be more culture sensitive and considered in words and literature. Yes, I agree as a minority well actually a double minority I am extra sensitive! On the other hand the majority perspective is seen differently period.....
Lighten up, people. The cover is serious and it is funny and the US needs both, in equal measure. Let's balance the giddiness of hope and/or the decorous awe of the Presidency with some grounded civic realism. Great job, Reader, for being the Greek--no wait, democratic--chorus.
The people who find either one of these covers offensive are probably the same people who abstain from masturbation for fear of going blind. This isn't racist, it's not attacking anyone. It's not saying he's going to fail. I don't know what being black has anything to do with it. What is ironic is the majority of the people crying racism are white. We need to relax people. Jesus, grow a pair. The majority of people in the country and the vasy majority in Chicago voted for Barack.
We want him to succeed, but he has a hell of a responsibility. He's got a big job to do, don't screw this up.
I find it curious that things are said to/about african americans that are never even considered for the majority counterpart. Note the fear in the Obama comment, with the possibility of screwing up. Of course all McCain has to do is stay "alive" and we'll be alright. The people who can't figure out that this is offensive are undoubtedly of the majority. To further insult M. Miner states that "our nation enters dangerous and uncharted waters when the great unifier steps down in...January" What is that supposed to mean? There is a racist redneck republican down the hall that would LOVE those words!
To the "we'll be watching" comment. Was anybody watching George Bush? Did they feel they needed to? Did you see any comments to that effect? Ever? Not to my knowledge. But I have seen the "fear of" comments, I thought those would only come from the O'Reilly and Hannity crowd. I really hadn't expected it from the Reader...
I think both covers are inappropriate. What example are you guys setting for a country that is trying to make change? Both potential presidents wanted to offer something that was at least a little different from bush. We as a nation should come together and respect that and not shut it down before our future leader can even step on the White House lawn.
Jeez lighten up ,there's nothing offensive about the cover. All of us screw up, we're all humans. But since this is the big picture, aka the country's future, Barack is now holding not only the country's but the world's future in his hands, and it would be too big of a mess if he screws up. Look at what happened to George W. Bush. He screwed up. Big time. And we all needed lube after 8 years of getting screwed over.
As for McCain, if he wn the election and died during his term, we're further screwed if Sarah Palin became president.
PEOPLE! The Daily Show / Colberrr Reporrre attitude is is what has sustained us over the past 8 years. "Humor" is probably the most integral part of any "civilization" that wants to "survive" and "thrive." This President Elect is "sciency" enough to understand "humor" and "Irony"... and that's what these covers represent. PEOPLE! Now go back and reread my post, and Please imagine Chris Farley using Air Quotes where indicated.
blakeArt - you are HILARIOUS! Way to capture the true spirit of the moment. We gotta push forward folks - with urgency, but with a sense of humor and good intent for all of us.
I was born in Chicago. I grew up in Evanston. I graduated from Columbia College with a degree in film in 1994. I worked at a not-for profit that taught at-risk children in the city of Chicago how to use media tools and technology at Street-Level Youth Media. I now teach at a high school in Chicago and I am finishing a thesis for a Masters in Arts Management concentrating in business of film and broadcasting and media in general. I have always appreciated the work of the Reader. Jonathan Rosenbaum is perhaps the greatest unsung film critic. Too bad he retired.
That being said allow me to express my disgust about the implication of the caption placed under the digital rendering of Barack Obama on this week’s cover of The Reader. Forgive me if I misinterpreted the cover. Did you mean for the cover to read as if Obama was saying, "DON’T SCREW THIS UP?" Hum. Perhaps "THANK YOU" or a cheesy, antiquated "YES WE DID", or, "WE DID IT", would have sufficed.
"DON'T SCREW THIS UP". "DON'T SCREW THIS UP"? Well I’ve got one for the brilliant editors who approved the cover. GO F… YOURSELVES! Are you kidding me? Have you seen the e-mail going around about white privilege? If you had then perhaps you may understand why this cover speaks volumes to the kind of social retardation that has plagued our nation for far too long. Give it a look. http://www.redroom.com/blog/tim-wise/this-your-nation-white-privilege-updated. It reads like something that may have been in the reader.
Do not put our next President in a box. Change your attitude. This is our country and the only way Obama screws up is if we, yes you and me, do not do what we need to do as citizens of the United States of America to put our great nation back on track after the travesties that took place during the Bush administration. We do not need divisive, coded language on the cover of The Reader; a free liberal and credible publication from CHICAGO not Wasilla, Alaska.
By the way the choice for the McCain cover sucked too. And what was up with the heartless article? Do you not recognize that there is a movement going on that is bigger than you and I and Barack Obama?
If that illustration with that caption, "DON’T SCREW THIS UP" was designed to generate a negative response well congratulations. You have succeeded. The Reader could have seized the moment but you let it slip away. In fact you dropped the ball and have lost credibility as a free liberal publication. Perhaps now and should consider selling out to News Corp. so you can do the bidding for Rupert Murdoch. Yes We Can!
Many people seem to be misinterpreting the Reader's editorial comment.
This is clearly not a conservative critique of Obama, as evidenced by the dark portrait of the current state of America (who funded the bailout? oh, ya know, mainly the Chinese....). Nor would I say it is "liberal." If it were liberal, they ought to be celebrating the appointment as Chief of Staff of Rahm Emanuel, a consummate neo-liberal, Clinton insider, and former champion of NAFTA.
Rather, the Reader was reminding the public that Obama was elected as a _reformer_, and that if he continues on the path set by his presidential predecessors he will be screwing up at what the people sent him to the White House for -- serious reform; a new direction for the country.
Over the past months, I got very worked up about this election, like many others did. No doubt life under an Obama Administration will be many, many times better than under Bush. (So much for those "lesser-of-two-evils" arguments of 2000.) But I have begun to prepare myself for the disappointment that may be ahead. Certainly, the appointment of someone like Emanuel doesn't give me much hope of reform.
