Offensive Photo of "Ape-Like" Michelle Obama Top Google Search

by Yuliya Talmazan | November 24, 2009 at 11:01 am

57040 views | 23 Recommendations | 84 comments

What is the first image that pops up when you key in <<Michelle Obama>> in Google Image search? An "ape-like" photo of the First Lady that many believe is extremely offensive. But, it is the top ranked Google image for <<Michelle Obama>> keyword combination right now, and it does not seem like Google is going to do anything about it. The offensive image comes from a blog called "Hot Girls". The blog has a variety of content on Michelle Obama, including some of the glamorous shots of her from speaking engagements, conventions and dinner parties. But, one image stands out -- and it has an ape's face photoshopped onto Michelle Obama's profile. The general sentiment in the comment section of the blog was that of disgust -- people addressed the blogger who posted the photo, saying,

"Shame on you for the picture above"

"How witty and original - portraying a black woman as a chimpanzee"

"Disgusting - you should be ashamed of yourself..."

"Just plain ignorant and stupid to have such an image, regardless of our freedom of speech. Wonder what Michelle Obama has done to you personally to offend you that you feel the need to offend her."

"As a white person, I believe your horrid little photo is the single greatest argument for pluralism. Thank you for making the case."

But, is Google singling out Michelle Obama by "allowing" the offensive image to stand in the top search results? Well, Michelle Obama might not be the only one taking a hit. If you key in <<George Bush>>, you will be surprised by the ridicule the former U.S. President gets in the top Image search results -- on the first page of image search results, there is a photoshopped image of George W. Bush eating a kitten, an image of him giving the finger, and an image comparing his facial expressions to those of a monkey. There also photoshopped images of Bush posing in front of a nuclear blast mushroom cloud and even some sexually suggestive images too. Moreover, in 2006, Google was shaken by the infamous "Google bomb" incident, when Google's search algorithm was fooled to pull sites on George W. Bush when people searched for "miserable failure."

But, is Google really to blame for conspiring with Internet users who post racist images, such as that of Michelle Obama? Well, the way items appear in Google search is usually automated and depends on how something was written, optimized and ultimately how much it was searched for. So, is it really the malicious blogger releasing their racist content, or is it thousands of curious Internet users searching for Michelle Obama's ape photos and keeping the offensive photo in the top ranks of Google search?

Various sources report that the offensive image of Michelle Obama was actually removed from search results by Google weeks ago because the site that was hosting the image was suspected of distributing malicious software. But, the image seems to have been returned into the search results, likely because the site was not actually malicious. However, Google did insert an ad on the search page, apologizing for the racist content displayed and saying that they can't remove an image from search results simply because its content is unpopular or because Google receives complaints concerning it.

Sometimes Google search results from the Internet can include disturbing content, even from innocuous queries. We assure you that the views expressed by such sites are not in any way endorsed by Google.

We apologize if you've had an upsetting experience using Google

What is your opinion? Do you think Google should be forced to remove the offensive photo? Or, will removing the image set precedent for messing with the integrity of Google search?

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Babel-Fish

at 11:35 on November 24th, 2009

My opinion is we all look like apes, why because that's what we are. My partner's a filipino and she is the most cultist monkey ever. Lol

Michelle Obama is very beautiful and any ape can see that.

We are what we are being intelligent does not take away the fact we belong to the ape family.

aurealeus

at 07:42 on November 27th, 2009

Hey, I resemble that remark.

In my opinion... all apes look like humans. But all seriousness aside....

Although in bad taste because it might be considered offensive due to the often stereotypical reference that allege an ape's features might sometimes resemble that of black people more so than that of another race, one must remember, this is still considered political satire. Satire that is similar to other members of the human-rainbow in the past being portrayed as a pig, fat-cat, jackass, weasel, shark, bull, snake, hawk or any other animial you can imagine.

Check out the photos in this story depicting George Bush, also as an ape. Why wasn't there any outrage in this regard if such depictation is so offensive?

Most, if not all government officials and others in the public-eye have been subjected to mocking with this form of satire throughout history and it is considered "free-speech."

