According to CNN.com today, Google Search Engine offended first lady Michelle Obama with a specific image result that was deemed racist in nature. Browsing the internet to find this picture, I found it on HuffingtonPost.com.
Basic deductive skills would tell me that it is the first image result. First Lady as an Ape.
Apparently, Michelle Obama is morphed as an ape, and this is considered as being offensive.
Closer View
Further reading of the CNN article, Racist Obama image shines light on Web searching, Doug Gross claims
Google placed an ad near the image, apologizing for its offensive nature.
Google spokesman, Scott Rubin tells CNN that
We have a bias toward free expression,” he continues “That means that some ugly things will show up.
Interesting really, Google did apologize, but also that free expression is a right that American citizens do have and something like this should be dismissed simply because offensive images like these happen all the time on the internet especially for celebrities and politicians.
Using the Google Image Search I found Rosie O’Donnell and John McCain that can very well be offensive.
Rosie O'Donnell
John McCain
So offensive pictures like these do come about.
Rubin does illustrate briefly how top search images do earn their way to the search results.
The popularity of a Web site, the number of times a certain page has been viewed, the number of people who have linked to a page from their own pages — all weigh heavily in the automated decision-making process triggered each time a user clicks “search.
Even though Rosie O’Donnell or John McCain may not be as popular for search results, however I wonder how and why this picture of Michelle Obama even came to be.
For better or worse, the image was removed from the search results, but Gross does claim that
Google eventually removed the page on which it first appeared — but, according to Google, because the page potentially contained malicious software that could harm the computer of anyone who visited it.
So instead of removing the result because it offended people, it was removed because of technical harm that it might do to visitors. Hmmm, very compelling.
I assume that this story shows the seriousness of illustrating people as animals. I am not an expert at computer imaging or picture editing, however I think the image does fall under freedom of expression, and when someone enters a world where media and images are constantly critical, then people should be aware of the consequences of standing in the limelight.
Like this:
Tags: College, Facebook, Life, source, Talk Show Host, Twitter, view, world
Way to propel the image back to the top.
Props, bernie. Some people don’t understand the sheer volume of offensive material that is present on the internet. Furthermore, they seem to overlook the fact that every time they click the link for your blog, it ranks that image of Mrs. Obama even higher on Google. I applaud you hosting it here, and hope you don’t remove it, as it serves an important reminder to anyone who uses the internet and is easily offended:
The only way to beat offensive material on the internet is to IGNORE IT.
Stay Classy.
This is mean and offensive to who ever published it. Michelle Obama never did anyting to them. African Americans have been called monkeys since the slave age so who published this needs to get out of the Stonge Age because most black people have.
I agree with you, Michelle Obama never did anything to the creator of that image, or we can assume so. Thank you for your input and opinions.
A revival of right wing reactionary politics is coming soon to a planet near you. We are now looking at a post-racist world. The new guiding posts are the old guiding posts of tradition and custom, hierarchy and organic unity, agrarianism, classicism and high culture, patriotism, localism, and regionalism. It’s time for an end to multiculturalism and the beginning of a multiracial world where we all get along. Bush is a monkey, Obama is a monkey, who gives a damn. It’s called criticism, satire, and mockery and in western countries we love free speech and we love making fun of politicians. Long may that tradition continue. God bless the Western World and God bless Planet Earth.
Well said Gwandoya!
for saying that this “the image does fall under freedom of expression”.
You are also an incoherent moron and a retard for posting it once again and babbling about it on your pathetic and lame piece of sh!t blog nobody cares about!
So why don’t you do us all a favor and go PHUK yourself, effing racist!!!
P.S. You lame arse will NEVER be anything even remotely close to the show talk host, LMAO!
Apparently, I am going to be a Talk Show Host.
I am not at all incoherent because I am obviously able to read and write and understand complete sentences.
The image is of course a type of creative expression that someone created. However, I am not that person so I do not know the actual intent of the image. I simply posted it on my Blog obviously to inform people of the image and to motivate people to be educated and aware of such things like this image.
I agree the image is wrong, but it can be seen as a form of expression.
I do not think the language was appropriate, but I approved your comments simply because there is the ugly in the world and I am not ashamed to reveal it. Now what on Earth do I mean by ugly, well obviously the tone at which your comments are giving off is rather angry and forceful. So being angry and forceful is ugly in my sense of understanding good and bad.
I hate to burst your bubble, but I am not racist. I posted this because it was of interest to see all the ‘hype’ about such a picture when there are other images that portray a similar offensiveness, but there is hardly no rage over these images is there?
Now to critique the “…close to the show talk host, LMAO”
Well it is Talk Show Host not “show talk host”
I want to be honest, I am amused by the “LMAO”, I do not get the vibe that you at all are a professional comedian. But I do not know for sure, so more power to ya for a laugh here and there.
