Reader comments
The Obama sock monkey may not be shelved
121 comments | Read story
Jud | 9:48 a.m. June 16, 2008
Good. I'm willing to grant that the manufacturer had no hateful intent. But
it's best to withdraw the product.
I'm Offended | 9:52 a.m. June 16, 2008
I'm a Scotsman & I'm offended by the Scotsman on the Simpsons. We
are not all drunk, kilt wearing, grumpy, gardners, (at least not in that
order).
I want an appology too!
I want an appology too!
Comments continue below
Hearts | 9:58 a.m. June 16, 2008
Hearts were softened, brains were grown, and socks were not touched.
humberto solis | 9:58 a.m. June 16, 2008
i think black people need to get over it
i am an american citizen born in mexico proud of where i come from but more proud of being part of the greatest country in the world the usa
i am an american citizen born in mexico proud of where i come from but more proud of being part of the greatest country in the world the usa
Defender | 9:59 a.m. June 16, 2008
So what if something is racist? Aren't people allowed to have the right to
think, feel, and act the way they want anymore, as long as they don't break
any laws? I don't understand the views of most people I meet, but I still
recognize their right to have and express those views. Something is racist.
So? I just don't see the problem with that.
Jack D. | 10:00 a.m. June 16, 2008
I would've bought one...
Close shave | 10:15 a.m. June 16, 2008
The Lawsons should be very happy.
They floated a balloon for a product, and the free market shot down their balloon. Huzzah for capitalism!
They should be very glad they don't have 60000 unsaleable monkeys in their garage. The Lawson's egos may be bruised, but their wallets escaped mostly unharmed.
They floated a balloon for a product, and the free market shot down their balloon. Huzzah for capitalism!
They should be very glad they don't have 60000 unsaleable monkeys in their garage. The Lawson's egos may be bruised, but their wallets escaped mostly unharmed.
SoJo Resident | 10:18 a.m. June 16, 2008
Re: Defender | 9:59 a.m. June 16, 2008
Well said.
Well said.
Johnny Utah #9 | 10:20 a.m. June 16, 2008
All they had to do is make a McCain monkey, and they'd no longer be racist.
Anonymous | 10:23 a.m. June 16, 2008
Well, duh. McCain might be a jerk but he doesn't come from a background
that has insulted him by calling him monkey boy or other epithets designed to
degrade him.
Does this really need to be explained in here??
Does this really need to be explained in here??
No defense; none! | 10:28 a.m. June 16, 2008
To Humberto: I bet you would be offended if this company had made a doll of Bill
Richardson as a taco. And if you wouldn't be offended you should be.
To Scotsman: Yes, not all Scotsman are drunks. Yes, all drunks are not Scottish. But no blacks are monkeys (or socks). That's the difference.
To Defender: Granted racism is not breaking any "law" but it is the basis of many hate crimes which are against the law. Although in this cirucumstance no law was broken can you at least allow that good judgement should play into our actions? If not, then we will fail, always.
To Scotsman: Yes, not all Scotsman are drunks. Yes, all drunks are not Scottish. But no blacks are monkeys (or socks). That's the difference.
To Defender: Granted racism is not breaking any "law" but it is the basis of many hate crimes which are against the law. Although in this cirucumstance no law was broken can you at least allow that good judgement should play into our actions? If not, then we will fail, always.
Rexy W. | 10:29 a.m. June 16, 2008
Johnny Utah #9:
A McCain MUMMY, or better yet, a McCain ZOMBIE
I'm voting for Obama, and I would've liked one.
A McCain MUMMY, or better yet, a McCain ZOMBIE
I'm voting for Obama, and I would've liked one.
Ronald A. Young | 10:33 a.m. June 16, 2008
Ah Gee Wiz. Why can't we have a Monkey Doll looking like Obama. It so
fits!!! I think I'll look up sock doll making on the Internet and see what
I can come up with. You can not be offended unless you want to be offended, and
if you want to be offended, almost anything will offend you. I don't think
so much that he is offended, its the people that support him that are offended.
Whites telling people how they should feel towards People of Color and a few
people of Color. Most of us just kick back and enjoy the joke. I always have,
had I not life would have been very short and unhappy. The Sun came up today,
and I had a Pulse, everything else will take care of its self.