Unfortunately, there are some who insist upon using this to promote and propell further, the divisive race-card issue and they need to get a grip if we are ever going to end race-discrimination and become accepting of our fellow human beings and freedoms we enjoy.

behold (not verified)

at 13:08 on December 2nd, 2009

It was not appropriate to call Bush an ape, most American didn’t call him anyway. However, we all know Bush had made so many unpopular choices that angered many Americans which still many of us think as inhumane choices…. I don’t think Michelle has the same responsibility as Bush did, neither is she accused of making choices that are so unpopular to the extant Americans would consider them inhuman… I think, it’s a wrong analogy to drew…

aurealeus

at 13:34 on December 2nd, 2009

The analogy was in reference only to the depictions regarding public figures and that many choose to use this instance to draw the race-card. That's all ! Has nothing to do with any choice by either individual or others that are so depicted from time to time.

BigBert (not verified)

at 21:20 on December 30th, 2009

Come on, she is a public official spending tax dollars foolishly. She is given the same respect as others in the past. She campaigned for years to get this position with her husband and now she reaps the good and bad of her title.What is good for the Bush is good for the Ape!

NETT (not verified)

at 22:51 on December 2nd, 2009

Freedom of speech or not..google should be held responsible and fined whether it was posted about obama or bush. Where do you draw the line would it be funny if it were your name? people are so jealous and hate it that we have a black president...GET OVER IT ALREADY!!!
GOOGLE POSTED IT SO GOOGLE SHARES THE OPINION OG IGNORANT RACIST PEOPLE ILL BE USING ANOTHER SEARCH ENGINE

aurealeus

at 06:41 on December 3rd, 2009

Actually, Google is not responsible nor did they post it. Search engines such as google only index and display content that is posted online by users like you and me. This is an automated process. What gives anyone (including google) the right to censor content posted by users. If that were the case, we would either have an internet with only one type of content or no internet/content at all.

Bob marley (not verified)

at 08:25 on December 23rd, 2009

google is an open server connected to hundreds of thousands of other servers. they cannot govern what gets posted on the internet... ignorant dumbass ... and aside from having a n!gger for president, it is the fact that he has done more damage to our economy and security than any president in history, which is why we don't like him. ANY RED-BLOODED AMERICAN that has their facts straight on what our president has already done, knows that he is a prospect of TREASON and should be IMPEACHED!

BigBert (not verified)

at 21:33 on December 30th, 2009

WOW, the impeachment cries already? What was wrong with change? obama paying for your mortgage? Everybody put skin into the game? LOL..................silly lemmings, politics is for adults. Go back to octobabymomma, balloon boy, Jacko, etc.

Big Bert (not verified)

at 21:26 on December 30th, 2009

News flash............................................BO isn't black, he's just as white (or more white than black since he was raised by his racist grand parents in Kansas) as he is black. WTF cares, he's a complete imbecile and has no idea what he is doing in the WH. He is reactive and slow at that too. NETT, my mom always says..............."He who smealt it, dealt it" In other words, those that throw the flag at others as racist are usually the racist, even if you are black.

Roy C

at 11:43 on November 24th, 2009

Disgusting to let it stand. Disgusting to censor it. Unlike the Muslims and the cartoon about its founder, there will be no rioting over it, however.

marianmo

at 11:44 on November 24th, 2009

i think that those who post such pictures should be fined...it wasnt a funny picture ...where is the right wing people who want a return to the values of yesterday....this would never have been tolerated

i am disturbed that anyone would like that picture is ok......

Hugh Askew

at 14:50 on November 24th, 2009

I am disturbed by it as well.

Not sure what the "values of yesterday" have to do with it. Do we go back to when Bush was President? Those are the values on display that disturb you. Different groups, same values.

Your A Fool (not verified)

at 08:24 on November 25th, 2009

Have you heard of freedom of speech, obviously not. YOU ARE A FOOL. the pic was hilarious even if it was poorly done.