Okay well I said my peace. Thank you for being an example of how not to handle a Blog post comment over the internet.
and now you can “moderate” read delete my post! So much for “freedom of expression”! Let me show you my “freedom of expression”- PHUK YOU!
Refer to Longer Response of original comment.
OMG the Michelle Obama thing is soooo mean!!!!!!!!!!! even if you don’t like her thats so rude what if it was your wife or daughter??? think about that!!!
Wow, it seems as though this post is really hitting a nerve with a lot of people. Like the old saying goes, “Don’t Shoot the Messenger”.
Fuck you
See this is the immaturity.
Another reason for racists to justify their hatred towards blacks. “It’s just art.” Google should also be held responsable for allowing the picture to run. Has any other first lady been made fun of in such a hurtful manner? I will be using Bing from now on and encourage others to join me in boycotting Google! There is a difference in comedy, and cruelty. I would think a college kid would have the wisdom to know the difference. I can’t believe you are a father. I try to teach my children to embrace our differences, and that people have feelings, it is how we make others feel and what we do with the power we are given thats makes a difference in the world, either for the better or not. Your teaching your child that black people are monkeys, grow up. Your gonna need help from someone of another ethnicity one day, I hope they show you more respect!
Hmm, Bing is a new search engine. I like their photos that they show.
Well, I do not know if you are talking to me (Bernard), but if so then I would like you to know that I am not a father. i kinda chuckled that this perception is going around.
Second, I like to note that I do know the difference obviously between comedy and cruelty. I stated many times the picture is wrong but in the end it does fall under freedom of expression.
Expressing oneself is a gift then again people use it to offend others. But we are given the freedom to do so.
So whats the problem?
I think it is best if you read the articles and then personally thought out why this would be a problem or a concern.
People are getting way to uptight about things now-a-days. Its ok to post pictures of President Bush as a chimp, but Mrs. Obama? It really is amazing how anyone cause claim anything is offensive, but who really cares? I get offended by democrats… Just because of that we need to get rid of them, right? I think if someone doesn’t like something else or what someone has to say just don’t look or just don’t listen. That simple really, go 1st amendment!
I completely agree that this picture is protected under freedom of expression and I personally don’t care one way or another about it. If you wanna say it I say “say it.”
However, I am wondering if the only reason you reposted the picture is because it is controversial and as a direct result you’re making yourself famous. I mean your website must be receiving far more hits since the posting….especially now that Yahoo is now running this story on the front page of their website.
Anyhow, thanks for letting me share and for keeping me occupied for fifteen minutes as my web surfing was getting boring. God bless America and God bless all of our freedoms.
It reads like an opportune post hastily written just to garner traffic for the blog involving a topic in the news that would invariably guarantee traffic. Did like the addition of the Rosie O’Donnell and John McCain’s pics though. Showed that at least some work was done in this distasteful attempt to get some cheap publicity of an issue that might have greater reverberations in the times to come.
From Yahoo.com
“the image was eventually withdrawn by Hot Girls , a blog on which it was appearing.
Google had actually withdrawn the image from a previous website but only because the site was spreading malicious software.
A Google spokesman warned when the picture was removed by Hot Girls that the image could reappear in its listings if another blog posted it.
This has occurred with the picture now sourced to a blog purportedly written by an American college student and aspiring talk show host called Bernard Charles.
Writing as bernieluvsellen, the blogger said he believed the image should be protected under “freedom of expression”. It was unclear whether he was aware that he had propelled it back to the top of Google’s image search. ”
You have no shame using this controversy to gain popularity with your blog and trying to talk your way out of looking like a total pig, just apologize and take it down because Yahoo.com has officially labeled you as the one who is to blame for it resurfacing. You are defending and supporting the person who originally created it indirectly by posting it again and making it the #1 image, Again, and you attempt to blow it off by labeling everyones angry responses with you as immature, but in reality you come off as a pig and a racist for trying to use this as free publicity. To that I say good job asshole! Now take it down and get off your pedestal because your looking more and more like a total douche Seriously!! Yahoo.com has you on their front page making you look stupid! Take a hint you are only hurting yourself here by trying to make this a topic of discussion. You try to make it seem ok by posting other images of celebrities but you are failing miserably trying to convince anyone that this is not racist, and making yourself look totally stupid. Just apologize, take it down, and stop the bleeding, because no one gives a damn about this freedom bullshit you are preaching, who are you trying to impress?
The stench of your ego reeks off your blog, you cant even see how your hurting your image by not apologizing, don’t bother replying because I will not read it, I don’t associate with anyone who defends racism in anyway. Good Day
It is pathetic and shows the gutter mind of White conservatives. And about, the talk show hosts, these are human beings without mind. They just talk, talk and talk and thinks they are they God’s messenger on earth to talk. May God bless them with a lot more talk and us with a thick skin to bear with them.
People do have minds since they have a brain in the head.
Unless those who object to this picture of Obama spend equal time complaining about pictures depicting Mr. Bush as a monkey, one can only conclude that they are racists who object to white folk.
