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Utahns' Obama monkeys racist?
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Neutral | 1:38 a.m. June 14, 2008
I'm really tired of the racism issue that has constantly been an issue
throughout the campaign. We need to leave race completely out of it, if we
don't want race into it, i.e. first "black" president. We will
not offend anybody if the "color" is left completely out. As for
making fun of presidents or candidates for that matter, it has been going on for
a long time. I have seen plenty of idiotic ceramic figures, drawings, etc. that
could offend anyone.
Deseret Dawg | 1:44 a.m. June 14, 2008
I wouldn't insult an honest Democrat by confusing you for one. You're
just one of the brainwashed political correctniks who are obsessed with race.
With your obsession with race, it sounds like you're the real racist.
We will never heal the racial divide as long as there remain people like you who are obsessed with race. We are all supposed to be Americans FIRST. Or perhaps you don't understand what it means to be an American.
And who are you to tell me where to direct my "venom"?
We will never heal the racial divide as long as there remain people like you who are obsessed with race. We are all supposed to be Americans FIRST. Or perhaps you don't understand what it means to be an American.
And who are you to tell me where to direct my "venom"?
Comments continue below
SJ Bobkins | 2:25 a.m. June 14, 2008
OK, You were discovered by the non-sympathetic media, and now you can't
handle the heat so you play stupid. You know and I know the monkey connection is
racist. Just admit it and take the heat you're going to get anyway. No one
in 2008, who has reached the level of an adult, with an IQ above 12, cannot make
the connection between a black person and the racist animal/Mark of
Cain/ideas.
I'm sad that we have individuals who will not accept personal responsibility for their actions, whether it's a Hollywood actor, a pop singer, or the guy next door.
I've heard that there may be some who are sympathetic to the horrible depiction's of black people living near Hayden Lake, Idaho, you indeed missed the mark in thinking you would find a crowd in Utah having the same hate, to buy your "doll".
I'm sad that we have individuals who will not accept personal responsibility for their actions, whether it's a Hollywood actor, a pop singer, or the guy next door.
I've heard that there may be some who are sympathetic to the horrible depiction's of black people living near Hayden Lake, Idaho, you indeed missed the mark in thinking you would find a crowd in Utah having the same hate, to buy your "doll".
What? | 3:37 a.m. June 14, 2008
Even if these purveyors of the Obama doll really aren't racists, they ought
to move beyond ignorance and realize how they will be perceived in places around
the country where racism is very active even today. The swastika is a Hindu
symbol, but to suppose that strutting around with a swastika won't disturb
someone is too naive to imagine. Ignorance, in my opinion, isn't a good
defense against complaints of potential bigotry. By the way, each time I drink
scotch to excess I "fall in love" with Ted Kennedy's indulgent
life all over again.
Re:Political Naivete | 5:09 a.m. June 14, 2008
I'll take door number 1. I've lived in Utah long enough to know what
some of the people are like. Get ready for more right wing hate tactics from the
party of family values and compassionate conservatism.
just a thought | 5:20 a.m. June 14, 2008
COME ON people!! Can we, for ONCE, get a life and use some common sense.
This is as bad as looking for Communists under every bed. If you'd quit LOOKING for racism as the first thing in everything that happens in life, youd find that racism isnt there and wasnt meant just like they didnt find Communists under ever bed .. BECAUSE THEY WERENT UNDER THE BED.
SHEESH .. what thin hypersensitive skins some people have developed.
I can find some sort of slight or offense in ANYTHING, including the sun coming up in the morning, IF I want to. But is that really how you want to live life? CHILL OUT.
This is as bad as looking for Communists under every bed. If you'd quit LOOKING for racism as the first thing in everything that happens in life, youd find that racism isnt there and wasnt meant just like they didnt find Communists under ever bed .. BECAUSE THEY WERENT UNDER THE BED.
SHEESH .. what thin hypersensitive skins some people have developed.