You should be fined (not verified)

at 08:27 on November 25th, 2009

You are the very thing that is wrong with this country... I could go on for hours as to why, have you heard of the constitution, freedom of speech. Obviously you are poorly educated and willing to give up your rights to any commy bastard that comes along. We need more pics like this and less people like you. BTW...i bet your for this health care crap, your a fool, i wouldnt give you 5 cents to save your life.

John in Seattle (not verified)

at 11:16 on November 26th, 2009

Fined? This is still America. Freedom of the press sound familiar to you? Get a sense of humor.

Roy C

at 15:00 on November 24th, 2009

Fined? For what? Comes under "freedom of speech". I don't like it but I really don't like even the suggestion of censorship.

Now, if someone tells a lie about someone, that is a crime. That is not freedom of speech. That picture, disgusting as it is, cannot be censored.

Google can go ahead and de-index it. I would. But you cannot outlaw it.

glen wayne (not verified)

at 17:29 on November 24th, 2009

funny funny funny you all need to lightin up its a good funny joke

Ray M (not verified)

at 21:31 on November 24th, 2009

Yes funny indeed. Until your sister or your mother is depicted in such crude a way.

jdoe (not verified)

at 17:23 on November 25th, 2009

boo hoo.

Keith455445 (not verified)

at 17:55 on November 24th, 2009

WHY THE UPROAR? SHE LOOKS A HELL OF ALLOT BETTER AS AN APE. DAMN I FEEL SORRY FOR OBAMA. ALSO BILL CLINTON.

MVI (not verified)

at 20:48 on November 24th, 2009

right, its only protected by freedom of speech if its something you like. Typical liberal hypocrisy. Don't get me wrong, I think its distasteful - but to suggest fining someone because you don't like it, be smarter.

lysander (not verified)

at 22:42 on November 24th, 2009

Never heard a peep from major media about the "Bush as Monkey" photos thatused to flood the web ...

Public Speaker (not verified)

at 10:36 on November 25th, 2009

Thank you! So, let me see if I'm getting this right. It's racist to show Michelle Obama as an ape? But it's okay to show George Bush as a monkey? Ok, sure...nope...don't get it. In any case, the last time I checked, it was not against the law to be a racist or to make racist remarks. I'm not a racist. Racists REALLY make me angry! However, it is not within my rights to prevent a racist from speaking his or her mind. So, if someone wants to call Michelle Obama an ape, they can. If a racist refuses to rent a house to Michelle or employ her because of her race, then you've got a discrimination case. Otherwise, live and let live. Let's move on, folks!

Stroker (not verified)

at 06:11 on November 25th, 2009

Is there any way that I can find who posted this. I would like to pay them a visit. No wait, I can find out ..I have a few freiend that can get into sites and do the back track. Thanks anyway. I will be sure to pass on all your desires.

BazookaJoe (not verified)

at 08:38 on November 25th, 2009

Yeah, I posted it. I guess I can expect a visit from you. When the visit is over, you will not be able to leave.

Wilbot (not verified)

at 06:33 on November 25th, 2009

I saw a picture of Michelle next to one that had been photoshopped into a monkey.Can someone tell me if the photoshopped one is on the left or the right?

Big Bert (not verified)

at 21:30 on December 30th, 2009

Now that is truly under the radar comedy right there folks! I can't tell either, but I bet you she is the one with the big shoulders. SMIRK

Wilbur (not verified)

at 07:32 on November 25th, 2009

Real issue is Goggle algorithms. How does a nothing site like Hot Girls get top search status? Because fellas search for "Hot Girls" a lot? Very powerful knowing how to fix the system and come out in top spot. Questions the legitimacy of everything Google......How many commercial sites are fooling Google to give them the top spot?As far as legality of tasteless photo, of course it's legal. Doesn't mean Google needs to show it, nor does Google need to take it down.

aurealeus

at 05:35 on November 26th, 2009

The only reason the "Hot-Girls" blog is receiving top-ranking at the moment is because of the picture depicting Michelle Obama as an ape, (which, by the way, has since been removed by the blog owner) causing it to move up in the rankings because of the number of visits due to the "ape" controversy. Has nothing to do with Hot-Girls being a Hot-Site.