Amy | 10:46 a.m. June 16, 2008
I'm glad they've decided to stop making the dolls. I believe they sold
out of the first run, and hadn't made any more yet...so this shouldn't
affect their wallets too badly.
There are plenty of candidate-related items they could make. Little teddy bears with t-shirts and signs for McCain and Obama (and, if they really want to branch out, McKinney and Barr!) would be very cute.
There are plenty of candidate-related items they could make. Little teddy bears with t-shirts and signs for McCain and Obama (and, if they really want to branch out, McKinney and Barr!) would be very cute.
Barry | 11:18 a.m. June 16, 2008
Obama is just as white as he is black, there should be no issue with a sock
puppet.
What about the Larry Craig bobble head (look it up on google) kind of offensive... at least to Larry Craig I would think.
What about the Larry Craig bobble head (look it up on google) kind of offensive... at least to Larry Craig I would think.
Amy | 11:47 a.m. June 16, 2008
"Obama is just as white as he is black, there should be no issue with a
sock puppet."
Our social perceptions of race don't always match up with biology. Also, this does not just affect Senator Obama.
"What about the Larry Craig bobble head (look it up on google) kind of offensive... at least to Larry Craig I would think."
It's crude, certainly, but since it's actually based on something he DID and was arrested for, and not his race, it's not quite the same thing.
Our social perceptions of race don't always match up with biology. Also, this does not just affect Senator Obama.
"What about the Larry Craig bobble head (look it up on google) kind of offensive... at least to Larry Craig I would think."
It's crude, certainly, but since it's actually based on something he DID and was arrested for, and not his race, it's not quite the same thing.
Hey Joe | 12:17 p.m. June 16, 2008
Is this what you meant by your paper going "more" Mormon?
Where's your hood?
Freedom of Speech | 12:18 p.m. June 16, 2008
...is a wonderful thing. It allows people to say and do the most horrific
things (like the piccaninny portrayal of Obama by the Lawsons) AND it allows US
to show them down and embarrass them.
Long live MY freedom of speech!
--
Laytonian
Long live MY freedom of speech!
--
Laytonian
Anonymous | 12:21 p.m. June 16, 2008
What's so wrong about the Obama monkey doll?
Only in racist Utah would a question like that be taken seriously.
Well, maybe in Mississippi it would be popular also.
Only in racist Utah would a question like that be taken seriously.
Well, maybe in Mississippi it would be popular also.
From someone who cries | 12:27 p.m. June 16, 2008
he is over the past and we need to put all this racism behind us...yeah
right...you can see it everywhere...the race card will be played forever...
Things happen to all ethnicities...and why is it that the only people who continue to cry foul are th African Americans? Many do not, but the majority do...
This is ridiculous...many have suffered more than they and they continue to whine and cry...i think it is a shame.
People are people and we should care for one and all the same...
People need to quit making issues with things...choose to be offended or not...but get on with life and get over it...
Things happen to all ethnicities...and why is it that the only people who continue to cry foul are th African Americans? Many do not, but the majority do...
This is ridiculous...many have suffered more than they and they continue to whine and cry...i think it is a shame.
People are people and we should care for one and all the same...
People need to quit making issues with things...choose to be offended or not...but get on with life and get over it...
Anonymous | 12:35 p.m. June 16, 2008
I'm voting for Obama, for sure.
That having been said, I don't think this was a racist thing. Poor taste maybe, but there's a lot of that to go around. I think we'll get past this.
That having been said, I don't think this was a racist thing. Poor taste maybe, but there's a lot of that to go around. I think we'll get past this.
Observer | 12:41 p.m. June 16, 2008
Glad to see that Utah is still battling the southern states for the lead when it
comes to racism. It makes all of us so proud and shines such a positive light on
the state. I'm sure that it does wonders for the dominant church in the
state when it comes to conversion as well. Yeah, Utah, a real positive leader.
sorry Utah | 12:46 p.m. June 16, 2008
Sorry Utahns.
You will NEVER put racism in the past.
Even, as token gesture, the Utah Legislative observes Martin Luther King Day (like the rest of America) Utah will STILL be viewed as a red-necked, backwoods and backwards state.
You will NEVER put racism in the past.
Even, as token gesture, the Utah Legislative observes Martin Luther King Day (like the rest of America) Utah will STILL be viewed as a red-necked, backwoods and backwards state.
Dang | 12:46 p.m. June 16, 2008
I guess maybe I shouldn't market my McCain puppet made from saltines.
