A magazine in Spain has decided to put our First Lady, Michelle Obama on the cover of their weekly magazine, Magazine de Fuera de Serie, and although that would not normally be an issue, this time it may be…because they’re depicting Mrs. Obama topless, with what appears o be an American flag draped over her, covering most of her body.  That is to say, except for the fact that her right breast is exposed.  And though this is an artist rendering and not a photo, is it going too far?

To add insult to injury, (in the eyes of many Americans) she is  wearing a turban, giving Clutch Magazine to call the cover “racist” due to it making the First Lady appear like a slave.  The article justifies the drawing because it is (translated to English) “Michelle Granddaughter of a Slave, Lady of America.”

Though after reading the article myself (in Spanish) I find that it’s very complementary to Mrs. Obama.  Stating that in the shadow of the President, she stands more popular the he himself. The article goes on to say that her overwhelming charm is paramount in HIS re-election as Commander-In-Chief.  It goes on to say that she has seduced America into loving her as much as she has her own husband.  Despite the fact that the story is complementary to her as a person and the First Lady, it is worth noting that it has also rocked the proverbial boat with the mere artwork portraying Mrs. Obama as far less than what the writer boasts about in the body of his story.

Despite the complements, the fact that the article speaks of the President’s wife being the granddaughter of a slave, its display seems to insinuate that she is (still) the slave, which isn’t sitting well with some Americans.

Here, in the Land of the Free…we always point to our Bill of Right and claim the 1st amendment allows us to speak freely, and express ourselves regardless of whom it may or may not offend…

It reads (in part), “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…”  However, does that allow for press in other countries to print whatever they choose and claim it as “art, or freedom of expression”?

According to a story in TheFrisky.com, the artistic rendering is based on an 1800 painting “Portrait d’une negresse” by artist Marie-Guillemine Benoist.

Is this no different from Kate Middleton’s topless (real) photos?! Now there’s another magazine claiming they have “bottomless” pics of the British Royal!

All that being said, to you find the magazine cover offensive, or art?  THAT is today’s Paco Poll…Take it now!