I can find some sort of slight or offense in ANYTHING, including the sun coming up in the morning, IF I want to. But is that really how you want to live life? CHILL OUT.
Carole Knowles | 5:40 a.m. June 14, 2008
Pure racism or extreme ignorance, still totally shameful.
Re: Political Naivete | 6:30 a.m. June 14, 2008
I agree with you completely.
Obama monkeys racist? Yes, whether overtly racist, subconsciously racist, or naively racist. Doesn't matter.
You just don't make that comparison. Period.
An utterly stupid idea. The people who came up with it are going to be excoriated, and they should be!
As a native Utahn, I am totally embarrassed that somebody in this state would hatch this kind of hare-brained money-making scheme. But given our penchant for multi-level marketing and bilking one another through church-related kitsch, I am hardly surprised.
Obama monkeys racist? Yes, whether overtly racist, subconsciously racist, or naively racist. Doesn't matter.
You just don't make that comparison. Period.
An utterly stupid idea. The people who came up with it are going to be excoriated, and they should be!
As a native Utahn, I am totally embarrassed that somebody in this state would hatch this kind of hare-brained money-making scheme. But given our penchant for multi-level marketing and bilking one another through church-related kitsch, I am hardly surprised.
Obama is the racist!! | 6:40 a.m. June 14, 2008
The blacks claim rasism on every issue - I say, get over it! It's obvious!
It doesn't work anymore!
The true racist is Obama. Look at who he has aligned himself with for his entire life. Look up his history - He has always hated "whites" and up until his run for president, he has been very open and vocal about it.
I haven't one ounce of sympathy for him. Bush has done a real lousy job. But, if Obama gets elected, our country is going to fall hard!
The true racist is Obama. Look at who he has aligned himself with for his entire life. Look up his history - He has always hated "whites" and up until his run for president, he has been very open and vocal about it.
I haven't one ounce of sympathy for him. Bush has done a real lousy job. But, if Obama gets elected, our country is going to fall hard!
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 6:42 a.m. June 14, 2008
Re: Political Naivete - you left out - The sock monkey isn't the first
merchandise to compare Obama to a monkey. The I, Me, My politically correct
thought police generation, that wants it spelled out for them all the time,
because they have no common sense between their ears, need to wake up and smell
their energy drink's and anything else that has caffeine in it to. After
all, we allow Evolution to be tought in public schools, and through Evolution, a
product of such development; something evolved, change in the genetic
composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of
natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and
resulting in the development of new species, it's not this, it's only
a sock stupid. That a West Jordan company is selling a sock monkey, modeled
after black presidential candidate Barack Obama contends the idea wasn't
racially motivated. It's only a sock.
Jess | 7:23 a.m. June 14, 2008
They claim they didn't intend it to be a racist issue. Maybe they should
back that up and stop selling the items. Too bad money is more of a motivator
than sensitivity.
Jeff | 7:49 a.m. June 14, 2008
To be balanced, they need to come out with a McCane puppet and maybe a Hillary
one, too. That would show this isn't totally racially motivated.
Patata Brava | 7:54 a.m. June 14, 2008
I am Republican. I am white. I even listen to Rush Limbaugh (when I can). I am
really, really surprised and offended by this "toy".
I am surprised that especially in this day and age that someone would not think that this was offensive or would even conceive of this.
To the owners of this website, for the good of the state of Utah, replace your website front page with an apology. Then take your remaining stock of sock puppets to the closest landfill.
This toy smears the state of Utah. I used to live in Utah, now I live in Texas and I really hope that none of my coworkers hear about this. The state of Utah is symbolically interchangeable with my faith and THIS DOLL RUNS COUNTER TO THE DEEPEST HELD TENETS OF MY FAITH. The toy is antithetical to respect, kindness, and love.
I don't like Obama. I don't think he would make a good president. But this paints a bad picture. Shame on you.
I am surprised that especially in this day and age that someone would not think that this was offensive or would even conceive of this.
