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In light of two big media hoaxes this week, the fake New York Times distributed around the country and the fake source of the Sarah Palin Africa story, we decided to replay our 2007 conversation with author Robert Love. Love chronicles some of history's more memorable ink-stained hoaxes.
I couldn't help but get the impression that Bob didn't "get" the fake New York Times. Perhaps Brooke you could explain it to him?
Maybe it's just that he didn't see it in person, and as such didn't get a chance to read it. Because if he had, I think he'd have realized that it wasn't trying to be funny, or a screed, or to dupe people, but rather to, gasp: be inspiring.
When I got one near Union Sq. I admit for a moment I felt kinda tricked, but after like 10 seconds as I read thru it the point became very clear. It wasn't trying to trick me into thinking it was REALLY the Times, nor was it trying be the Onion. It was saying that while it's nice we elected the right guy, this was only the beginning. That while all of these "liberal fantasies" may seem a long way off, they are realities many other places in the world. And maybe, just maybe, if we all work hard for it and stay on our leaders, 'yes, we can' have them too!
Now, what I say is a hoax is this idea that President-elect Barack Obama's supposed first "mistake", if the leak about Senator Clinton isn't one, is the premature leaking of his AG appointee and its acceptance.
The message is loud and clear and intentional. First, before all the other problems is the Law! His administration, unlike its predecessor will be lawful as will, eventually, be the nation.
This wasn't leaked by mistake! That is a hoax. That is symbolism in action.
I prefer the fiction in the "real" New York Times.
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