Public figures have always been depicted in this way by their detractors.
You must open your mind to know what is the difference. It is the blacks who for centuries have been depicted as monkeys to prop up the motivated campaign that they needs to be under white supremacy. No white has gone through such name calling resulting in physical, psychological, social, economical and political hardship among the said community. Bush and his ancestors are the propagator of theses inhuman thought process. So, by putting a monkey face on Bush during a anti-war demonstration is not going to reverse the history behind racial discrimination. You got hurt by the depiction of Bush as a monkey, but have you ever thought the trauma of thousands of you country men who were justified of being called “Monkey” for no reason but their birth.
You choose to have the power of “moderation” over all comments left on your site. You have purposely and willingly curbed your precious “Freedom of Expression” where it might negatively affect you, or the world’s perception of you. I can’t believe you fail to see the hypocrisy of crying about people lobbying Google to remove a clearly offensive image, when you yourself post a public blog but rule that not all posts can be shown.
The internet sheds light on all kinds of evil and unplesantness that might otherwise have remained hidden to all but the very few who choose to be involved. I can clearly remember how shocked I was the first time I read a You Tube comments thread; the hatred and bigotry horrified me, and I was sure that such a popular site would soon control and moderate their comments.
I genuinely fear for the minds of our children, and wonder how far we will go before all the people who claim total Freedom of Expression to be the most integral part of the human experience, back down and realise that, in fact, protecting the growth, ideas and personalities of the most vulnerable in our society with sensible regulation, is far far more important than being able to post racist imagery in a public forum.
I agree with gomonkeys!
If it was OK for Bush to be portrayed as a chimp, but not Mrs Obama then there’s something wrong.
It’s as if you’re saying that being likened to a monkey is more offensive to one than another, when it’s clearly not the case.
Neither of them are monkeys, except in the loosest possible evolutionary sense that we all share distant ancestors with apes.
So why does one race get more offended about it than another?
Now THAT’S racism, folks.
Steve, are you retarded or something? OF COURSE portraying Mrs Obama as a monkey is much more offensive to the public consciousness than portraying George Bush as one.
What bubble are you living in? Idiot!!
Fuck you, I hope you never make it as a talk show host.
White people are racists, they need education and civilization. If they dominates, it is only because of their vicious acts and attitudes. They don’t hesitate to loot and exploit, if you examine history through ages till present you can learn that.
Not all white people are racist. I am not. I have education and I do say that my residence is pretty civilized.
Sorry to break it to you friend. But you are racist.
You may not believe or want to admit it. You may shout at the top of your lungs that you are not. You may even have dozens of ‘black friends’. But dude, your actions speak louder than your words.
If that label bothers you then if I where you, I’ll do a little soul searching. If it doesn’t bother you, then just carry on… being racist.
If Pope or Moses Maimonides is depicted in a porn theme,will it also fall under freedom of expression.
I would think so. Even though they are religious figures. They too at the core are human beings. So porn can be symbolic in nature to show temptation, or glamorization of maybe what they do or how they come across. It is pretty wrong to depict people of their stature in a “porn theme”, but if the artist makes it very clear of the intent then freedom of expression can be justified.
What is a freedom of expression?To what extent we can exercise that in present world where man has learnt to create conflict but dos not know how to resolve it. Can freedom of expression takes the place of human dignity? Shouldn’t we draw a line where freedom of expression does not do any good to solve any societal problem? Can’t we know which freedom of expression is proactive or provocative? If freedom of expression is that free of boundary, then world should not cry foul when Bin laden takes another plane into USA, a backpacker goes for a heavenly ride in tunnel in UK or some LET morons play the holi of blood on the street of Mumbai. For these filths, these acts are also a freedom of expression. The mindless act in protecting non-sense freedom of expression, have nurtured many other forms of freedom of expression which we call violence or terrorism.
One friend, photography student, showed me a picture of a starving child in Ethopia while a vulture waits for its turn and then asked me to appreciate the photographer for his/her strong ethics in photography. This civilized world has awarded the photographer for his/her professionalism, then how can you expect a journalist (Media professional and aspiring talk show host) to betray his/her profession. All is fair in Love, War and Professional Freedom of Expression. Jay Ho….
It is highly disgracing…such offenders should be punished
Poking fun at our leaders with satire is a longstanding tradition.
Why no fuss when Bush was portrayed as a Monkey?
Do you think Hilary would not have got the same treatment?
i dont know why they bothered with the morphing? surely a normal picture would do as well.
Is that really her ACTUAL passport pic ??
its so early in the morning for this. i was clicking around trying to find out why iron chef was at the white house. and why she was unveiling the secret ingredient. i thought she’d be a working first lady like hilary. i thought she’d become embroiled in bills and laws and learn the craft. but she’s really embraced the camelot experience. she’s so intelligent, i really wish she had a real job. not these fake first lady appearances etc., magazine covers and such. pour laura bush was never on the cover of a fashion magazine. the first ladies should have jobs.
regarding showing her as a monkey due to her features, versus showing bush as a monkey due to his percieved intelligence level. if i were her it would sting a little. then id call the graphic artist or the person who posted it and and visit them, find out how their living. me and the secret service. we’d go for a ‘chat’ and ‘tea’.