To the owners of this website, for the good of the state of Utah, replace your website front page with an apology. Then take your remaining stock of sock puppets to the closest landfill.
This toy smears the state of Utah. I used to live in Utah, now I live in Texas and I really hope that none of my coworkers hear about this. The state of Utah is symbolically interchangeable with my faith and THIS DOLL RUNS COUNTER TO THE DEEPEST HELD TENETS OF MY FAITH. The toy is antithetical to respect, kindness, and love.
I don't like Obama. I don't think he would make a good president. But this paints a bad picture. Shame on you.
samhill | 8:03 a.m. June 14, 2008
"'In essence, it's pure racism at its extreme,' Williams
said. 'I hope it does not reflect Utah's values as a
people.'"
Whether "pure racism" or not, I'd say it is an example of "pure stupidity".
My biggest problem with such idiotic characterizations is not however close to "pure racism" they might be. Rather, it is the clear indication of the kind of sophomoric reasoning (stretching to use that word) required to actually consider it clever, or even meaningful.
As for racism itself, it seems a fairly obvious act of hypocrisy for the representative of an organization as overtly racist as the NAACP to question the possible racism of an entire state based on something as singular as this.
Barack Obama’s strongly liberal, socialistic and pro-abortion policy stances are show-stoppers for me. But, if nothing else, I hope the candidacy of the first first-generation multi-racial person in history will act as a step toward the day when the absurd and outmoded notion of race itself will be abolished. But it will take the dissolution of organizations like the NAACP, KKK, Arian Nation, La Rasa, etc. to convince me that we have made significant progress.
Whether "pure racism" or not, I'd say it is an example of "pure stupidity".
My biggest problem with such idiotic characterizations is not however close to "pure racism" they might be. Rather, it is the clear indication of the kind of sophomoric reasoning (stretching to use that word) required to actually consider it clever, or even meaningful.
As for racism itself, it seems a fairly obvious act of hypocrisy for the representative of an organization as overtly racist as the NAACP to question the possible racism of an entire state based on something as singular as this.
Barack Obama’s strongly liberal, socialistic and pro-abortion policy stances are show-stoppers for me. But, if nothing else, I hope the candidacy of the first first-generation multi-racial person in history will act as a step toward the day when the absurd and outmoded notion of race itself will be abolished. But it will take the dissolution of organizations like the NAACP, KKK, Arian Nation, La Rasa, etc. to convince me that we have made significant progress.
Chris Dutkiewicz | 8:04 a.m. June 14, 2008
As a white, conservative, LDS male in Gilbert, AZ, I'm appalled at this
act.
A. It's just dumb. Everyone knows that any association between monkies and people of color is extremely offensive. Once, Chick Hearn of Lakers' broadcasting fame innocently commented after a black player hung on the rim after dunking, "He'll get a technical for hanging on that rim like monkey." He really meant no offense at all. But a lot was taken and he apologized profusely for it. Everyone knows. Everyone.
2. It's irresponsible. Utah and the Church have enough problems shaking the racist image. Purging the racist image, I guess is the more accurate statement.
No excuse. Just a blatantly dumb and irresponsible act, regardless of whether it was racially motivated.
A. It's just dumb. Everyone knows that any association between monkies and people of color is extremely offensive. Once, Chick Hearn of Lakers' broadcasting fame innocently commented after a black player hung on the rim after dunking, "He'll get a technical for hanging on that rim like monkey." He really meant no offense at all. But a lot was taken and he apologized profusely for it. Everyone knows. Everyone.
2. It's irresponsible. Utah and the Church have enough problems shaking the racist image. Purging the racist image, I guess is the more accurate statement.
No excuse. Just a blatantly dumb and irresponsible act, regardless of whether it was racially motivated.
John | 8:13 a.m. June 14, 2008
If your white, your a racist.
Got it now.
Got it now.
lhyde | 8:21 a.m. June 14, 2008
If this doll had depicted McCain there would have been no problem with it by
anyone. But because it depicts obama everyone is up in arms. If it had been
McCain, obama and the naacp would thought it was funny.
