This US magazine cover goes viral, sparks debate on racism: From 'subtly brilliant' to 'terrible'
A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) spotlighted the latest cover of The New Yorker, bringing attention to the magazine's recent issue. Founded in 1925, The New Yorker¡¯s current cover has sparked a heated debate on racism, with opinions varying widely across the spectrum. What is it about this particular cover image that has people talking? Let's dive into the controversy.
Here's the viral post that's racked up over 24.8 million views in less than 24 hours:
The cover features an African-American woman at a park, holding a white baby, while showing a photo in her mobile of a Black boy in a graduation cap to another brown woman who seems to also be at the park with a white child.
According to the magazine, this New Yorker cover story offers a glimpse into the lives of New York¡¯s caretakers.
Cartoonist R. Kikuo Johnson, who designed the cover, said it reflects his observations of the American nanny system.?
"My wife and I became parents this year, so we're just beginning to face the challenges of raising a kid while working in New York City. We interviewed a few nannies before realizing that we couldn't afford one," Johnson told The New Yorker.
While this context might seem hunky dory, but the cover's reception was mixed and has ignited a heated debate, with some finding it "subtly brilliant" while others labeled it "terrible."
Some criticise the depiction as highlighting the stark reality of domestic labour, pointing out the disparity faced by women of colour who care for wealthy white children while managing their own families and educational expenses.?
One comment captured this sentiment: "WOMEN of color taking care of yt pples [white people's] kids while trying help their families & put their own kids through college. I¡¯m guessing those kids mama is at a yoga class somewhere & dad is on a 'business trip' w his assistant/mistress. The name of the movie is called LIFE."
A few delved into the economic implications of domestic labor. One insightful comment highlighted, "Domestic labor is one of the clearest, easiest to understand? examples of "no free lunch" in a modern economy -- to replace a working mother's domestic labor, you need someone else to do that work, but by definition, the nanny cannot earn as much as the working mom or the economics make no sense. (Especially if the government is allowed to take its share of the transaction.)"
Racial undertones were also a significant point of contention.?
Some accused the cover of reflecting inherent racism, with one person noting, "Funny. I am white and my husband is Mexican. This is what our family looks like. Your racism is showing."
Another commenter highlighted the troubling reality: "Oof this image. The people raising their kids are the same ones they're trying to have deported."
Yet another wrote, "I know many people are concerned about some racist undertones, but I think black people are perfectly fit to be caretakers of white kids."
The image clearly served as a powerful reminder of the complex intersections of race, labor, and privilege. What's your opinion on the issue?
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