Dear Reader Newspaper: I've been a long time faithful reader and have never, ever questioned anyting about this paper. I am not a African American, but let me explain how your paper would read to most. "Ok N we gave you a chance, now don't make us regret it" If I were you, I would have wrote something like this " Goodbye Bush"; Then "Obama, don't let us down". See because through all the problems in the world today, no one is acknowledging how we got here, all you are focusing on is the new person you have elected. Is that fair? Gas prices, loss of houses, people losing their children daily in the war, 911, etc. Let's say goodbye to the person who caused this country the pain and agony and have high hopes for the new elected President. I hope you don't treat your new emplyoees like that. I must admit, it was a little tasteless. Regardless if he's black, white, asian, mixed with champagne and strawberries, he's put in a position to clean up a big mess.
I believe the quote "Don't screw this up" is what Michelle Obama said to Barack when he won the democratic nomination. She is such a racist, you know, especially when they're alone together, when she tells him which parts of an Oreo she likes best (the packaging).
1. Congressman Emmanuel did not volunteer or serve in the US Army but he did volunteer in Gulf War I not for the US but for the Israeli Defense Fund (IDF) (claiming only civilian volunteer) 2. Rahm Emmanuel's father was a member of Eretz a terrorist organization that killed British civilians. 3. Hope, change, being civil--is not swearing and yelling and threatening people, and stabbing knives into voodoo dolls and threatening and playing cynical politics and lying to the media.
AIPAC said they win no matter what and one of their heads had to resign. Rahm Emmanuel is arrogant and mean spirited and overly partisan. Rahm Emmanuel twisted peoples arms to vote for the Senssenbrenner Immigration bill in a cynical approach to supposedly win seats and more activity in Iran, attacking the President of Iraq, and a military neocon approach.
Rahm Emmanuel was elected becaus of the Machine, Richard Daley, Don Tomczak, and the patronage and deals in that ward including HDO. Gregg Goldsner was Rahm Emmanuels campaign manager who was an associate of Al Sanchez (now indicted) and Victor Reyes--people with drug dealers, murderers, hired trucks, and hiring being fixes.
Rahm Emmanuel is not good, he is bad and immoral, and not the politics of change and hope. Rahm Emmanuel is completely Machivellean and his only real ideology is power and maybe Zionism.
"Barack Obama did not win the presidency because white voters have discovered racial tolerance but because there just ain't enough of them any more.
43% of whites voted for Obama and 55% for McCain. A mere 34 percent of white Protestants voted for Obama, while 65 percent went with McCain. In other words, if only whites could vote, Obama would have lost in a landslide."
Bravo on 2 covers that are right on the mark as well as very funny. Who wouldn't be thinking that if McCain had been elected? BTW, someone made the comment "yes, we have Freedom of Speech but.." THAT frightens me more than a President Palin.
Now that we're several days removed from the cathartic election night, let's be a little more objective. I think we can all agree that President-elect Obama faces a laundry list of major problems for this country and the world. I admire him, but I don't envy the job he has ahead of him. The inauguration will be amazing and euphoric, but as soon as that's over, Obama wlll lead our nation into an uphill battle which will be fraught with downhill swings.
He will be scrutinized and criticized every step of the way, possibly more than any of our recent presidents because of the high hopes and enormous potential now associated with his name and image. Hell, he's had only one press conference and the critics are already stomping about his choice of Chief of Staff (an excellent choice in my opinion, Emmanuel gets stuff done) and his joke about Nancy Reagan (not smart in my opinion, even to those who are resentful of the Reagan era; Obama apologized later).
As a person of color, I just hope the race card isn't drawn every time a negative headline is typeset over a photo of him. This election was symbolic of the progress of racial issues in our country, but we can regress, too. I'd even argue we still have a ways to go. Whether I'm playing soccer on the lakefront or just walking down a street in my neighborhood, I sill hear racially degrading comments directed at me and others. These occasions are not as frequent as in the past, but it still happens.
That said, I feel the Reader covers for both Obama and McCain did not communicate the message about journalistic integrity you intended, and, therefore, failed as a concept. Kiki, you can call the illustrations "portraits" if you like, but the color and illustration style is cartoon-like and overtly simplistic, so I saw it as an attempt at humor. It just was not funny. If it was, as you claim, an attempt at political commentary, it does not say anything except perhaps that you don't have confidence in either candidate . . . and that's shallow commentary when you don't say, or even hint, at why you don't have confidence. Alison claims the covers say "we'll be watching" as serious journalists. That's a huge stretch. The covers do not communicate that without someone providing an interpretation — and even then, I don't buy it.
In his election commentary, Michael Miner says that "The Reader takes its duties solemnly." Are you serious? If you are, this cover certainly is not. This poor attempt at humor and commentary regarding this moment in American history exemplifies that The Reader still plays in the minor leagues of journalism and communication.
"I feel both of the covers are silly, and I'm shocked that were even released. It looks like a mockery of the both of them."
Have you SEEN the rest of the artists' work??? http://www.derekerdman.com
On a more serious note, I agree with the sentiment, "Don't screw up." With such high hopes and so many desperate people, disappointment would be heartbreaking. I want to believe, to maintain the hope I've found in recent months.
"even though we put him there, we'll be watching" is THE MOST RACIST PIECE OF CRAP I have ever heard. They say "its not that we are saying it cuz he's black..we would say that to ANYONE... not to screw it up and we'll be watching....
OK then you racist fuck... FIND ONE ARTICLE you people wrote where you had ANY headline on a front page ANYWHERE CLOSE to such an assumption about a president elect!!
And to say that media is NOT to cheer lead is stupid as well. ALL the SUDDEN its "cheer leading" to be pro obama... ELECTION AFTER ELECTION of white men... PAPER AFTER PAPER I has seen.. Praising people.
And AFTER they have been in office, they are Bombed. THIS BLACK MAN is captioned as "dont screw it up?"
WHY doesnt the reader, a WHITE paper, Marketed in WHITE neighborhoods, virtually INVISIBLE on the south side in all black neighborhoods, NOT take the racist road and just LOOK at history for what it is... HE IS A QUALIFIED BLACK MAN... Not just a QUALIFIED MAN..
And HE WONT SCREW UP ANY MORE THAN RONALD THE GIPPER did.