We need to think about our rights and the freedom we still have these days. Once we allow ourselves to be governed by narrow minded people who cannot see beyond satire or comments they may not agree with we will begin to have a society governed by those who are more than willing to take away many more of our freedoms we take for granted. Lighten up folks. If you don’t like this site fine, but don’t deny it’s rights of open exspression.
Shut Up Rita!
Bernard, you’re pathetic. You operate at the lowest levels. The pity is, you’re a total jerk and don’t even know it.
Hmmm, although I agree that this can be seen as a racist insult to the first Lady. I dont see how this was different from the Danish journalists right to portray the prophet as a terrorist – surely that is just as racist?
And at that time all calls to remove the image were ignored based on this whole ‘freedom of expression’ the West prides itself in.
Personally, it shouldnt offend anyone with the slight bit of wit around them… its a bad morph and ridiculous picture!
First Lady is above that – simple.
Hey bernieluvsellen,
I see your racist friends have finally arrived at the site. I bet you were asking, what took you guys so long.
Great going dude. Promoting racism on your blog under the guise of F.O.E. That is sooo last decade.
And yes, I know, I know – you not a racist. Well of course you’re not. Out of all the controversies online, you choose to promote the one that is the most under-handedly racist. You just couldn’t help yourself right?!
Well, you’ve got the publicity now. You know what they say, all publicity is good publicity.
Spontay, I would just like to say that you are being absolutely ridiculous. The purpose of this post I’m sure was not to promote racism, if it was then he would be expressing his racist views instead of just simply explaining the situation.
So many other people have been displayed as monkeys and other animals as well as had features exageratted to poke fun at their race or apperance or religion. Everybody has some form of prejudice put towards them, we just ignore it and move on with our lives. Simple as that, we need not dwell on stupid pictures like this.
Hello?
Well, I didn’t ask for anyone to arrive.
Hello, wake up..You are not posting pics on your bathroom door, you are doing it in a public forum…
Hi, I am up LOL. No I am not posting pictures on my bathroom door. I am doing it on the Blog.
The fact that people have got all hyped out on this picture is rather annoying. You can do a google search on any major celebrity and find some image that some person out there made which expresses their views towards the person. It doesn’t matter if they are black, white, mexican, jewish, christian, or anything else. There are always going to be people out there who dislike them, we live in an imperfect world. Get over it, people!
Racism, sexism, just plain prejudice is out there in the world and people just have to realize that it is not going to go away no matter what we attempt to do (unless of course we do as certain behavorist psychologists would like us to do and essentially manipulate the mind so that there is only good but that’s beside the point).
Either way I think that it is good that you posted this and the angry comments can only make you stronger. Like he said, people, don’t shoot the messenger, the purpose of this post was obviously to discuss opinions over the controversy not to attack him and tell him he’ll never become a talk show host, you people are just adding more hate to a world already consumed by it.
Horrible pic !!!!
It is.
I think the photo is offensive and racist – but that doesn’t mean it should be censored and hidden. It’s not as if it’s breaking the law in the country where it’s published (I take it this site is hosted in the USA) and it isn’t where I’m writing from (the UK – it’s not inciting racial hatred, and people are allowed to be racist here if they want to be).
The same reason that this image should come up on Google Images if you search for it is the same reason that people should be allowed to criticise the person who made it, and Bernard himself for re-publishing it – and be racist towards them and him if you want to. The reason that his right to post this on his blog is the same reason that Daria should be allowed to respond to it by saying “Fuck you, I hope you never make it as a talk show host.” – freedom of expression!
Just because it’s Michelle Obama doesn’t mean everyone who likes her should be sheltered and protected from seeing or becoming aware of criticism of her. That said, I’m a believer in not giving racists and bigots a boosted platform to put forward their potentially harmful views – but I don’t think that’s what Bernard has done by republishing it.
I don’t think we shouldn’t be making fun of any of our world leaders in this manner, not Bush, Obama, or McCain. We can’t even begin to justfy such cruelty under freedom of expression. If a human goes into a public place and stabs another person should we just except such an action as “freedom of expression?” You should have the wisdom to know when you have taken the great freedoms we have in this country too far. There will always be someone who takes things too far, you know like the Klan, and Hitler. Why don’t you use your talk show to do something good in the world instead of spreading hurt. Would you like your family members made fun of in this way? Have you ever heard of the golden rule, that says you should treat others the way you would want to be treated? Or are you just a mean spirited person?
We should not be making fun of world leaders in this manner. So, that is why this image should be used as a tool to set an example. An example of expression, but also it can be seen as an example of offensiveness.
HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
michelle obama is COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hehe, about Mrs. Obama and Your blog in the Czech webzine:
http://www.novinky.cz/internet-a-pc/188290-opici-montaz-obamove-pres-omluvy-googlu-znovu-vevodi-vyhledavaci-obrazku.html
do u realise this image is the first thing you see when you type ” michelle obama” into google? Plus i think the picture is pretty scary.
Yes. Now, why is that? Out of all the other pictures why this image? Hmmm….don’t you think Google has some explaining to do. Is it because there is a lot of hits, maybe, or it could very well be that the image is set some how to show. I do not know the logistics. We should be wondering how we can get images to show in top results. I know there are seminars that teach people how to make their images/products show in the top results, but I did not take a class or seminar about this, so I do not know how this came to be. Every search engine works differently.
“I do not know the actual intent of the image. ”
Yeah, I can’t imagine what the intent could possibly have been….
I personally know Bernie, so for all of you who are calling him racist, he is in fact not even close to that. In reality his best friend is black. I agree with Bernie that this is wrong but at the same time it is freedom of expression. No one brought up Bushes cause he was an idiot. But all of the world leaders get made fun of in some way. Everyone is hype over nothing. He is expressing that he believes it was wrong for this case to be treated differantly than all the other pokes at leaders. And to you Bernie, I wish you the best of luck becoming a talk show host and I know you can do it.
This is a surprise. A very nice one. I appreciate the support. Ugh, people assume things and then it gets out of hand.
Being Black and an individual that believes in creationism I have no problem with the pic and I guess most blacks would’nt.
Nevertheless Bernie, ‘Media Studies 101′ should have educated you that freedom of expression comes with a sense of responsibility. I’m quite concerned about what a young impressionable person might believe.
Furthermore Folks we certainly know what the creator of this picture was trying to depict, FOE as Bernie teaches it gives us all the freedom to call the first lady of the USA a chimp.
And I bet you call yourself a Christian as well don’t you? Ask yourself: “Is this the act of a good Christian person? Would Jesus have done something like this?” I think not.
It is obscene and an insult to Michelle Obama. You should apologise and remove this offensive image immediately.
I think it would be the act of Christians everywhere to set an example of what is offensive and what isn’t. This picture is indeed offensive. It is offending quite a bit people. Jesus used parables to convey his messages and I am using this blog to convey my message. Citizens have the right to freedom of expression. So anyone can initially get out a paint set and paint Michelle Obama has a monkey. The power of creativity and the power of expression go hand in hand.
I do not support racism, but I do support some area of equality. There are many other pictures of other people as I noted in my post that are offensive in nature. My point is to say hey these images are out there and that is how people express themselves. It is not right based on your morals, but people do it anyway. There will always be bad in the world to know the good.
sad…..really that the pwoplw in America can belittle blacks like this!
The picture is absolutely repugnant.
I am struggling to understand the motivation behind the blog. All you seem to be saying is that people who live in a democracy are free to express their views however they wish and people in the limelight should already know that they could be targets of this, so they shouldn’t complain?
Is that it?
Was it worth bringing this image back up to the top of search results?
I’m thinking not.
People who are in the limelight are constantly criticized. So images like the one of Michelle Obama is another example of offensive work that people create under the freedom of expression.
FYI, I wrote this post on December 2nd the same day that CNN had their article up. The post was me shedding my voice on the matter. My intent was not to bring the image back up to the top search results, but rather for people to be aware of the matter.
I personally find it quite funny. The bushes were morphed into Monkey’s, the devil, so many things but it was never considered racist. Now because these people are “black” any attempt at the same humour the race card is played and it is called racist. Very weird the way these American’s work, like they can give it to someone they don’t like, but when it turns around to someone they like they can’t take it.
There is nothing racist about the picture at all, just pure humour that has been used on many politicians around the world
Bernie, you should continue to celebrate freedom of expression by posting equally creative and artistic expressions like “Rape is great!” or “Jews suck!” In fact, you might get those slogans as tattoos on your arms, and elevate them to the status of art.
Playing the innocent by implying that anyone should be free to express anything calls to mind those wishy-washy folks who say “Everyone has opinions, so opinions can’t be wrong.” Hey, Hitler had opinons.
With the case in point here, anyone who has lived in the USA for a while knows pretty darned well that in our less enlightened past, African Americans were often equated to apes, chimps, etc. That is why it is different (and racist) for someone to make Michelle Obama a monkey as compared to making George Bush a monkey. Similarly, the symbol of a noose might be pseudo-innocently called “just a lasso” by someone, but again, anyone who has lived in the US knows the history of lynching here.
If you want to justify using this picture as just showing an example of what an offensive picture looks like, please photoshop a picture of your mom getting gang-raped by the KKK and post that. It will be covered under freedom of expression. You could teach us all a lesson that way.
