We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words. But sometimes, people just don't get the joke. That is the case with the new New Yorker cover which show Barack Obama as a Muslim and Michelle as a revolutionary (complete with AK-47). The piece is meant as satire. But is fall tragically flat. To the initiated, it is a hysterically funny piece. To the casual observer with the quick glance, however, it reinforces the underground whispers of the right wing paranoia about Obama.
Years ago, it was observed that the power of the visual eclipsed the written word. The history of the Vietnam War is testimony to this fact -- the first war televised. The visual dictated the analysis.
Such may be the case now as well. One image can create an impression that override all other. We will see.
But such is the power of the intangible – now and in history. Let us see whether America can overcome the false image – or succumb to the quick view. Let us hope in the better nature . . .
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