Here's the problem | 8:23 a.m. June 14, 2008
These (idiots/naive/cunning) people didn't create a "sock money"
for EACH candidate.
No, they singled out Obama to make fun of...and even worse, it isn't even a typical sock monkey. Go look! It's a cartoonish, 1920s-style "n-word" thing.
If it's supposed to be like Obama, LOOK at Obama -- and see that he actually is a darker-skinned version of his white grandfather.
If someone had made fun of Obama's BIG EARS or LONG CHIN (things HE makes fun of himself), no one would be saying a thing.
It's the "piccaninny" representative by (frankly) stupid people that's created an uproar.
And you know what, folks. No one will ever convince me that it's not what these people intended. They are getting the publicity they wanted. And they know their target Utah audience very well.
No, they singled out Obama to make fun of...and even worse, it isn't even a typical sock monkey. Go look! It's a cartoonish, 1920s-style "n-word" thing.
If it's supposed to be like Obama, LOOK at Obama -- and see that he actually is a darker-skinned version of his white grandfather.
If someone had made fun of Obama's BIG EARS or LONG CHIN (things HE makes fun of himself), no one would be saying a thing.
It's the "piccaninny" representative by (frankly) stupid people that's created an uproar.
And you know what, folks. No one will ever convince me that it's not what these people intended. They are getting the publicity they wanted. And they know their target Utah audience very well.
Mike | 8:29 a.m. June 14, 2008
I'm going to try and get me one of these Obama toy's. It might be
worth something 2 or 3 decades from now.
Here's more ideas for them! | 8:28 a.m. June 14, 2008
If the sock monkey people want to be fair, let's see these:
John McCain in a POW costume, with pins sticking out of him! That's REALLY funny, heh!
Joseph Smith sock money, with a picture of an angry mob outside! That's REALLY funny, heh!
Chris Buttars sock monkey: big round yellow happy face, holding a little Obama sock monkey and saying "How DO you talk to THESE PEOPLE?"
You see -- political comedy is a delicate art. That's why there's millions of failed internet marketers who didn't get a clue when they were turned down by actual companies.
John McCain in a POW costume, with pins sticking out of him! That's REALLY funny, heh!
Joseph Smith sock money, with a picture of an angry mob outside! That's REALLY funny, heh!
Chris Buttars sock monkey: big round yellow happy face, holding a little Obama sock monkey and saying "How DO you talk to THESE PEOPLE?"
You see -- political comedy is a delicate art. That's why there's millions of failed internet marketers who didn't get a clue when they were turned down by actual companies.
Conservatives are strange cats | 8:28 a.m. June 14, 2008
Insensitivity to our conservative brothers and sisters is meaningless.
They think it funny to watch a bloated bigot flopping around on camera making fun of a man with an incurable disease - because he's "a liberal."
(Rush Limbaugh on Michael J. Fox)
This sort of thing is hilarious to them too.
They think it funny to watch a bloated bigot flopping around on camera making fun of a man with an incurable disease - because he's "a liberal."
(Rush Limbaugh on Michael J. Fox)
This sort of thing is hilarious to them too.
Not John Lambert | 8:29 a.m. June 14, 2008
Why repost this non-story again? This is surely a case of stirring the pot. If
you want racial sensitivity, go live in any eastern or great lakes city. Or
check in on Obama's pastor. We'll never have respect until it"s
mutual. Respect will never be mutual until it's no longer institutionally
ok to ride whitey down (I don't want to hear about bending the tree back
the other way, ain't my tree, you fix it)
GOP dittohead | 8:31 a.m. June 14, 2008
GOP/Dittohead dogma is unrelated to racism. "Dittohead dogma" is an
oxymoron. Dittoheads call themselves by that term because when they listen to
Rush Limbaugh, they say to themselves, "You know, I always knew that, but
nobody ever said it out loud before." So it's not an inculcated
brainwashing, it's a Eureka moment that makes one a dittohead.
