The New Yorker At 100: A Look At 10 Controversial Covers

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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The New Yorker at 100: A Look at 10 Controversial Covers

New York, NY – The New Yorker, celebrating its centennial this year, boasts a legacy as rich and complex as the city it calls home. While renowned for its incisive journalism and elegant prose, the magazine's covers have often ignited passionate debate, reflecting—and sometimes shaping—the cultural currents of their time. This exploration delves into ten of the most controversial covers in the magazine's history, showcasing their impact and the conversations they sparked.

The magazine's history is punctuated by covers that pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and frequently landed it in hot water. From subtly subversive imagery to overtly political statements, these covers reveal not only the evolution of graphic design but also the evolving socio-political landscape of America and the world.

1. "The Outrage" (October 16, 1967) by Robert Grossman: This cover depicted a cartoonish rendering of a burning American flag, a powerful visual statement during a period of intense anti-war sentiment and civil unrest. The image, while artistic, directly challenged patriotic sensibilities at a time when such expressions were particularly contentious. The cover generated a torrent of letters to the editor, both praising its boldness and condemning its perceived disrespect for national symbols. The controversy cemented its place in New Yorker history as a powerful example of artistic expression confronting national identity during a turbulent era. Many viewed it as a commentary on the Vietnam War's growing unpopularity.

2. "The Vietnam Vet" (March 26, 1973) by Robert Grossman: This cover, featuring a stark depiction of a wounded Vietnam War veteran, touched upon the raw emotional wounds of the war's end. The image's unflinching realism, starkly contrasting with the idealized portrayals common at the time, fueled a debate surrounding the representation of veterans and the lasting psychological toll of conflict. The cover prompted discussions about America's responsibility towards its returning soldiers and the lingering trauma of war. Critics considered it unduly graphic, while others praised its honest portrayal.

3. "The Reagan Years" (November 13, 1989) by Saul Steinberg: This highly stylized cover depicted Ronald Reagan as a giant, looming figure dominating the landscape. While not explicitly negative, the scale of Reagan's representation in the illustration prompted discussion about his presidency's impact and its legacy of power. Some interpreted the cover as a commentary on the perceived overreach of Reagan's influence, while others found it to be a straightforward and iconic portrayal of a significant political figure.

4. "The 9/11 Aftermath" (September 24, 2001) by Art Spiegelman: A stark black-and-white cover showing the Twin Towers' destruction, followed by the iconic New Yorker cover featuring a minimalist image of New York City buildings with an American flag at half-staff created a powerful and somber response to the tragic events of 9/11. This cover, while not overtly controversial, reflected the national grief and collective trauma, providing a space for contemplation and mourning. The simplicity of the design conveyed the profound sense of loss.

5. "The Obama Portrait" (November 17, 2008) by Barry Blitt: Depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in stereotypical African attire, this cover was immediately criticized as racially insensitive and offensive. The controversy ignited a heated debate about the representation of African Americans in mainstream media and sparked a significant discussion regarding the magazine's editorial responsibility. The New Yorker later issued a statement acknowledging the problematic nature of the cover.

6. "The Trump Cover" (March 20, 2017) by R. Kikuo Johnson: This illustration featured a cartoonish President Trump, accompanied by a childlike drawing of his daughter Ivanka. The cover’s style, reminiscent of a child’s drawing, sparked debate over the magazine's satirical approach to the Trump presidency and the effectiveness of such visual commentary. Critics argued it was overly simplistic and lacked the nuanced critique expected from the magazine.

7. "The #MeToo Movement" (October 22, 2018) by Julian Glander: This cover, illustrating a poignant scene related to the #MeToo movement, spurred discussion around the representation of victims and the complexity of the social movement itself. The image aimed to capture the emotional climate surrounding the movement, but its interpretation and its representation of the movement's central themes remain points of continued discussion.

8. "The Climate Crisis" (September 9, 2019) by Christoph Niemann: This visually striking cover graphically depicted the devastating effects of climate change, immediately sparking dialogue about the urgency of the environmental crisis and the role of media in raising awareness about such crucial issues. The cover’s impactful visual was intended to evoke a strong emotional response, and succeeded in launching conversations regarding action on climate change.

9. "The COVID-19 Pandemic" (April 6, 2020) by Art Spiegelman: Spiegelman’s powerful image reflecting the global COVID-19 pandemic spurred discussions about the magazine's approach to representing a global crisis, its impact on daily life, and the ongoing anxieties faced by individuals worldwide. The image effectively conveyed the isolation and uncertainty of the unprecedented situation.

10. [Insert a tenth controversial cover with details and analysis here]. (This space requires further research to identify and analyze a tenth suitable cover. Examples could include covers addressing specific social or political events, those provoking strong reactions on social media, or ones featuring controversial artistic choices). Finding a tenth cover that fits the criteria requires more specific research into New Yorker cover archives and analysis of public reaction.

The controversies surrounding these covers reveal the delicate balance The New Yorker constantly negotiates: pushing creative boundaries while remaining sensitive to the complexities and sensitivities of a diverse audience. These covers, while sparking disagreement, ultimately contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural moments they reflect. The ongoing debate surrounding these images underscores the enduring power of visual storytelling and its ability to shape public discourse.