Don't want to offend any crackers.
Stupid Idea | 12:47 p.m. June 16, 2008
This was a stupid, racist idea from the beginning and the public outcry killed
the sock monkey project.
To: Anonymous: "Only in racist Utah would a question like that be taken seriously."
There's very little difference between a bigot and a racist. Both hate entire groups of people.
To: Anonymous: "Only in racist Utah would a question like that be taken seriously."
There's very little difference between a bigot and a racist. Both hate entire groups of people.
To Amy | 12:58 p.m. June 16, 2008
I've read all of your comments on the story your tip to the media began. I
think it is disingenuous of you to suggest the Lawsons could make cute teddy
bear political toys. Political satire isn't cute. Never has been. You
acknowledged that when you were offended at their product and went about doing
something to bring attention to it. You won. You succeeded in stifling their
free speech right to make a product according to their perceptions. Way to go
in protecting the rights of our citizens in bad taste or good. If you'd
like to see something else out there, YOU produce it. Put your philosophy out
there and see how it stands up to the whirlwind of public opinion/s.
the State of hypocrisy | 1:00 p.m. June 16, 2008
I've lived in Maryland, California, Colorado, Washington and Utah, but only
while living in Utah would the bigots out there automatically assume that I must
be a racist.
Please explain why you think it's acceptable to judge some by where they live when you find it unacceptable to judge someone by the color of their skin.
Please explain why you think it's acceptable to judge some by where they live when you find it unacceptable to judge someone by the color of their skin.
Arnold ZIFFEL | 1:01 p.m. June 16, 2008
It`s something when people are bigots and are`nt even smart enough to know it.
These people should be sued for slander. What some idiots.
to: state of hypocrisy | 1:05 p.m. June 16, 2008
you haven't lived in Utah very long, have you?
Dear "To Amy" | 1:09 p.m. June 16, 2008
You're a Lawson, aren't you?
The First Amendment gives you the right to produce a racist toy, and it also gives US the right to protest your actions.
Sorry, but the consumer WON in this case. If your product had been really wanted, there would be no outcry.
But your comments, above, show that you really DID intend to be offensive.
Now...if you are NOT a Lawson - I apologize for the misperception and low blow.
Maybe you should look inside your own heart, and also learn that WE also have First Amendment rights!
Interesting that when you claim that we stifled the Lawsons, you wanted to stifle US for speaking out.
The First Amendment gives you the right to produce a racist toy, and it also gives US the right to protest your actions.
Sorry, but the consumer WON in this case. If your product had been really wanted, there would be no outcry.
But your comments, above, show that you really DID intend to be offensive.
Now...if you are NOT a Lawson - I apologize for the misperception and low blow.
Maybe you should look inside your own heart, and also learn that WE also have First Amendment rights!
Interesting that when you claim that we stifled the Lawsons, you wanted to stifle US for speaking out.
Not a Lawson | 1:18 p.m. June 16, 2008
Did I say don't speak out? No.
I wrote to Amy to point out that starting a tempest then trying to make cute is disingenuous.
Let the free market speak.
I find it interesting that you are willing to make a "low blow" in the first place. Nice.
I wrote to Amy to point out that starting a tempest then trying to make cute is disingenuous.
Let the free market speak.
I find it interesting that you are willing to make a "low blow" in the first place. Nice.
a stark reminder | 1:18 p.m. June 16, 2008
This is a stark reminder that it wasn't that long ago that the lynching of
black men was made illegal.
Whenever I read comments like Dear "to Amy" claiming first amendment rights to insult an entire race of people - I think of a nasty time not that long ago and see that in some minds and hearts some things remain unchanged.
Whenever I read comments like Dear "to Amy" claiming first amendment rights to insult an entire race of people - I think of a nasty time not that long ago and see that in some minds and hearts some things remain unchanged.
to: hypocrisy | 1:05 p.m. | 1:23 p.m. June 16, 2008
"you haven't lived in Utah very long, have you?"
I'll be happy to tell you how long I've lived in and outside of Utah after you've explained why bigotry is more acceptable than racism.
I'll be happy to tell you how long I've lived in and outside of Utah after you've explained why bigotry is more acceptable than racism.