Polical Naivete may not be a lib, but he sure isn't a dittohead.
Now, I agree entirely that the Obama sock puppets have to go. Anyone who would sell those is much more bigoted than someone who blithely assumes dittoheads are bigots.
Polical Naivete may not be a lib, but he sure isn't a dittohead.
Now, I agree entirely that the Obama sock puppets have to go. Anyone who would sell those is much more bigoted than someone who blithely assumes dittoheads are bigots.
Boxers or Briefs? | 8:32 a.m. June 14, 2008
Obama makes a rather significant announcement about taxing "upper"
incomes and a redistribution of wealth with not a word mentioned in the
newspaper.
Instead, we are fed trumped up drivel about an "offensive" sock puppet. Sheeesh!
Isn't this another example of "Trivial Pursuit"?
Instead, we are fed trumped up drivel about an "offensive" sock puppet. Sheeesh!
Isn't this another example of "Trivial Pursuit"?
utahn | 8:43 a.m. June 14, 2008
"Monkey" is still used as a racial pejorative, there is nothing subtle
or innocent about this.
Race Card | 8:44 a.m. June 14, 2008
Like it or not, race is an issue. Everything that has been mentioned about
Obama that is negative recieves an immediate response from the Obama Camp that
"it", whatever the issue, is "racially motivated." Except,
when they mention he is the first black candidate. The news media tallies the %
of black voters, the % white women, the green-weenies, etc. How can it not be
colored?
Morgan | 8:52 a.m. June 14, 2008
If it is not a racist statement, where is The Sock McCain? It makes me sick
that these people perpetuate these stereotypes against an entire race just to
make a few $$$.
Again, if they only want to make you "fall in love with your chosen candidate" why no McCain or even a Romney puppet?
Comment to Neutral: Is it OK to make fun of McCain by portraying him as a member of the KKK? Sell little sock puppets of McCain all dressed up in his pointy white hat holding a noose in one hand and a bible in the other. Would that be funny?
Racism is a constant issue because people will not stop judging others because of the color of their skin or because of what they believe. I'm LDS and it hurt me when Huckabee was attacking me just because of my religious beliefs.
Again, if they only want to make you "fall in love with your chosen candidate" why no McCain or even a Romney puppet?
Comment to Neutral: Is it OK to make fun of McCain by portraying him as a member of the KKK? Sell little sock puppets of McCain all dressed up in his pointy white hat holding a noose in one hand and a bible in the other. Would that be funny?
Racism is a constant issue because people will not stop judging others because of the color of their skin or because of what they believe. I'm LDS and it hurt me when Huckabee was attacking me just because of my religious beliefs.
Anonymous | 8:57 a.m. June 14, 2008
Neutral,
The issue with the monkey doll dates back to the era stated in the article when various types of dishware and doll items were black monkies. It was very offensive then maybe the sock doll needs to be changed to identify with modern times. I believe there was already a sock doll back then dipicting a black monkey, it should be looked into, because the idea being sold now is not original.
Why does anyone want more junk to put in their house anyways.
The issue with the monkey doll dates back to the era stated in the article when various types of dishware and doll items were black monkies. It was very offensive then maybe the sock doll needs to be changed to identify with modern times. I believe there was already a sock doll back then dipicting a black monkey, it should be looked into, because the idea being sold now is not original.
Why does anyone want more junk to put in their house anyways.
Now What? | 9:01 a.m. June 14, 2008
I really doubt that they didn't realize this would be extremely offensive
to many people. A McCain sock puppet may give them a leg to stand on. Whether
they knew or didn't they should remove it from the market.
Those of you who say to get over it and people are being too sensitive should remember the Romney campaign. Remember how you didn't like it when 19th century mischaracterizations of your faith were dredged up? You probably didn't like it much.
Those of you who say to get over it and people are being too sensitive should remember the Romney campaign. Remember how you didn't like it when 19th century mischaracterizations of your faith were dredged up? You probably didn't like it much.
