HERE ARE SOME OTHERS (these are excerpts so click on the link for the full post):
So it should NOT be a problem for anyone if we run the image below because a) we didn’t create it, b) it was taken long before the current Rush controversy and c) Rush Limbaugh did not actually pose for it:īUT THAT’S JUST OUR VIEW. DETAILS HERE.įOOTNOTE: In emails with friends who are Rush fans, comments on some websites and a comment on a talk show, those who defend Rush argue a) he didn’t originate the material, b) he didn’t create the material, c) it stems from an L.A. PS: There are also reportedly other black caricature political song parodies on Rush Limbaugh’s website. And Rush? Listen to it again and decide yourself if there are assumptions behind it. The great comedy coach Greg Dean once told me in a comedy coaching session that humor works within the context of shared assumptions” and a joke is a “shattered assumption.”” And that’s what was so troubling about the Imus foot-in-mouth bout: the assumption that listeners agreed and would think it’s hilarious.
#Political cartoon making fun of obama skin#
Al Sharpton for his parody that was heard on “The Rush Limbaugh Show” called, “U Da Real Negro, Screw Obama.” And Limbaugh put a video of it on his web site for his subscribers.Īll the ringing declarations on weblogs about how newsmakers and Democrats should have shunned being on Imus due to his political incorrectness raise the question: then why is Vice President Dick Cheney appearing on Limbaugh’s show? If newsmakers and media types stay away from one (white) broadcaster who feels race is a hilarious topic to use in song satires or in one-liners, then shouldn’t there be a DEMAND from ALL SIDES that Republicans and Democrats and media types stay away from ANY broadcasters who indulge in use racial stereotypes or caricatures to amuse their audiences (and themselves)?Ī hint to broadcasters: there are plenty of topics to joke about and plenty of things to make fun of when it comes to politicians (or citizens) without making fun of the color of the skin or the way they talk. He was the first to call Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as the “Magic Negro.”.īut it was Limbaugh’s idea to ask voice impersonator Paul Shanklin to imitate the voice of the Rev. Should Rush Limbaugh be held accountable? The idea behind “Barack, the Magic Negro” originally stemmed from an article published in the Los Angeles Times written by opinion, entertainment and political writer David Ehrenstein, who is black. OR WILL IT? John Amato reports HERE that black employees are up in arms over Limbaugh’s airing of what if the IMUS STANDARD is used would now be considered a racist song parody - and that station managers are starting to fear an Imus-like backlash. Because times had started to change.īut Limbaugh, whose fans angrily defend him any time he is accused of stepping over the line, operates in his own cultural universe and the airing of this piece suggest little has changed. The central issue is that all the energy-consuming fuss, blog posts, editorials, live press conferences, apologies, outraged talk show hosts, and firings surrounding the Don Imus controversy at least implied that the vulgarization of America had been put down perhaps a notch - and that the rules of the game were changing on television and, by implication, on radio. Good satire like The Capitol Steps can poke fun at both sides and be enjoyed by all sides. In fact, people on the right AND left need to lighten up many partisans will ONLY laugh at satire aimed at people they politically dislike. He also has a right offer them on his website and sell his CDs. The issue is NOT whether satirist Paul Shanklin (who is likely to be attacked eventually for parodying African Americans speech when he is white, although he is not the first to have done that and it has not been a big issue in comedy) has a right to create and sing song parodies. Yours truly LOVES satire (and uses some in shows) and while this song’s lyrics are clever, supposedly this kind of pointing to and making fun of race was going to be discouraged or at least not condoned anymore on talk radio - particularly by management types. So times have changed in the Imus firing aftermath? Watch and listen to the song parody run on his show and judge for yourself.
Rush Limbaugh is now embroiled in a new controversy involving literally playing the comedy race card about a Democrat named Barack Obama running for President. The talk about how times had changed already seem quaint since the New Era lasted not even two weeks. So much for all the talk about how talk radio and American culture entered into a more respectful era when it comes to racial sensitivies.