You see, BLACKS have had the dubious honor of having a good position and being JUDGED at every step like we dont know what we are doing, REGARDLESS OF EDUCATION OR BACKGROUND...
As an electrician, I see this in the union all the time. I have seen it in other jobs I have been in before becoming an electrician.
The black guy is always said to "not know what he is doing" today I work for the phone company. My black managers are disrespected by white employees Every time I bring them up in a convo. They are said to "not know what the F* they are doing" and how they were terrible in the field and thats why they had to be managers.
I see white employees in job after job, some with LITTLE experience, poised to take the lead when there are a majority minority work force.
DO YOU THINK BLACKS ARE BLIND? I have seen 19 year old whites trained to be foremen over hispanics with LICENSES and years of experience, and the crew was 90% hispanic!
There is an old joke blacks have had over years..when a person comes onto the job and looks around and asks for the manager, they assume it to be the white guy.
They will look at the black guy and say "I want to see the Manager" and he says...I Am He...there is this delay as if he is lying.. or they will say "I want to see the HEAD manager!!!!" I have seen that one a lot.
WOMEN should know where I am coming from if you work in a male dominated field. They see you and assume you are not smart.
NOW the racist reader did the same?
I REALLY thought of the reader as this free minded paper.. TILL NOW!
THEY chose the Anti black man path that every radio outlet has taken...
DONT PANDER to the white audience so much, reader. I KNOW its about the advertising.. but why do you assume that BLACKS dont want to read the paper... (I dont mean north side blacks either)
I was fgonna browse this website, but after the most important and inspiring day of black american life was INSULTED by this fucked up paper...Im done..after all those years of loving this paper though highschool(downtown) and buying it at lunch whenever i could make it into the area as an adult... I now say...FUCK your white lovin..Praise the white man, question the black man asses.
And the last thing... I KNOW you dont give a rats ass about a black man no longer reading or buying your paper because its all about the white readership for you people... And thats too bad.
The funny thing is? I actually was ON THE COVER of the reader in past. interviewed and everything. Of course I had to travel FAR NORTH for the interview.. LORD KNOWS the white fuck wouldnt come to the middle...And some white kid.. that you KNOW has ONLY black friends that sound, speak, and dress as he, interviewed me. I WAS SO HAPPY that I was on a paper I so loved over my whole life.
BUT NOW? ON THIS DAMN DAY Forward!?! FUCK this paper.
ALL of you freedom of speech idiots... Well lets see.. i have freedom of speech, and them i will MARKET that freedom of speech to MASSES of people... KILL JOHN for torturing black people in jail... ANd I am gonna print that and market it on the front page of the sun times!!!!
HEY FREEDOM OF SPEECH right? I didnt TELL ANYONE to do it.. I can say " it was a figure of speech" And How or why should I be head responsible if someone DOES kill him?
PLEASE DONT DIE... when the electionios over.. CLEALY is not an "old" shot... who cares.. the election is over.. it is a thing saying "dont go away"
HOW can I take this 300lbs guerrilla (spelled correctly) position? when you couple the statement with the obama...
And the black man...OH LORD YOU WON.. BOY...DONT SCREW UP THINGS UP cuz you know how you people are not too smart..'we'll keep an eye on you"
A thing blacks have had to listen to from whitees FOR YEARS.. and this is no different. What this media coverager and black response is doing is showing where we have been kicked in small scale for YEARS.. and now on a big scale...
AND THERE IS ALWAYS gonna be blacks that will announce themselves as "I am an african american and I feel you people are gods" by saying "I think its not racist.. just not smart" so Love me white man.. I wont get mad at your outright asshole behavior.. I would NEVER call a man racist.. THATS JUST WRONG.. so can I get a raise boss?
Well nig** lets look at your record.. you are top in everything..But your washroom breaks are long.. so no.
ALL of you freedom of speech idiots... Well lets see.. i have freedom of speech, and them i will MARKET that freedom of speech to MASSES of people... KILL JOHN for torturing black people in jail... ANd I am gonna print that and market it on the front page of the sun times!!!!
HEY FREEDOM OF SPEECH right? I didnt TELL ANYONE to do it.. I can say " it was a figure of speech" And How or why should I be head responsible if someone DOES kill him?
PLEASE DONT DIE... when the election is over.. CLEARLY is not an "old" shot... who cares.. the election is over.. it is a thing saying "dont go away"
HOW can I take this 300lbs guerrilla (spelled correctly) position? when you couple the statement with the obama...
And the black man...OH LORD YOU WON.. BOY...DONT SCREW UP THINGS UP cuz you know how you people are not too smart..'we'll keep an eye on you"
A thing blacks have had to listen to from whites FOR YEARS.. and this is no different. What this media coverage and black response is doing is showing where we have been kicked in small scale for YEARS.. and now on a big scale...
AND THERE IS ALWAYS gonna be blacks that will announce themselves as "I am an african american and I feel you people are gods" by saying "I think its not racist.. just not smart" so Love me white man.. I wont get mad at your outright asshole behavior.. I would NEVER call a man racist.. THATS JUST WRONG.. so can I get a raise boss?
Well nig** lets look at your record.. you are top in everything..But your washroom breaks are long.. so no.
I couldn't believe how negatively people took your comment on the Obama cover. I thought it was hysterical and truthfully portrayed the enormous amount of expectations on Obama's shoulders.
What really irks me is that the Reader is using the artwork of non-artist Derek Erdman, who somehow manages to lose the semblance of the face WHILE tracing it. Is it possible that an incompetent caricature, which depends on skin coloring for lack of accurately portrayed facial features is part of what made made people so mad...without even knowing it? Bad art makes me angry (obviously) on a very subconscious level...So many capable artists in this town, such a shame...