We're in the Money | 9:04 a.m. June 14, 2008
The attention this company/individuals are getting from the media is likely far
in excess of that which their marketing budget could produce. Stupid, ignorant,
racist--at the end of the day is was either a brilliant marketing plan, or like
many other small business owners, they got lucky.
idiotic marketing idea | 9:08 a.m. June 14, 2008
With all the choices to create a product,only an idiot would choose a monkey as
an animal and attach a black person to it. Sadly this is typical of white-bread,
culturally isolated Utah.
Jared | 9:09 a.m. June 14, 2008
I wonder how many people find this idea offensive yet laugh when Pres. Bush is
compared to a chimpanzee and called all the very hateful and derogatory terms he
is called.
wowww.... | 9:11 a.m. June 14, 2008
Come on noww if its not racism. Then tell me what it is. They said it is not
meant to be racist and to offend any body give me a break, might as well join
the K K K.
sensitivity training 101 | 9:12 a.m. June 14, 2008
>>Williams said. "I hope it does not reflect Utah's values as a
people."<<
Q- what do you call it when you judge an entire group based on the actions of one or two?
a- bigotry
b- prejudice
c- business as usual at the NAACP
d- all of the above
Q- what do you call it when you judge an entire group based on the actions of one or two?
a- bigotry
b- prejudice
c- business as usual at the NAACP
d- all of the above
Simple Truth | 9:18 a.m. June 14, 2008
The Obama doll was insensitive and just plain dumb. It casts all of Utah in a
bad light.
Lack of understanding | 9:18 a.m. June 14, 2008
I took a class on Black Studies at CSUSB--me and 26 African Americans.
We learned and watched videos about how the whites treated the black, and one day, after class, I went and apologized to my professor for what the white people had done. (The terms white and black were PC because that was how they were referred to in the curriculum).
My professor asked why I would apologize, "What did you do".
I said "nothing"
Then he explained to me it's not a black and white thing, it's about how people treat others who are different. It's going on eveywhere in the world.
He marched in Selma with Dr. King, and others of both ethnicities, and knew a white 7th Day Adventist Minister who was killed with a baseball bat becaus he planned to march.
Dr. Dabney understood because he had experience (and-a-PhD).
Many of both ethnicities are not as educated and can't understand why what they say or do hurts others, and many don't understand why they feel hurt, they just do.
Telling them not to hurt doesn't help.
Showing all people love and respect helps.
I hope that we Utahns have it in us to do so.
We learned and watched videos about how the whites treated the black, and one day, after class, I went and apologized to my professor for what the white people had done. (The terms white and black were PC because that was how they were referred to in the curriculum).
My professor asked why I would apologize, "What did you do".
I said "nothing"
Then he explained to me it's not a black and white thing, it's about how people treat others who are different. It's going on eveywhere in the world.
He marched in Selma with Dr. King, and others of both ethnicities, and knew a white 7th Day Adventist Minister who was killed with a baseball bat becaus he planned to march.
Dr. Dabney understood because he had experience (and-a-PhD).
Many of both ethnicities are not as educated and can't understand why what they say or do hurts others, and many don't understand why they feel hurt, they just do.
Telling them not to hurt doesn't help.
Showing all people love and respect helps.
I hope that we Utahns have it in us to do so.
re:Neutral | 9:27 a.m. June 14, 2008
"We will not offend anybody if the "color" is left completely
out."
Sure, AND I HOPE THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED MONKEES, "n" WORDS, REFUSED SERVICE, LYNCHED, ENSLAVED, DRAGGED TO DEATH BEHIND PICUP TRUCKS TIL THEY WERE DEAD, DROWNDED TIED TO A FAN, BEEN CALLED BOY, BLOWN UP, ASSASINATED, BURIED IN DAM, HAD FIRE HOSES AND DOGS TURNED ON THEM, SUFERED UNDER JIM CROW, ETC, they make sure to leave color out.
