Whatever your political leanings, Michelle Obama pictures are normally things of classic beauty and grace. One offensive image is causing quite a stir on Google, however.
In fact, the Internet giant has purchased online ads on its own site in an effort to explain to users why a racially offensive image of Michelle Obama keeps on appearing.
Not only does it show up, it's in the top row of Google Image search results.
The Google ad, titled "Offensive Search Results," tries to diffuse the situation and distance the company from the result, which its own algorithms retrieve. Ironic.
"Sometimes our search results can be offensive. We agree," it reads, going on to explain why certain search results appear, and why they may be so highly ranked.
An offensive Michelle Obama picture (not this one) has Google scrambling.
Interestingly, the same Michelle Obama picture had been taken down by Google in the recent past because it violated its guidelines by serving malware to visitors.
Now, however, the offensive photo, which depicts the First Lady in an extremely, racially insensitive light, is on another site that does not violate Google rules.
And there's nothing Google can or will do about it except explain that it can't or won't manipulate its results. Which, clearly, is why the company is so successful.
Google has taken out explanation-oriented ads for other search terms that may turn up offensive results, including a similar one on Image searches for "Jew."
We haven't posted the full-size offensive image of Mrs. Barack Obama, but here's a screen cap, and you can run your own Image search if you're so inclined.
Share
42 Comments
November 25th, 2009 9:16 AM
SMH...the fact that someone took time to even make that speaks volumes about how far we have yet to go in this country. I hope in my lifetime I will see true equality.
November 25th, 2009 9:27 AM
No one complained about the George W Bush pics that compared him to a chimpanzee - search Google for an image of GW and you'll see the monkey shot on the first page. Search under George Bush Monkey and you get hundreds. I hope in my lifetime I will see true equality as well, except my vision extends to how we treat white people as well.
November 25th, 2009 10:09 AM
Right on Non White - as much as I hated GWB, I did not see ANYONE complain when this happened - some people just don't like the Obamas and it has NOTHING to do with race (yes some are racist, but not all). You can justify not liking Bush or his mangling of the english language as "proof" that he was a chimp, but the point remains that is YOUR opinion and if it is an insult to call Michelle Obama a chimp then the same applies to GWB. You cannot allow one person to be called a chimp and then cry racism and report an offensive picture when its someone else. Besides anyone who ends up as a public figure (with the exception of their children) develops a thick skin at some point - whether it be race, gender, sexual orientation, religion etc you NEED a thick skin and I am sure that politicians and their spouses have realized that it is not worth their time to complain about such stupidity as comparing a person to a chimp, More power to MO for not making a public statement about this stupidity - let that bigot Al Sharpton get all worked up - he has no other purpose in this world.
November 25th, 2009 10:20 AM
But have I missed something here? erm which foto of the several is everyone talking about?
November 25th, 2009 10:24 AM
@ Non White American. The George Bush mock up monkey picture was offensive too I agree.
I understand what you are saying but as far as I know caucasian people have never been compared to monkeys whereas historically black people always have (no matter our level of intelligence)...there lies the difference.
I live in the UK but still what I don't get is where has our respect for leaders and their families gone, irrespective of race?
Google have the power to remove the picture, though they choose not to.
That sends a huge message to the world that it's not that bad. If the president's wife can be subjected to so much hate and no one cares (all they can say is sorry), then what chance do ordinary black women (like myself) have in their professional and social lives?
True equality? Not in this lifetime. Until people with power (i.e. Google) can stand up for what is right and not hide behind freedom of innformation/speech etc, we will never have true equality or freedom.
November 25th, 2009 10:59 AM
You seem to have overlooked the fact that Bush comes from a powerful white elite background whereas the Obama's come from a (generally) socially excluded minority ethnic group.
Comparing a white man to a chimpanzee does not have anywhere near the connotations that comparing a black person has to a monkey. Historically black people have been compared to monkeys as a mechanism of oppression. If you guys really cannot see the difference I fear for the future of your country.
November 25th, 2009 11:28 AM
Though unfortunate but I think no first lady in the last couple of years has exposed her body the way this one does. I think she should take a cur from the past. What is our First lady trying to show bare bodied appearance in state function is just not proper.
November 25th, 2009 1:01 PM
Grace and beauty???
I think lazy is probably the best word to describe her.
November 25th, 2009 1:09 PM
I have not yet found the shot of Michelle Obama...but Bush was a monkey/moron. The photo of him was not strong enough. I think people forget why this country has just about fallen off a cliff.
November 25th, 2009 1:13 PM
Am i blind? I couldn't belive this is Michelle, she looks very ugly. It is very disgusting to see such nonesense perpectuated with such a noble person. This teaches us that for every lifestyle of iteration enables a lifetime of innovation. Google must be fined for not omitting this stupidity on the page. yes, they have the ability to do it but yet still they are being reluctant.
On the other hand, the way the first lady is exposing herself,I see no reason why such things shouldn't be attributed to her. This is a sign caution maybe something worst will be coming if she doesn't stop her reckless dressings. She is my role model but i do not want to see her in such situation. May the lord change her lifestyle and groom her in a good way.
Chericoc
Freetown,
Sierra leone.