So after careful consideration, "non-artist" doesn't even seem like that terrible of a slight. Most people who call themselves "Artists" are insufferable, right? Erdman's webpage has stuff for sale that's not half as tacky as establishment/corporate/retail art selling for much more. I remain, however, convinced that there is something disconcerting about Erdman's portrait that may have triggered this rabid response. I mean, hey, maybe its not the drawing, and a super-capable, Hirschfeld-style caricature would have elicited a similarly vitriolic response (with the same banner) but somehow I dont think so...The Pop art motif somehow makes Obama look like Uncle Ben...this might be as offensive to some as Shepard Fairey's Soviet-style Obama poster is to the many, many families victimized by Stalinism (a massacre Obama considers, but Hollywood forgets)
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Tee at 3:11 PM on 11/5/2008
As a youth and now an adult I'm not sure why individuals feel that making a racist comment is acceptable? Sounds like a radical and racist action to me.... Is there really a chance for HOPE in America? The melting pot that barely respect other cultures and demeans what he/she considers abnormal or wierd! A man who has hope and intergrity I support.
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Amina at 5:01 PM on 11/5/2008
Is this serious?! Honestly speaking, I feel both of the covers are silly, and I'm shocked that were even released. It looks like a mockery of the both of them.
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Alison True at 5:15 PM on 11/5/2008
The commenters and several callers I've heard from seem to think the Reader's assuming Obama will screw up because he's black. To the contrary, we have extremely high hopes for him.
But no matter how jubilant some of us may feel about his election, the media's role isn't to cheerlead for elected officials. We serve our readers: we're observers and reporters and commentators. We were addressing Obama as the person -- not the black person -- whom we've handed an important new job and letting him know that even though we put him there, we'll be watching. Would you expect anything else?
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Holger at 8:19 PM on 11/5/2008
People are overly sensitive. The Reader cover for Obama is in no way racist! They are simply saying "we have elected you to right the ship; don't screw this up."
How anyone could take that as racist is beyond me...
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binamomma at 8:31 PM on 11/5/2008
I think your covers are hilarious. If we lose our collective sense of humor, that's pathetic. The Obama cover echoed my feelings in that charismatic speaking is only one part of a leader's toolbox. We all need to stay involved, and keep in mind that though we elect them, they are there to represent US.
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Ellsworth D. Ware, III at 5:10 AM on 11/6/2008
The President-elect Obama cover caption reminds me of the line from the first 'Lethal Weapon' movie:
'This is a tough crowd. Baby, you best not stink.'
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More comments at 9:29 AM on 11/6/2008
There are more comments about this over here: http://tinyurl.com/6auvg6
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Joey Milano at 10:13 AM on 11/6/2008
Look, the Democratic party spent more money than ANY other party in HISTORY and the Dems' support of BO is UNREPRESENTED in history... therefore they basically are letting BO know, "We got you here, now DON'T let us down!"
So if anyone misconstrues these covers as racist proves, once again, political correctness run amuck and racial over sensitivity does add to reverse racism and is worse than racism itself. So take a freakin' chill pill you who call everyone racist for just about any remark... lets not help to reverse the ONE thing Americans take most pride in as a freedom in this country, Freedom of Speech.
BTW, likewise McCain'c cover then should be construed as age discrimination, but I dont hear anyone bitchin' about that!
Get a clue over-reacting, overly sensitive left wingers!
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Isai at 11:21 AM on 11/6/2008
How could we "postpone" the election? Isn't trouble the thing we export? When in the election did people reject their own candidate for saying downers? Who ever told you the role of the press is "counselor"?
These weirdly off base statements, mixed with watered-down cliches and world-weary adages, is the best the Reader can do at the most historic political moment of our lifetimes?
In a word, lame.
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kg at 11:22 AM on 11/6/2008
I'm a African-American, and I won't call your cover rasict; it's just shallow and in poor taste for the day after the election. I would have expected better from you guys.
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bcarter at 12:05 PM on 11/6/2008
As an African American media professional, I can say that at first glance, the Obama cover of Chicago Reader didn't really invoke much emotion from me. I see that it was meant to be funny, and to some it may be. It just didn't strike that chord with me.
What I can say is that this cover is in no way racist. I would hope that if our nation is progressive enough to elect a president who happens to be black, we are also progressive enough to understand that every commentary on his actions and/or potential is not meant to be a cheap shot taken at his background and heritage. As the headlines read, America is growing up. I hope that we as individuals can take that step forward, as well.
Chicago Reader definitely broke with the tone of other publications covering this story. And I have to admit, I don't think it was a smart move. However, to each, his own.
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Alan Solomon at 1:02 PM on 11/6/2008
In 1960, Mad Magazine famously ran with two covers. One carried a portrait of JFK with congratulations and a message: "We were with you all the way, Jack!" Flip the mag over and there was Nixon: "We were with you all the way, Dick!"
Granted, Mad isn't The Reader and this year's portraits were designed to have a certain measure of gravitas -- but jeez, folks...
All this hypersensitivity and conspiracy-driven overthink -- if it continues -- is going to leave us even more paralyzed as a nation than we've been for the last eight years, or more.
People, relax a little -- or YOU'RE going to screw this up, and we're ALL going to be, well, the worse for it.
Meanwhile: I was with you all the way, BarackJohn!
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greyhound girl at 1:02 PM on 11/6/2008
This, from the Reader? My first reaction after seeing it for two seconds was "what?" Such a momentous victory after eight years of fucking torture at the hands of an imbecilic despot screams out for a cover that lauds this awesome candidate and the watershed historic moment that this is, not some lame wisecrack. And yes, it does beg the question, why exactly would he be expected to screw it up? Dumb.
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Eric Z. at 1:14 PM on 11/6/2008
You would think there would be a better, funny or not, way to celebrate the week of John Burge's arrest, Studs' Turkel's death, and progressive Chicago's victory in the election.
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Eric Z. at 1:15 PM on 11/6/2008
(I'm not Eric Zorn, btw)
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Joseph Smith at 1:18 PM on 11/6/2008
"And yes, it does beg the question, why exactly would he be expected to screw it up?"
Because he's a politician! I'm a huge Obama supporter, but I think the Reader's message is important: don't expect miracles.
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knull at 3:35 PM on 11/6/2008
I am beyond disappointed that this is the approach to a president elect that your publication has chosen. Lovely that you cover your tail by showing us the McCain alternative that is equally alienating.
With any luck the person who was ultimately responsible for this decision will be unemployed shortly, as many of the general voting public currently are.
Thank you for your optimism and forward thinking.
