1995 01 00 OMNI - What you say to alien

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: January 1995
Cover Headline: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO AN ALIEN?

This issue of OMNI delves into the profound question of how humanity would communicate with extraterrestrial visitors. The cover art depicts two stylized human faces gazing at a luminous orb in a cloudy sky, symbolizing a potential cosmic encounter.

The Core Question: A Message for Aliens

OMNI posed the question, "What would you say to an alien?" to a diverse group of influential individuals, ranging from politicians to comedians and artists. The magazine presents a collection of these responses, offering a fascinating glimpse into how different personalities and professions would approach such a monumental hypothetical situation.

Political and Governmental Responses

Many prominent figures in the U.S. government, including President Clinton and members of his cabinet, did not provide a response, citing busy schedules or a lack of comment. However, a Senator from Tennessee, Harlan Mathews, offered a comprehensive and welcoming message, emphasizing humanity's potential, courage, and desire for knowledge, while acknowledging past failures. Governor Pedro Rosselló of Puerto Rico humorously proposed using the aliens for tourism commercials. Governor Walter J. Hickel of Alaska shared a personal reflection on believing in humanity's reach for the moon and offered a message of peace and mutual learning.

Cultural and Entertainment Figures

Celebrities and cultural icons provided a wide spectrum of answers. Robin Leach, host of 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,' expressed a welcoming sentiment and inquired about the aliens' journey and knowledge of E.T. Comedian George Carlin offered a stark warning to "Get out! Go back!" citing the potential degradation of alien standards upon prolonged contact. Playwright Arthur Miller cautioned visitors to "Go back! Go back! You can get killed here!" Helen Gurley Brown, editor of Cosmopolitan, humorously noted the difficulty of reaching peaceful extraterrestrials amidst media attention. Actor Leonard Nimoy suggested a focus on nonverbal diplomacy, entrusting the task to his friend Spock. Cartoonist Berkeley Breathed offered a satirical take on the merchandising and media frenzy that would likely follow an alien arrival. Humorist Dave Barry's response was characteristically concise: "Do you guys have cable?"

Intellectual and Philosophical Perspectives

Anthropologist Paul Bohannan stressed the importance of listening rather than speaking, highlighting human fears and the need to overcome them. Actor Bruce Campbell's immediate reaction was, "What took you so long?!" William Beecher of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission suggested a collaborative approach to improving life on both planets. Author Harlan Ellison proposed a message of vulnerability and a plea for help, suggesting humanity is "very young and we want to know."

Satirical and Humorous Takes

Tom Servo, a robot co-host, offered a humorous and slightly absurd approach, suggesting a joke and a tactile greeting. The issue also features a satirical list of "Top Ten Things OMNI Thinks David Letterman Would Say If An Alien Delegation Visited Earth," including typical Letterman-esque humor about pop culture and celebrity.

Reader Engagement

OMNI actively encourages reader participation by inviting them to submit their own messages to extraterrestrials for a chance to be published. This section, titled "Readers First Contact," underscores the magazine's interactive approach and its interest in the public's views on alien contact.

Notable Incidents and Features

The issue includes a brief mention of a UFO incident in Pintail Falls, Missouri, from 1963, where a wife suspected her husband's brain had been removed after an alleged abduction. It also features a satirical piece by Eric Jay DeCetis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is humanity's reaction to the unknown, specifically the prospect of encountering extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity, mixed with a dose of realism and humor. While some contributors express hope and a desire for mutual learning, others highlight human fears, potential for conflict, and the often-absurd nature of human society. The magazine encourages readers to contemplate these possibilities and engage with the topic, positioning itself as a platform for exploring complex, speculative ideas.