Churchill's Photo Airbrushed! (Anti PC rant coming)

[Phog Allen]

Good evening chaps. I rarely get into these rant type/political postings but this is too much. Do the PC, anti smoking fanatics need to take it this far? See HERE for the calumny. Look guys, I don't care where you fall on the smoking debate. I don't smoke cigarettes but do smoke a pipe occasionally. I know all the cons associated. This is just flat out STUPID. I am sorry but I am calling our UK members out on this one. What the hell is going on in Old Blighty? This is one of the most endearing, iconic British photos of the twentieth century. I thought we had the lion's share of these pc wankers over here but doctoring Chruchill's photo because of a cigar? I know it is a not a national emergency but for once can some feel good, know it all just leave well enough alone? Churchill has a special place in a lot of American's hearts and became something of a symbol for "we take no guff from anybody" ideal. Sorry for the rant guys. I just don't like it.

Regards ,Todd

 

[Obsessed]

I don't care where you fall on the smoking debate . . . This is just flat out STUPID.

Can't argue with you there.

 

[DavyRay]

I read the article. No one is bragging about the airbrush job. They have tobacco ads in their museum. I do not see the hand of PC over-the-top here. It may have been the decision of a low-paid graphic artist, who thought the photo showed more of the man's face with the cigar off.

Let's not leap to conclusions. If the taliban took credit for expunging the cigar, i'd be all for usenet bombing them. Not the case, apparently.

 

[Seraphim]

I read the article. No one is bragging about the airbrush job. They have tobacco ads in their museum. I do not see the hand of PC over-the-top here. It may have been the decision of a low-paid graphic artist, who thought the photo showed more of the man's face with the cigar off.

Let's not leap to conclusions. If the taliban took credit for expunging the cigar, i'd be all for usenet bombing them. Not the case, apparently.

I'm sorry, but I think that it is an attempt at rewriting history of some sort, and distorting truth, and as such I do take it as an affront, as the OP states.


My opinion...

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

They're doing it here, too. I can't remember where I read this (for some reason, I think it may have been Roger Ebert's blog), but someone was doctoring iconic U.S. photos, as well. It may have been for a new stamp set. I know one of the photos was of Bette Davis, who is fondly remembered for dangling a cigarette from her lips or fingers.

I agree that it is silly. I can't say I'm outraged, but it's silly.

 

[Kevan]

While I think the term "anti-smoking fanatic" is a little strong, even I, as a person who thinks smoking is damn stupid, think airbrushing Churchill's cigar away is stupider. There's no reason to alter a historical photo like that.

 

[RayH]

While I think the term "anti-smoking fanatic" is a little strong, even I, as a person who thinks smoking is damn stupid, think airbrushing Churchill's cigar away is stupider. There's no reason to alter a historical photo like that.

The anti-smoking PC crowd did the same thing to Roosevelt a year or so ago in something similar. It was with a statue IIRC. Didn't want to show him with his cigarette holder with cigarette in his teeth. This re-writing of history has been going on for a long time.

 

[Kevan]

The anti-smoking PC crowd did the same thing to Roosevelt a year or so ago in something similar. It was with a statue IIRC. Didn't want to show him with his cigarette holder with cigarette in his teeth. This re-writing of history has been going on for a long time.

That's a statue though. That's different than a photo.

 

[valmara1971]

What next? Hitler pictured shaking hands with Churchill and saying sorry about the misunderstanding over the invasion thing? That's the thing about history if you mess around with it it loses it's ability to teach us anything? Stupid,dangerous and wrong. That said OP I don't know what you expect us UK members to do about it? Shall we take up arms and purge the UK of all PC merchants?

 

[Phog Allen]

What next? Hitler pictured shaking hands with Churchill and saying sorry about the misunderstanding over the invasion thing? That's the thing about history if you mess around with it it loses it's ability to teach us anything? Stupid,dangerous and wrong. That said OP I don't know what you expect us UK members to do about it? Shall we take up arms and purge the UK of all PC merchants?

Well, that would be a start. I really don't know what a person can do except make a good, hell raising complaint known to those in charge of the museum. You can tell by the news article they had nothing to do with it. I guess "calling you out" goes more toward the question; why did it take so long for someone to notice it? While we really like our independence here, we understand that England was where we came from. There is still a strong connection with the historical traditions between our nations. Churchill was half American though most on either side of the pond don't realise it anymore. He was a great bridge between us. I am a traditionalist and it just doesn't seem right to me when this kind of stuff happens.

Regards, Todd

 

[valmara1971]

Having thought it through a bit more I'm willing to extend the slaughter to all health and safety representatives too. History is just that. history leave it alone bloody PC idiots.

 

[raisindot]

It's very heartening to see that Americans are not the only people who have a talent for angrily blowing things way out of proportion.



Jeff Briskin

 

[johnmrson]

The great man would have something like; what a miserable bunch of twaddlers they are. How dare they take the cigar out of my mouth. It is an act of tyranny.

 

[jazzman]

I think all of you who are protesting this cleansing of the offensive photo have forgotten that tobacco use greatly shortened Mr. Churchill's life.



Remember Orwell!

 

[tg16]

I do not feel photos should be doctored. they are meant to preserve the image of the person being photographed. To remove something is to display a half truth.

 

[gaseousclay]

wow, that photoshop job is pretty bad. they might as well have photoshopped one of those birthday party noise-makers in place of the cigar. bottom line for me is that the photo shouldn't have been messed with.

 

[valmara1971]

wow, that photoshop job is pretty bad. they might as well have photoshopped one of those birthday party noise-makers in place of the cigar. bottom line for me is that the photo shouldn't have been messed with.

Right I'm at work so can't do this myself. I throw down the challange to the world wide B&B brotherhood:
Do the most stupid Churchill photoshop job you can i.e. swap out the cigar for the most ******* thing you can think of. Any takers?

 

[Dharion]

Tim, that's exactly how I feel. Anyone remember who was anti-smoking during WW2? Caution: Godwin's law dead ahead

 

[Seraphim]

The great man would have something like; what a miserable bunch of twaddlers they are. How dare they take the cigar out of my mouth. It is an act of tyranny.

How about this?

Smoking is bad for you. I never touch the stuff

-W.C

 

[valmara1971]

Fantastic apart from the leftover shadow very impressed really. Now for the stupid insert?