Someone posted yesterday, "only racist see race". That's a nice saying if you never have seen your brothers and sisters beaten because of skin color.
Sure, AND I HOPE THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED MONKEES, "n" WORDS, REFUSED SERVICE, LYNCHED, ENSLAVED, DRAGGED TO DEATH BEHIND PICUP TRUCKS TIL THEY WERE DEAD, DROWNDED TIED TO A FAN, BEEN CALLED BOY, BLOWN UP, ASSASINATED, BURIED IN DAM, HAD FIRE HOSES AND DOGS TURNED ON THEM, SUFERED UNDER JIM CROW, ETC, they make sure to leave color out.
Someone posted yesterday, "only racist see race". That's a nice saying if you never have seen your brothers and sisters beaten because of skin color.
MetricWrench | 9:30 a.m. June 14, 2008
Conservatives hate minorities, the environment, the poor and homeless, people
with "alternative lifestyles" and liberals. Liberals hate religeon,
unborn babies, family values, guns, and conservatives. EVERYBODY STOP! I
guarantee you can find plenty of fault with me if you look hard enough, and I
could probably find fault with each one of you. This behavior is driving me
crazy. This issue is so trivial as are most issues pertaining to race. Let it go
go for once. If these people are from Utah chances are they haven't been
around enough black people to know what is offensive and what isn't so I
doubt they are racists.
Monkee Socks | 9:32 a.m. June 14, 2008
Are you serious, you don't see the racial ties?
How about a little sensitivity?
How about a little sensitivity?
Our own little bubble | 9:33 a.m. June 14, 2008
In Southern California the Girls basketball coach (from Nebraska and knew
basketball) was trying to implement an offense. There weren't all of these
leagues where people paid to have their kids coached, so the kids played the
style of where they learned, street ball.
One day,out of frustration she yelled at them to quit playing "Jungle Ball" (that's what all the white people called it in Mebraska)!!!
She had a mutiny on her hands. The principal met with her and the AD, the school board met behind closed doors. She went undefeated. played through the CIF-SS, and finally got beat by a small private school that offered scholarships, Mater Dei --had she won, she would have played at the pond for the CIF championship).
After the season, she was relieved of her duties for poor coaching choices during the Mater Dei game, which I believe she coached masterfully. The team banquet was held, and she was asked not to come.
We need to be carefull what we say, and how we treat people. Adults can take it, but it has been proven that racial slurs, as innocent as they are intended, can hurt children.
Please be sensitive to the children.
One day,out of frustration she yelled at them to quit playing "Jungle Ball" (that's what all the white people called it in Mebraska)!!!
She had a mutiny on her hands. The principal met with her and the AD, the school board met behind closed doors. She went undefeated. played through the CIF-SS, and finally got beat by a small private school that offered scholarships, Mater Dei --had she won, she would have played at the pond for the CIF championship).
After the season, she was relieved of her duties for poor coaching choices during the Mater Dei game, which I believe she coached masterfully. The team banquet was held, and she was asked not to come.
We need to be carefull what we say, and how we treat people. Adults can take it, but it has been proven that racial slurs, as innocent as they are intended, can hurt children.
Please be sensitive to the children.
I agree, Carol | 9:35 a.m. June 14, 2008
Even more shameful: those who defend this as innocent fun and attack those who
see it for what it is.
Anonymous | 9:44 a.m. June 14, 2008
Ridiculous to get upset over a sock puppet.
And, sadly, naive not to expect to get in hot water over a sock puppet.
What a world.
And, sadly, naive not to expect to get in hot water over a sock puppet.
What a world.
Disgusted | 9:45 a.m. June 14, 2008
First, Chris Buttars and the silly attempts to justify or rationalize his
racism. Now, more clear racism followed by the same rationalizations.
What's the problem out in West Jordan? Do you people ever read a book or a
newspaper? You may want to try to bring yourselves out of the 19th century
before we get too far into the 21st.