Posting this image is irresponsible and highly offensive. I’m writing from the UK and have nothing but respect for the First Lady and her husband. They deserve not to be depicted in a way that resonates with the Ku Klux Klan and Bernie you are nothing but a self-publicist and you are fanning the flames of racism by posting this picture. Already there have been some backwatwer redneck racists responding to your site and you are simply endorsing their vile views by posting this picture. There are limits to freedom of expression when those freedoms undermine the freedoms of other. Are you saying that the pictures of the Jews used by Hitler with exagerrated features and sinister expressions were harmless? Grow up and withdraw this from your blog otherwise you are a racist.
Mark you are a fascist, censorship is a slippery slope
I assume the controversy exists because she does in fact, vaguely, resemble a chimp… and i suppose the artist was exploiting this. I’ve seen plenty of europeans that haven’t physically really moved beyond their neanderthal heritage – it all evens out in the end right?
If we had truly moved beyond racism then these images would not matter, and US history would not be used to censor crude artists… because everybody would find this irrelevant. The truth is that world is still saturated with racial supreamacism, beginning with the original supremacists – the jews, then the neo-nazis, louis farrakhan, hindu supremacists, japanese and chinese nationalists. To the people complaining about this picture, stop pulling my dick.
Just doing my bit to keep this one the number 1 spot
You cant know much US history since the monkey look goes back to Irish immigrants in the 1840s. Was racist then. For an African American can only be racist now. Your slimy attempt to invoke freedom of speech is reminiscent of the KKK using the same false front for their march in Skokie. I guess that you not only can and will get away with it but also grab your 15 minutes of ‘fame’ which rhymes with shame and says more about your character than your preening and self promotion does.
As far as relying on other sliming of public figures, that is like arguing that, well, there are other sociopaths, so why not me? You are a disgusting, hateful and nasty young man. Enjoy your scummy limelight. You deserve it.
I am not disgusting, hateful, or a nasty person, I am simply noting that people in the limelight are subject to criticism like what is shown above.
I agree that the image is offensive, but it is what it is.
It is sad, but for the USA, freedom to express oneself is all around us. Without, it would be very robotic.
Freedom of expression is a wonderful privilege that so many other countries don’t have. Which brings me to wonder if the right to free speech is deserving of some Americans. Especially the ones that uses it to keep their true views and opinions in the air without having to fully be held accountable for it.
I do think that the picture was somewhat well done. I think if this was a make up job done for Planet of The Apes 2, I would have been convinced of this character. However, we are all grown here and we all know exactly what the intentions were behind this pic.
Truth is, Mrs Obama is black, she is the president’s wife, who is also black. and ya’ll RACIST IDIOTS can’t do jack about it. so what do little kids do when they can not do what they really want to do.. they occupy themselves with pencils, markers and paper… With Technology, computer and few softwares.
Keep doodling RACIST BOYS AND GIRLS, you’ll be famous…..
Hopefully, when you do get rich, you can at least say thank you to the Obama’s for helping you get that far…
I found this article linked on http://www.newser.com. I just wanted to say that I reviewed your blog, and it seems like you’re now well on your way to becoming America’s #1 Talk Show Host. Isn’t it funny how much fame haters can bring?
I applaud you for jumping into the unknown, and posting this. You didn’t know what would come of it, and from the look of your previous blogs, I’m assuming that you thought you wouldn’t end up with very many responses, or maybe even views. I also applaud your views on Freedom of Speech, and I agree with you, that this topic falls under that right.
So, to close, stay strong. In a world that revolves solely around drama, and bad etiquette, it’s hard to remember what you’re fighting for. Don’t let these people, who wish to drag you down, and stifle your voice, do just that.
I appreciate the response. I will not let people stifle my voice.
Firstly, I’d like to thank you for putting this up here. I’d read about it on the news and, having studied racism recently at university, wanted to form my own opinion on the content of the piece.
Yes, it is an offensive image and in poor taste, but the creator of it could have intended any number of meanings. Indeed, whether the piece is racist or not is not the issue at hand. What is, is whether the general public should see it.
In history, our children study what we call the Holocaust. They are taught past mistakes and atrocities, see old Nazi propaganda and, I assume, generally do not decide that people of Jewish descent should be killed.
Personally, I do not consider the image racist as I have studied in depth the true extent of racism still inherant in society. It goes far deeper than any foolish, distasteful images and affects all races and ethnicities.
The worst part of the entire situation is that, in crying “racism!”, people only draw attention to their differences. The best reaction people could have is to look at this image and put it down to a satirical representation of politics.
If you believe it is about race, fine. That is your opinion. In seeing the image for yourself you have formed that opinion. How could you if it were not in the public domain for all to see? It can now be renounced and reviled as the racist caricature it was perhaps intended to be and people can look in scorn at those who would promote such ideas.