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Ellen Rodden at 6:20 PM on 11/6/2008
What is so "racist" about this? I believe everyone has 1st Amendment rights, which includes freedom of speech & press.
What is so "offensive" about this?
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S. Miller at 6:24 PM on 11/6/2008
So what was the headline when Bush won the last two times?
The implication that someone of the president elect's education and caliber is not far superior that those he has preceded is fantasy. The thought should be that he would be the one least likely to screw up based upon value placed on education by mainstream society standard...ie your standard.
Be sure next time your actions reflect organized thought instead of a mindless sterotype.
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Mary W. at 7:37 PM on 11/6/2008
There is nothing racist about the headline! The fact is that BO is also white blooded, so where's the prejudice? Many are ecstatic about his victory and that's great, but quit blaming everything on racism!
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rj jr at 7:50 PM on 11/6/2008
perfect title... not racist at all. when you have a job surrounded by all the stress, things tend to happen. OBAMA DONT SCREW UP OUR NATION!!! We tell that to every president!
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amm1966 at 7:59 PM on 11/6/2008
I am a republican who voted democrat...yet again. The cartoons and the banner quotes rock. There is nothing racial said. Your paper has quoted the next first lady word for word. Looking thru your paper, i will be visiting again. thanks for being really candid and funny. The first amendment is a wonderful thing.
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Luke says Gobama!! at 10:57 PM on 11/6/2008
Do you want the entire text of President-elect Obama's Acceptance Speech on a poster, t-shirt, mug or any other assortment of items. Choose from either B&W or a color edition where the word "America" is in Blue and the Words "Yes we Can" are in Red! Yes We Can! Yes We Did! Check it all out here: http:// www. cafepress.com/gobama2009
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Marshall Hagy at 12:10 AM on 11/7/2008
The problem with having so many hopes vested in one man is that any failure to answer all of those hopes can be seen as a failure of the whole, and the adulation can quickly turn into rancor.
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Mateo at 12:13 AM on 11/7/2008
These covers are CLASSIC! Obama is not a Messiah. Relax people.
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SarahSarahSarah at 5:05 AM on 11/7/2008
When I picked up my copy of the Reader this week, I didn't even look at the cover. When I got home, I saw it and got so angry that I went back out and put the paper back. It's not that I thought it was racist or anything, just mean, stupid, and annoying. It was one more cynical thing that I'm tired of hearing. Is Obama going to live up to many peoples' ridiculously high expectations? Probably not; no one could. But could we please not start telling believers and hopers that they're so wrong, in the first few days after the election? Let us be happy for a little while. We deserve it after the last 8 years.
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Notsosmart at 6:54 AM on 11/7/2008
Ok you can defend the Reader or you can express your disguist in it's choice of words. Yes we have freedom of speech and the paper has it's right to express itself how ever it pleases. I am not a Chicagoan I live in Houston Tx and I find this article very disturbing. I think your point was made yes your paper got some national attention but you did it disrespecting the highest office in the land. That is very unamerican and unpatriotic. Never has the President elect been disrespected a day after the election. I dont think it is racist but a poor business decision. It doesn't matter if he is black pink blue or green it matters that we unite as Americans. We can only progress and move forward through team work and not seperatism, that is exactly what the Reader has done to itself trying to be different. Let's grow up people, the fact is he is black and he is in office. There is no changing that, but he also is intelligent and open minded. I believe he will listen to the right and take into consideration there policies and recommendations. I personally feel he might even reach out to some for his administration. Lets rebuild America instead of Breaking it down.
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TEE at 8:58 AM on 11/7/2008
After reading the comments. I still believe that the remark on the banner is offensive. The economy is screwed-up now; how much more can he screw things up. Sterotypically in the United States black males are labeled screw-ups and worthless which makes me think that remark was demeaning. On nightline President-Elect was asked what is your petpeeve and he responded "cruelty"
Yes, we have freedom of Speech but we need to be more culture sensitive and considered in words and literature. Yes, I agree as a minority well actually a double minority I am extra sensitive! On the other hand the majority perspective is seen differently period.....
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evab at 1:25 PM on 11/7/2008
Lighten up, people. The cover is serious and it is funny and the US needs both, in equal measure. Let's balance the giddiness of hope and/or the decorous awe of the Presidency with some grounded civic realism. Great job, Reader, for being the Greek--no wait, democratic--chorus.
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jeremy at 2:00 PM on 11/7/2008
The people who find either one of these covers offensive are probably the same people who abstain from masturbation for fear of going blind.
This isn't racist, it's not attacking anyone. It's not saying he's going to fail. I don't know what being black has anything to do with it. What is ironic is the majority of the people crying racism are white. We need to relax people. Jesus, grow a pair. The majority of people in the country and the vasy majority in Chicago voted for Barack.
We want him to succeed, but he has a hell of a responsibility. He's got a big job to do, don't screw this up.
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Kenn H at 3:09 PM on 11/7/2008
I find it curious that things are said to/about african americans that are never even considered for the majority counterpart. Note the fear in the Obama comment, with the possibility of screwing up. Of course all McCain has to do is stay "alive" and we'll be alright. The people who can't figure out that this is offensive are undoubtedly of the majority. To further insult M. Miner states that "our nation enters dangerous and uncharted waters when the great unifier steps down in...January" What is that supposed to mean? There is a racist redneck republican down the hall that would LOVE those words!
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Kenn H at 3:16 PM on 11/7/2008
To the "we'll be watching" comment. Was anybody watching George Bush? Did they feel they needed to? Did you see any comments to that effect? Ever? Not to my knowledge. But I have seen the "fear of" comments, I thought those would only come from the O'Reilly and Hannity crowd. I really hadn't expected it from the Reader...
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Jarvis at 3:17 PM on 11/7/2008
I think both covers are inappropriate. What example are you guys setting for a country that is trying to make change? Both potential presidents wanted to offer something that was at least a little different from bush. We as a nation should come together and respect that and not shut it down before our future leader can even step on the White House lawn.