They made the wrong decision | 9:54 a.m. June 14, 2008
They made the wrong decision in creating the Sock Monkey Obama. They should
have thought about whether it would be perceived as being racist or not. That
being said, maybe they were just making a joke about his ears. In caricatures
there is often a main feature on a person that is overly exaggerated. I'm
thinking (hopefully) that was the case.
John Q. Public | 10:03 a.m. June 14, 2008
Aww Come On! I am from the South where we still look back on our
Confederate/Rebel heritage with a certain nostalgia and pride, BUT even I can
see where comparing or likening a black man to a MONKEY is a racist insult. To
pretend otherwise is simply a load of disingenous crap! Oh, wait I just
remebered I live in Chris Buttars Land, where black is an ugly thing.
Fuel to the fire | 10:08 a.m. June 14, 2008
This is absolutely stupid! Racisim is unacceptable. It should be made illegal. I
think all racists should be punished to the maximum. The KKK should be
destroyed! And these idiots added fuel to the fire. They knew better unless they
are uneducated.
Skeptic | 10:09 a.m. June 14, 2008
I admit in my 30 years of life I wasn't aware of the history of blacks and
the term "monkey" being applied to them. Blame schooling or blame
whatever you want but I wasn't aware of it. After reading the comments here
and thinking about the history I think the production of the sock puppets should
be stopped. I don't think the makers intended harm but it is time for them
to realize that the message they SENT and the message RECEIVED aren't the
same. If I offend somebody with a lewd gesture in a foreign land, even if I
didn't mean to, they are still offended.
Take responsibility and don't make more puppets.
Take responsibility and don't make more puppets.
Ute in Philadelphia | 10:11 a.m. June 14, 2008
"TheSockObama LLC is marketing the dolls online as a way to 'fall in
love with your chosen candidate all over again.'"
Nope! This puppet was NOT intended for people to fall in love with either Obama or McCain. It was a partison attempt intended to make Obama look silly.
Since "Dumbya" is often caricatured as a monkey, and he's not African-American, it is possible the simian lampoon was not a racist poke. However, since the "SockObama" company's explanation/excuse was soooo lame, it's infinitely more plausible they are simply opportunist racists of low moral integrity. And Republicans.
Nope! This puppet was NOT intended for people to fall in love with either Obama or McCain. It was a partison attempt intended to make Obama look silly.
Since "Dumbya" is often caricatured as a monkey, and he's not African-American, it is possible the simian lampoon was not a racist poke. However, since the "SockObama" company's explanation/excuse was soooo lame, it's infinitely more plausible they are simply opportunist racists of low moral integrity. And Republicans.
Howard Tayler | 10:13 a.m. June 14, 2008
We've been comparing GW Bush to a chimpanzee in caricatures for eight years
now, and nobody complained. But now that the candidate's skin happens to be
brown the rules are different. Monkeys and apes are out!
Racism is the creation of a double-standard. The racists here are those who are crying Jim Crow.
Racism is the creation of a double-standard. The racists here are those who are crying Jim Crow.
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First, maybe they're lying outright. They got caught red-handed and are trying to save face. Well--let's hear more evidence first.
Second, maybe they're racist deep-down but are in denial. Hm. Possible, but I'd rather an informed psychologist make that assessment after an interview. Again, more evidence.
Third, maybe they really didn't mean anything overtly racist. Yet they are so politically naive, awash in GOP/Dittohead dogma, and uninformed about the discourse of race that they haven't noticed that it's both unwise and indecent to offend and alienate Blacks and minorities--even by accident. Sad as it is, I'll have to go with that one, barring evidence otherwise.
So come on, people. How often must this happen before we learn? Get politically educated. Stop giving yourselves a PR problem because you can't see why a typical Black person would be offended by something you're saying or doing. Even better, get to know Black people and learn Humanity 101 first-hand.
P.S. I'm not a Democrat, "liberal," or likely Obama voter. Save your venom--or best of all, lose it.