RE: Michelle Obama racist image sparks Google apology
A readily available picture like this forces into high relief the deep visceral prejudice at the base of discussions on race in this country. I have heard stories of figures in high authority referring to the First Lady as an ape. I am offended, but not surprised, that reactions on racial difference are reduced to merely the physical. The body politic in America’s talk about race is covered with boils and here is one more we have to lance, dress, and from which we will move on. Ms. Obama’s intelligence, graciousness, power, influence and beauty makes white men jump. I doubt it is worth a passing glance by the first lady herself. Whatever someone can do in photo shop will be done. Everyone can look laugh, gasp, gag, shudder, and create their own. George Bush as a limp phallus? Dick Cheney as a…, well the name says it. Would we be slightly amused if the same treatment were aimed at Clarence Thomas? We’ll survive this latest ubiquitous improper global internet moment. No need to shoot the messenger.