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Ricardo Montalban at 3:19 PM on 11/7/2008
Jeez lighten up ,there's nothing offensive about the cover. All of us screw up, we're all humans. But since this is the big picture, aka the country's future, Barack is now holding not only the country's but the world's future in his hands, and it would be too big of a mess if he screws up. Look at what happened to George W. Bush. He screwed up. Big time. And we all needed lube after 8 years of getting screwed over.
As for McCain, if he wn the election and died during his term, we're further screwed if Sarah Palin became president.
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blakeart at 4:05 PM on 11/7/2008
PEOPLE! The Daily Show / Colberrr Reporrre attitude is is what has sustained us over the past 8 years. "Humor" is probably the most integral part of any "civilization" that wants to "survive" and "thrive." This President Elect is "sciency" enough to understand "humor" and "Irony"... and that's what these covers represent. PEOPLE! Now go back and reread my post, and Please imagine Chris Farley using Air Quotes where indicated.
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dfvvvt! at 5:11 PM on 11/7/2008
blakeArt - you are HILARIOUS! Way to capture the true spirit of the moment. We gotta push forward folks - with urgency, but with a sense of humor and good intent for all of us.
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elktime at 5:55 PM on 11/7/2008
I was born in Chicago. I grew up in Evanston. I graduated from Columbia College with a degree in film in 1994. I worked at a not-for profit that taught at-risk children in the city of Chicago how to use media tools and technology at Street-Level Youth Media. I now teach at a high school in Chicago and I am finishing a thesis for a Masters in Arts Management concentrating in business of film and broadcasting and media in general. I have always appreciated the work of the Reader. Jonathan Rosenbaum is perhaps the greatest unsung film critic. Too bad he retired.
That being said allow me to express my disgust about the implication of the caption placed under the digital rendering of Barack Obama on this week’s cover of The Reader. Forgive me if I misinterpreted the cover. Did you mean for the cover to read as if Obama was saying, "DON’T SCREW THIS UP?" Hum. Perhaps "THANK YOU" or a cheesy, antiquated "YES WE DID", or, "WE DID IT", would have sufficed.
"DON'T SCREW THIS UP". "DON'T SCREW THIS UP"? Well I’ve got one for the brilliant editors who approved the cover. GO F… YOURSELVES! Are you kidding me? Have you seen the e-mail going around about white privilege? If you had then perhaps you may understand why this cover speaks volumes to the kind of social retardation that has plagued our nation for far too long. Give it a look. http://www.redroom.com/blog/tim-wise/this-your-nation-white-privilege-updated. It reads like something that may have been in the reader.
Do not put our next President in a box. Change your attitude. This is our country and the only way Obama screws up is if we, yes you and me, do not do what we need to do as citizens of the United States of America to put our great nation back on track after the travesties that took place during the Bush administration. We do not need divisive, coded language on the cover of The Reader; a free liberal and credible publication from CHICAGO not Wasilla, Alaska.
By the way the choice for the McCain cover sucked too. And what was up with the heartless article? Do you not recognize that there is a movement going on that is bigger than you and I and Barack Obama?
If that illustration with that caption, "DON’T SCREW THIS UP" was designed to generate a negative response well congratulations. You have succeeded. The Reader could have seized the moment but you let it slip away. In fact you dropped the ball and have lost credibility as a free liberal publication. Perhaps now and should consider selling out to News Corp. so you can do the bidding for Rupert Murdoch.
Yes We Can!
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Jacob at 9:56 PM on 11/7/2008
Many people seem to be misinterpreting the Reader's editorial comment.
This is clearly not a conservative critique of Obama, as evidenced by the dark portrait of the current state of America (who funded the bailout? oh, ya know, mainly the Chinese....). Nor would I say it is "liberal." If it were liberal, they ought to be celebrating the appointment as Chief of Staff of Rahm Emanuel, a consummate neo-liberal, Clinton insider, and former champion of NAFTA.
Rather, the Reader was reminding the public that Obama was elected as a _reformer_, and that if he continues on the path set by his presidential predecessors he will be screwing up at what the people sent him to the White House for -- serious reform; a new direction for the country.
Over the past months, I got very worked up about this election, like many others did. No doubt life under an Obama Administration will be many, many times better than under Bush. (So much for those "lesser-of-two-evils" arguments of 2000.) But I have begun to prepare myself for the disappointment that may be ahead. Certainly, the appointment of someone like Emanuel doesn't give me much hope of reform.
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KarenJonas at 6:47 AM on 11/8/2008
Dear Reader Newspaper:
I've been a long time faithful reader and have never, ever questioned anyting about this paper. I am not a African American, but let me explain how your paper would read to most.
"Ok N we gave you a chance, now don't make us regret it" If I were you, I would have wrote something like this " Goodbye Bush"; Then "Obama, don't let us down". See because through all the problems in the world today, no one is acknowledging how we got here, all you are focusing on is the new person you have elected. Is that fair? Gas prices, loss of houses, people losing their children daily in the war, 911, etc. Let's say goodbye to the person who caused this country the pain and agony and have high hopes for the new elected President. I hope you don't treat your new emplyoees like that.
I must admit, it was a little tasteless. Regardless if he's black, white, asian, mixed with champagne and strawberries, he's put in a position to clean up a big mess.
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Elliot at 8:23 AM on 11/8/2008
I believe the quote "Don't screw this up" is what Michelle Obama said to Barack when he won the democratic nomination. She is such a racist, you know, especially when they're alone together, when she tells him which parts of an Oreo she likes best (the packaging).
You dolts.
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Tonia at 11:28 AM on 11/8/2008
A good reminder of why I only look at the Reader for the classified ads.
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Paul at 11:33 AM on 11/8/2008
1. Congressman Emmanuel did not volunteer or serve in the US Army but he did volunteer in Gulf War I not for the US but for the Israeli Defense Fund (IDF) (claiming only civilian volunteer)
2. Rahm Emmanuel's father was a member of Eretz a terrorist organization that killed British civilians.
3. Hope, change, being civil--is not swearing and yelling and threatening people, and stabbing knives into voodoo dolls and threatening and playing cynical politics and lying to the media.
AIPAC said they win no matter what and one of their heads had to resign. Rahm Emmanuel is arrogant and mean spirited and overly partisan. Rahm Emmanuel twisted peoples arms to vote for the Senssenbrenner Immigration bill in a cynical approach to supposedly win seats and more activity in Iran, attacking the President of Iraq, and a military neocon approach.