Hatred and distrust of people other than yourself is a learned behaviour. Prevent drawing attention to it and people will no longer even think about it. Our children will not repel each other, will not create the sub-cultures they have learned from their parents and racism will be in the past.
for everyone who thinks negative of Bernie i known the primary school to right now present day! You are wrong he wants to show is freedom of expression he would not hurt anyone. HE WANT TO STATE THAT THE IMAGE IS OFFENSIVE BUT THE PICTURE IS WHAT IT IS, but everyone has an opportunity that express what they are feeling such as someone whom can be upset and listen to up beat songs such as teardrops on my guitar by Taylor Swift someone may not like country music but every one has a chance to freedom to express what music they like. some one may not enjoy oldies music, also if you give a person a chance to be them self we all would be programed like a tv or your iPod. Bernie you have been my wanting to show people that there is different views and i know that you are going to rock at being a talk show host. i am very proud of you ! we know each other quite well! I know that you want to give people all over the United States that they can express themselves with in reason you did not damn Michelle Obama and you aren’t racist so everyone whom say that is wrong if they got to know you they would be shocked and ashamed.
I hope everyone would just accept what he was trying to show with this picture i know it is just an picture he was not being rude and he wanted to show that their is many views on topics and he is my best friend and i trust his judgement i am quite shocked with how you call can be against him, he wanted to have show that whom ever did this picture is expressing what his or her opinion on this topic, He is going to be going places NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT HIM HE DID ALSO PUT A DISCLAIMER WITHIN THIS ARTICLE THAT CNN HAD DISCOVERED IT AND THEY DID A SEGMENT. Bernie you rock and you are going to be the best all the negative comment will make you stronger than weaker so it will only go Up from here Bernie i know and trust your judgement!
Thank you Ally-Marie.
Censorship is not fascist. Fascism is a racist ideology and I don’t belive people are free to target race hatred against anyone which is what this picture does. Bernie you are either delusional, irresponsible or a lunatic right winger with a nasty streak. You’ve chosen to post a picture of a very articulate and highly intelligent black first lady depicted as an ape – an age old racist stereotype. You chose to do this and that makes you unable to escape blame for the image itself. I hope you are exposed and ostracised – you can always move to a redneck town somewhere and feel freedom to be as reactionary and racist as you like.
How do we know the actual intent of such an image? The original artist of the image may have had creative appreciation of the symbolic wisdom of apes. Who knows? All I am saying is the image is offensive, but it is freedom of expression. Because of this image, the world may see the kind of reactions when one expresses themselves.
Hey everybody, I’m not racist too! What do I win for being progressive and other buzzwords?
Too bad you do not know it yourself! Closed mind, closed heart, what a loser you are! And, as expected, you see yourself as a promoter of the “freedom of expression”, INSANE!!!
So I cite the words of someone else and say :
“If you want to justify using this picture as just showing an example of what an offensive picture looks like, please photoshop a picture of your mom getting gang-raped by the KKK and post that. It will be covered under freedom of expression. You could teach us all a lesson that way.”
P.S. Also please stop writing posts about yourself pretending you are Anne-Marie, etc. It is PATHETIC!!!
I am not writing as anyone else. Ally-Marie is my good best friend and she wrote that herself. But of course accusations will fly around like this in any public forum.
I will not post a picture of my mother being gang raped by the KKK, simply because I have no desire to do so. With art, there has to be motivation and a reason to do so. But you can very well create that image, if you wanted to.
I’m based in Toronto and I have to say that I and many of my fellow Canadians are respectful of people that stand for the kind of values that Michelle Obama embodies.
While I am not impressed by this obvious publicity stunt, I understand the freedom of expression. Freedom in the hands of people looking for some cheap way to gain media exposure is a sad thing to see. But that’s what the last decade gave us – people with limited talent such as Paris Hilton to Jon Gosselin and Octo-Mom. While they are indeed pathetic, perhaps more pathetic is what seems to be an intellectual laziness that is nearing epidemic proportions.
My personal advice Charles…. as someone who has a media background and knows the entertainment business very well….Don’t abandon your dream…but I wouldn’t bet on getting beyond this site as this may be your best chance at your alloted “15 minutes.”
Might I suggest going back to school for some more spelling lessons. Start with the word “Resources” …you spelled it wrong on the top of your website navigation bar as “Resourses.” — Think we pick up these errors around Grade 4 here in our school system here in Canada.
Best Regards….M
It is not a publicity stunt. All these people who came to my site made it a publicity stunt.
I do not believe I am abandoning my dream. I am teaching and informing people of this kind of expression. I am trying to show the world of how offensive things can be and the manipulation that comes with it. I am only the messenger, yet people poke fun at my character and my aspiration of becoming a talk show host, for what? It is the nature of society now that limits people’s ability to set aside emotion and even I have trouble doing this, but I am passionate about change. I believe that President Obama too preached change during his campaign. The younger generations are now seeking change. Sometimes we have to confront the ugly to see the beauty of free will that human beings are granted.
Oh, thank you for the critique. I fixed it.
Be a man and remove this post.
