# Offensive New Yorker Covers Obama Loves Osama By Ayman | Published 2008-07-14 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-yorker-obama-osama References: [huffingtonpost](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/13/yikes-controversial-emnew_n_112429.html) Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama and his wife are featured on an extremely controversial and bigoted cover on the new issue of the New Yorker magazine. Where do I begin? Everything about the cover screams WRONG. It is tasteless, hurtful and surely offensive. The stereotypes and horrible implications include Barrack hanging Osama Bin Laden's portrait in the oval office while he fist-pumps in victory with his wife Michelle. Did I mention that Obama is dressed like Osama while his wife dons a machine gun with the American flag burning in the fireplace? "I think the idea that the Obamas are branded as unpatriotic [let alone as terrorists] in certain sectors is preposterous," said Barry Blitt, the artist who created the artwork, to the Huffington Post. "It seemed to me that depicting the concept would show it as the [fear-mongering ridiculousness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mwcurated) that it is." What strange logic is this? According to this line of reasoning, people could wear [racist t-shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kenny-scharf-and-axel), blogs can use offensive images, and music videos can depict racist acts and then say they are merely showing just how horrible these things are! At the very least, this cover is a misguided effort. Everyone involved should be ashamed. Check out more New Yorker covers by Barry Blitt, including an equally offensive artwork depicting Iran's president Ahmadinejad as a homosexual in a public bathroom. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Controversial Magazine Covers:** Opportunity for alternative and inclusive magazine covers that promote diversity and respect. - **Using Satire in Artwork:** Innovative ways to use satire in artwork to challenge societal norms and provoke discussion. - **Ethics in Media Representation:** Opportunity to prioritize ethical considerations when representing public figures in media. ### Who This Affects Most - **Publishing:** Exploring new approaches to magazine covers that are more inclusive and respectful. - **Fine Arts:** Using satire in artwork to inspire conversations and challenge societal norms. - **Media and Communications:** Consideration of ethical guidelines when representing public figures in media. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Satirical Political Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thoughts-prayers-toilet-paper.md) - [Literary Anniversary Clothing Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-new-yorker-x-j-crew.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Anti-Gender Violence Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigender-violence-campaign.md) - [Viral Criminal Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-can-fix-him.md) - [Provocative Guerrilla Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mwcurated.md) - [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md) - [Music Magazine Cover NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolling-stone.md) - [Expansive Electoral Candy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/election-collection.md)