Rahm Emmanuel was elected becaus of the Machine, Richard Daley, Don Tomczak, and the patronage and deals in that ward including HDO.
Gregg Goldsner was Rahm Emmanuels campaign manager who was an associate of Al Sanchez (now indicted) and Victor Reyes--people with drug dealers, murderers, hired trucks, and hiring being fixes.
Rahm Emmanuel is not good, he is bad and immoral, and not the politics of change and hope.
Rahm Emmanuel is completely Machivellean and his only real ideology is power and maybe Zionism.
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Bruce F at 4:28 PM on 11/8/2008
"Barack Obama did not win the presidency because white voters have discovered racial tolerance but because there just ain't enough of them any more.
43% of whites voted for Obama and 55% for McCain. A mere 34 percent of white Protestants voted for Obama, while 65 percent went with McCain. In other words, if only whites could vote, Obama would have lost in a landslide."
http://www.tinyrevolution.com/mt/archives/002685.html
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Cin at 4:35 PM on 11/8/2008
Bravo on 2 covers that are right on the mark as well as very funny. Who wouldn't be thinking that if McCain had been elected?
BTW, someone made the comment "yes, we have Freedom of Speech but.." THAT frightens me more than a President Palin.
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Cary at 9:13 PM on 11/8/2008
Now that we're several days removed from the cathartic election night, let's be a little more objective. I think we can all agree that President-elect Obama faces a laundry list of major problems for this country and the world. I admire him, but I don't envy the job he has ahead of him. The inauguration will be amazing and euphoric, but as soon as that's over, Obama wlll lead our nation into an uphill battle which will be fraught with downhill swings.
He will be scrutinized and criticized every step of the way, possibly more than any of our recent presidents because of the high hopes and enormous potential now associated with his name and image. Hell, he's had only one press conference and the critics are already stomping about his choice of Chief of Staff (an excellent choice in my opinion, Emmanuel gets stuff done) and his joke about Nancy Reagan (not smart in my opinion, even to those who are resentful of the Reagan era; Obama apologized later).
As a person of color, I just hope the race card isn't drawn every time a negative headline is typeset over a photo of him. This election was symbolic of the progress of racial issues in our country, but we can regress, too. I'd even argue we still have a ways to go. Whether I'm playing soccer on the lakefront or just walking down a street in my neighborhood, I sill hear racially degrading comments directed at me and others. These occasions are not as frequent as in the past, but it still happens.
That said, I feel the Reader covers for both Obama and McCain did not communicate the message about journalistic integrity you intended, and, therefore, failed as a concept. Kiki, you can call the illustrations "portraits" if you like, but the color and illustration style is cartoon-like and overtly simplistic, so I saw it as an attempt at humor. It just was not funny. If it was, as you claim, an attempt at political commentary, it does not say anything except perhaps that you don't have confidence in either candidate . . . and that's shallow commentary when you don't say, or even hint, at why you don't have confidence. Alison claims the covers say "we'll be watching" as serious journalists. That's a huge stretch. The covers do not communicate that without someone providing an interpretation — and even then, I don't buy it.
In his election commentary, Michael Miner says that "The Reader takes its duties solemnly." Are you serious? If you are, this cover certainly is not. This poor attempt at humor and commentary regarding this moment in American history exemplifies that The Reader still plays in the minor leagues of journalism and communication.
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Kate at 12:11 AM on 11/9/2008
These covers are a perfect mirror for our anxious age. Great job, guys. Don't listen to the peanut gallery.
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Alana at 8:57 AM on 11/9/2008
"I feel both of the covers are silly, and I'm shocked that were even released. It looks like a mockery of the both of them."
Have you SEEN the rest of the artists' work???
http://www.derekerdman.com
On a more serious note, I agree with the sentiment, "Don't screw up." With such high hopes and so many desperate people, disappointment would be heartbreaking. I want to believe, to maintain the hope I've found in recent months.
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Koji at 12:05 PM on 11/9/2008
I loved both covers. Well done.
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rod at 6:37 AM on 11/10/2008
"even though we put him there, we'll be watching" is THE MOST RACIST PIECE OF CRAP I have ever heard. They say "its not that we are saying it cuz he's black..we would say that to ANYONE... not to screw it up and we'll be watching....
OK then you racist fuck... FIND ONE ARTICLE you people wrote where you had ANY headline on a front page ANYWHERE CLOSE to such an assumption about a president elect!!
And to say that media is NOT to cheer lead is stupid as well. ALL the SUDDEN its "cheer leading" to be pro obama... ELECTION AFTER ELECTION of white men... PAPER AFTER PAPER I has seen.. Praising people.
And AFTER they have been in office, they are Bombed. THIS BLACK MAN is captioned as "dont screw it up?"
WHY doesnt the reader, a WHITE paper, Marketed in WHITE neighborhoods, virtually INVISIBLE on the south side in all black neighborhoods, NOT take the racist road and just LOOK at history for what it is... HE IS A QUALIFIED BLACK MAN... Not just a QUALIFIED MAN..
And HE WONT SCREW UP ANY MORE THAN RONALD THE GIPPER did.
You see, BLACKS have had the dubious honor of having a good position and being JUDGED at every step like we dont know what we are doing, REGARDLESS OF EDUCATION OR BACKGROUND...
As an electrician, I see this in the union all the time. I have seen it in other jobs I have been in before becoming an electrician.
The black guy is always said to "not know what he is doing" today I work for the phone company. My black managers are disrespected by white employees Every time I bring them up in a convo. They are said to "not know what the F* they are doing" and how they were terrible in the field and thats why they had to be managers.
I see white employees in job after job, some with LITTLE experience, poised to take the lead when there are a majority minority work force.
DO YOU THINK BLACKS ARE BLIND? I have seen 19 year old whites trained to be foremen over hispanics with LICENSES and years of experience, and the crew was 90% hispanic!
There is an old joke blacks have had over years..when a person comes onto the job and looks around and asks for the manager, they assume it to be the white guy.