I am a man of my morals and beliefs. I believe that this post should stay as it is my right of free expression and speech. People need to understand that offensive images like these are everywhere. Yes, Michelle Obama may be very intelligent, but guess what so is every other person in their own unique way.
So if you’re a Christian, how would you feel if I did the same thing with a picture of Jesus? Would that be OK too?
Obviously all of these pictures would have some artistic values attached to them. In regards to this, then Jesus would be a suitable person to show symbolism in an image.
Hi… folks… remember.. every individual has his right to express.. but, insulting your first lady is like insulting your own country…and insulting your own country is not a freedom.. & need to be condemned… forget racism.. forget.. politics.. forget everything.. “get matured & think simple”… just don’t encourage such people..
SHE is beautiful http://www.dancewithshadows.com/celebrity/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/michelle-obama-sexy.jpg
Yes, Michelle Obama is beautiful, never said she wasn’t.
Bernard, there is nothing artistic about that photo. It was run through an image generator on the University of St. Andrews’ website. It does not express anything creative nor does it hold artistic merit or value. It is racist. Granted, the same thing occurred numerous times with President Bush. However, given the social history of the United States (primarily pertaining to the treatment of African Americans), it is quite obvious why this photo would be offensive. It’s not “just a picture.” It’s a representation of bigotry and racism, and what we as a country have done to numerous ethnic groups over the course of our history.
I am not saying that you are racist. However, you are mighty ignorant for keeping this image on your website. Did you know that news articles covering your ridiculous story won’t even use the picture because of its connotations? You are not defending anything but your limelight, Bernard. I almost feel like this comment will add fuel to your fire.
To delete this now would be too late, anyways. The news articles littered all over the Internet have tarnished your representation enough.
The picture could represent bigotry and racism, but it could represent a symbolic reference of heritage. I believe that we all came from monkeys, evolution tells us this.
The most idiotic comment of yours so far! Are you mentally challenged or something and do not understand what really comes out of your mouth???
You are an attention whore and a racist! You are also a spit on the face of the Earth! Crawl back to your hole and stop insulting people’s intelligence with you waste-of-words idiotic ramblings!
You are pathetic!
Here are the facts:
As one of the major justifications of the transatlantic slave trade, Black people were (and still are by racists) labeled as monkeys and sub-human.
This was done to create a false impression of racial superiority of Whites over Blacks.
Because of this history, any references to Black people as monkeys or less than human are inherently racist. The same does not apply to whites because there is no negative racial history around such references.
Morphing G W Bush into a monkey is as harmless as morphing M Obama into a horse. But the reverse is not the case. The reverse, unfortunately is racist. Get it?!
Now we have established that the image is racist, it is also beyond doubt that the creator is racist and made the image with humorous intentions with very definate, deliberate racist under-currents and it would be extremely naive to think otherwise.
bernieluvsellen, you claim to be educated so none of this will be a suprise to you.
So by keeping this picture up, despite your lofty ideals of freedom of expression etc, you are effectively promoting racism.
And you are doing so knowingly.
That makes you racist. ‘Black friends’ or not.
Simple really.
I can’t help but notice you are quick to reply to the nonsensical name-calling posts, but not so eager to reply to the better constructed arguments against you and this blog.
In your misguided attempt to encourage ‘Freedom of Expression’ at all costs, you are in fact destroying a wonderful and important ideal. Of course, people should be allowed to express themselves, but NOT at the expense of the happiness of others.
You must be aware that this very same ‘Freedom of Expression’ you are so fond of is the justification used by organisations such as the KKK, the BNP, UKIP, Islamic Extremists and those neo-nazi morons who picket soldiers’ funerals to broadcast and spread their hateful and destructive messages.
There is one hell of a long way between limiting their ‘Freedom of Expression’ and a country and its population being “Robotic”. Nothing is as black as white as you seem to see it: Freedom of Expression, good: any and all restrictions on it, bad, Orwellian facism. If an expressed view (or image) causes nothing but pain, hatred and division, what possible good results? ONLY that you would still have your ridiculous, naive ideal.
No, not at the expense of others’ happiness, but people do.
No one can accuse the Google search engine,because the one which is good is Google search engine.
I notice you are still hosting this picture on your blog but you are not the only one on the net still doing this. You should remove it and apologise – it’s wrong.
I am neither removing it nor apologizing. Not to sound rude, but assertive. I learned that people need to be spoken too rather assertively on heated discussions. I am not the only one true, but I said what I said and I am sticking to it. So I am going to keep this post up on my blog.
You would have been a good talk show host – in South Africa about thirty years ago!! Another thing is the image of John McCain as the Queen is not offensive nor is the one of Rosie O’Donnell – I thought it was her. Neither is racist so your comparsion is very weak indeed.
It is not a weak comparison. Both pictures can very well be offensive. No doubt. I am going to be fantastic talk show host. Thank you.
She is a totally unbelieveable singer. I love all of her songs.
Very interesting and useful information, thanks!