Obama Political Caricatures: Tread Lightly, Satirists

James Joyner discusses the satirical/racist interpretations of the "Obama Waffles" mix peddled by a couple of political activists:

Attendees at a Family Research Council convention were buying up “Obama Waffles” like hotcakes before organizers decided they contained images that could be deemed racist and suspended sales.

Indeed, the Associated Press wasted no time in passing judgment in its lede:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Activists at a conservative political forum snapped up boxes of waffle mix depicting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as a racial stereotype on its front and wearing Arab-like headdress on its top flap.

And it's not the first time that self-styled "satirists" have deliberately reinforced a liberal stereotype of conservatives (racist) ... and by simple conservative association, ME and YOU, dear reader. Thanks, assholes.

This is dangerous territory for conservatives, and I'd strongly advise budding comedic geniuses to tread lightly.

In fairness, Joyner does present a small sampling of the classy caricatures spewed from the Left, including some choice Condi Rice bits. But remember, by definition political correctness is not fair. The exact same tasteless sketch or photoshop created by a liberal takes on an entirely different meaning when issued by a conservative. Accept it and move on.

Wrapping up, Joyner refers to Stacy McCain making an interesting observation regarding plain ol' newspaper editorial cartoons:

Is it possible to caricature a black man without being accused of "racial stereotype"? (Note to editorial cartoonists: If Obama is elected, you'll have to endure four years of this crap.)

Answer: NO.

Investor's Business Daily already yanked Michael Ramirez's cartoon about Obama's "lipstick on a pig" moment. I actually thought this was appropriate satire when I first saw it a few days ago, given Obama's firestorm:

But now, out of its original context --- and placed next to that stupid waffle box --- I understand completely why IBD pulled it.

Given the extreme touchiness of political correctness, satirizing Obama is a tricky tar baby of a problem.

Crap. See?

UPDATE: Well, it appears the waffle guys have a fan, CNN's cranky xenophobe/protectionist Lou Dobbs.

Comments

[Brenda Rudolph]

I don`t know why I am so surprised at the underlying racial tone taken at this time in the election process. I am ashamed that there are still so many citizens who would believe these tactics. The level of frustation I feel is over the top. We all have issues but that should be important things like economy,housing crisis,continued war,and health care to name a few. We are allowing ourselves to be led done a path like cattle to the slaugther house. People please keep this issues in sight. I am a white Jewish female with more concerns than a persons racial background. This country belongs to the people who need a chance to stand back up and have housing, jobs, and healthcare. Why hasn`t Bid Laden been brought to justice. John McCain seems to know where he is and how to get him so why hasn`t something been done. Does he have to win the election in order give the country justice. At time I am ashamed that we have not come further as a people.Anyone who can restore our country to the years of prosperity should be given the oppurtunity. John McCain will do nothing to change this country. Republicans were in charge of the Senate for six years where was John McCain with all of his reforms. He is a hero in every sense of the word but he came home. What of the boys who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They are not here to participate in the historic election. What would their opinions be on McCain`s underhanded tactics. Of course he is now being assisted by George Bush`s right hand man. How are we suppose to think that McCain is separate from Bush with Rove now calling the shots. Thanks for letting me vent my frustrtion.

[wiserbud]

John McCain seems to know where he is and how to get him so why hasn`t something been done.

Let me ask you the same question, Brenda, although slightly altered.

Obama has said that he knows where Osama bin Laden is and that he has a plan to bring him to justice. How long has he had this plan and why has he allowed our brave soldiers to die in battle while he has kept this plan to himself?

Has he been holding onto this plan until he takes office, so he can take credit for the success of this plan? Sounds to me like someone who is more concerned about his own personal aggrandizement than actually doing what is right.

Seriously, if you want to make this stupid claim re: McCain, why isn't the same attempt to smear him applicable to Obama as well?

How are we suppose to think that McCain is separate from Bush with Rove now calling the shots.

Ya know, never mind. My question has been answered by this one simple statement.

You, Brenda, are a complete and total lunatic.

Good day.

[2Hotel9]

I don't see anything racial in either of these. A little help! Could the leftards throw me a bone? 'splain it to me. Or is that being "racially" insensitive?

[Baraka]

But of course this would be ok if it were michael steele or Condoleeza rice because they betrayed their race by being repulbicants

[Baraka]

Oh by the way brenda is completely unhinged