They will look at the black guy and say "I want to see the Manager" and he says...I Am He...there is this delay as if he is lying.. or they will say "I want to see the HEAD manager!!!!" I have seen that one a lot.
WOMEN should know where I am coming from if you work in a male dominated field. They see you and assume you are not smart.
NOW the racist reader did the same?
I REALLY thought of the reader as this free minded paper.. TILL NOW!
THEY chose the Anti black man path that every radio outlet has taken...
DONT PANDER to the white audience so much, reader.
I KNOW its about the advertising.. but why do you assume that BLACKS dont want to read the paper... (I dont mean north side blacks either)
I was fgonna browse this website, but after the most important and inspiring day of black american life was INSULTED by this fucked up paper...Im done..after all those years of loving this paper though highschool(downtown) and buying it at lunch whenever i could make it into the area as an adult... I now say...FUCK your white lovin..Praise the white man, question the black man asses.
And the last thing... I KNOW you dont give a rats ass about a black man no longer reading or buying your paper because its all about the white readership for you people... And thats too bad.
The funny thing is? I actually was ON THE COVER of the reader in past. interviewed and everything. Of course I had to travel FAR NORTH for the interview.. LORD KNOWS the white fuck wouldnt come to the middle...And some white kid.. that you KNOW has ONLY black friends that sound, speak, and dress as he, interviewed me. I WAS SO HAPPY that I was on a paper I so loved over my whole life.
BUT NOW? ON THIS DAMN DAY Forward!?! FUCK this paper.
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rod at 6:50 AM on 11/10/2008
ALL of you freedom of speech idiots... Well lets see.. i have freedom of speech, and them i will MARKET that freedom of speech to MASSES of people... KILL JOHN for torturing black people in jail... ANd I am gonna print that and market it on the front page of the sun times!!!!
HEY FREEDOM OF SPEECH right? I didnt TELL ANYONE to do it.. I can say " it was a figure of speech" And How or why should I be head responsible if someone DOES kill him?
PLEASE DONT DIE... when the electionios over.. CLEALY is not an "old" shot... who cares.. the election is over.. it is a thing saying "dont go away"
HOW can I take this 300lbs guerrilla
(spelled correctly) position? when you couple the statement with the obama...
And the black man...OH LORD YOU WON.. BOY...DONT SCREW UP THINGS UP cuz you know how you people are not too smart..'we'll keep an eye on you"
A thing blacks have had to listen to from whitees FOR YEARS.. and this is no different.
What this media coverager and black response is doing is showing where we have been kicked in small scale for YEARS.. and now on a big scale...
AND THERE IS ALWAYS gonna be blacks that will announce themselves as "I am an african american and I feel you people are gods" by saying "I think its not racist.. just not smart" so Love me white man.. I wont get mad at your outright asshole behavior.. I would NEVER call a man racist.. THATS JUST WRONG.. so can I get a raise boss?
Well nig** lets look at your record.. you are top in everything..But your washroom breaks are long.. so no.
lol
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mike23 at 6:54 AM on 11/10/2008
ALL of you freedom of speech idiots... Well lets see.. i have freedom of speech, and them i will MARKET that freedom of speech to MASSES of people... KILL JOHN for torturing black people in jail... ANd I am gonna print that and market it on the front page of the sun times!!!!
HEY FREEDOM OF SPEECH right? I didnt TELL ANYONE to do it.. I can say " it was a figure of speech" And How or why should I be head responsible if someone DOES kill him?
PLEASE DONT DIE... when the election is over.. CLEARLY is not an "old" shot... who cares.. the election is over.. it is a thing saying "dont go away"
HOW can I take this 300lbs guerrilla
(spelled correctly) position? when you couple the statement with the obama...
And the black man...OH LORD YOU WON.. BOY...DONT SCREW UP THINGS UP cuz you know how you people are not too smart..'we'll keep an eye on you"
A thing blacks have had to listen to from whites FOR YEARS.. and this is no different.
What this media coverage and black response is doing is showing where we have been kicked in small scale for YEARS.. and now on a big scale...
AND THERE IS ALWAYS gonna be blacks that will announce themselves as "I am an african american and I feel you people are gods" by saying "I think its not racist.. just not smart" so Love me white man.. I wont get mad at your outright asshole behavior.. I would NEVER call a man racist.. THATS JUST WRONG.. so can I get a raise boss?
Well nig** lets look at your record.. you are top in everything..But your washroom breaks are long.. so no.
lol
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yomama at 1:14 PM on 11/10/2008
whats left to screw up?
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Liz at 1:59 PM on 11/13/2008
I couldn't believe how negatively people took your comment on the Obama cover. I thought it was hysterical and truthfully portrayed the enormous amount of expectations on Obama's shoulders.
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Kandero at 2:45 PM on 11/13/2008
What really irks me is that the Reader is using the artwork of non-artist Derek Erdman, who somehow manages to lose the semblance of the face WHILE tracing it. Is it possible that an incompetent caricature, which depends on skin coloring for lack of accurately portrayed facial features is part of what made made people so mad...without even knowing it? Bad art makes me angry (obviously) on a very subconscious level...So many capable artists in this town, such a shame...
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Derek Erdman at 11:34 PM on 11/16/2008
OH MAN, awesome!
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Kandero at 11:27 PM on 11/19/2008
So after careful consideration, "non-artist" doesn't even seem like that terrible of a slight. Most people who call themselves "Artists" are insufferable, right? Erdman's webpage has stuff for sale that's not half as tacky as establishment/corporate/retail art selling for much more. I remain, however, convinced that there is something disconcerting about Erdman's portrait that may have triggered this rabid response. I mean, hey, maybe its not the drawing, and a super-capable, Hirschfeld-style caricature would have elicited a similarly vitriolic response (with the same banner) but somehow I dont think so...The Pop art motif somehow makes Obama look like Uncle Ben...this might be as offensive to some as Shepard Fairey's Soviet-style Obama poster is to the many, many families victimized by Stalinism (a massacre Obama considers, but Hollywood forgets)
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Derek Erdman at 1:00 AM on 11/22/2008
This is unfortunately not as awesome as the other comment.
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