...poeple.... | 1:27 p.m. June 16, 2008
....such whiney babies. Cry and whine and whine and cry about the smallest
issues. Anything could be termed as racist in the worlds eyes.
to Barry | 1:31 p.m. June 16, 2008
"What about the Larry Craig bobble head (look it up on google) kind of
offensive... at least to Larry Craig I would think."
There's a big difference in a US Senator being held to account for his homosexual activity in public spaces and another being ridiculed for the way he was born.
No one would need to point that out to someone who didn't *want* to excuse racist behavior.
There's a big difference in a US Senator being held to account for his homosexual activity in public spaces and another being ridiculed for the way he was born.
No one would need to point that out to someone who didn't *want* to excuse racist behavior.
Rubbing the Temples in pain | 1:32 p.m. June 16, 2008
Are you freakin' kidding me!!
You backwards sheltered children of the corn!
If you don't understand why it's racist then you should not have your temple recommend.
Further, being conservatives we should be proud that the free-market has done the right thing when so many in Utah are too ignorant to know what that may be.
Clap Clap Clap
Way to make your religion/state look better on the national stage.
You backwards sheltered children of the corn!
If you don't understand why it's racist then you should not have your temple recommend.
Further, being conservatives we should be proud that the free-market has done the right thing when so many in Utah are too ignorant to know what that may be.
Clap Clap Clap
Way to make your religion/state look better on the national stage.
to From someone who cries | 1:34 p.m. June 16, 2008
"Things happen to all ethnicities...and why is it that the only people who
continue to cry foul are th African Americans? Many do not, but the majority
do..."
Do you assume that the only people who are offended are Black? I'm white - have been white all of my 67 years and I'm deeply offended at making fun of someone for a characteristic that they have NO responsibility for or control over. Add in 200 years of abuse and limited opportunity that's being ramped up and it's even more offensive.
Do you assume that the only people who are offended are Black? I'm white - have been white all of my 67 years and I'm deeply offended at making fun of someone for a characteristic that they have NO responsibility for or control over. Add in 200 years of abuse and limited opportunity that's being ramped up and it's even more offensive.
Mike in Texas | 1:35 p.m. June 16, 2008
DMN. It looks like you censored my comments on this issue. Oh well, I am sure
that what I said would be offensive to many. But I was being objective. The
facts are the facts. Around the country Utah is viewed as one of the most
racist "red" states outside of the South. I know, I have lived in many
of them. Intended or not, this incident will be laid at the feet of all of the
citizens of Utah and especially those who are Mormon.
to stark | 1:37 p.m. June 16, 2008
You have no idea what is in my heart and mind. I am concerned about everyone in
this nation and the current seeming widespread delusion that we can infringe on
the rights of others without infringing ultimately on our own. Is it despicable
to mock others for race, gender, ability, and other characteristics of birth or
circumstance? Yes. However, we are all in danger when it becomes
"wrong" to have a different opinion about positions of choice.
Let the market rule on the worthiness of a product.
In my humble opinion, what most of those concerned about this product are really afraid of is that it could possibly have become a popular item and what that would say about us. It didn't. So, again imho, that says something good about us. However, that doesn't mean we take away the right of someone to try and market things offensive to us. Vote with your dollars.
If we don't protect the right of someone to insult us, we give away our right to say whatever we might say.
Let the market rule on the worthiness of a product.
In my humble opinion, what most of those concerned about this product are really afraid of is that it could possibly have become a popular item and what that would say about us. It didn't. So, again imho, that says something good about us. However, that doesn't mean we take away the right of someone to try and market things offensive to us. Vote with your dollars.
If we don't protect the right of someone to insult us, we give away our right to say whatever we might say.
Amy | 1:41 p.m. June 16, 2008
The Lawsons claimed that their ONLY intention was to make a cute, cuddly toy. If
we take them at face value, there are lots of other cute toys they can make that
do not have any racist history.
How on earth have I "stifled" their free speech? No one has unbridled freedom to have their business exempt from public attention. Did I try to get the government to stop them? No. Did I threaten them to get them to stop? No. If you want to enter the public square by starting your own business, then you need to be prepared to accept criticism.
People like you never seem to object when conservative groups protest things they find immoral.
How on earth have I "stifled" their free speech? No one has unbridled freedom to have their business exempt from public attention. Did I try to get the government to stop them? No. Did I threaten them to get them to stop? No. If you want to enter the public square by starting your own business, then you need to be prepared to accept criticism.
People like you never seem to object when conservative groups protest things they find immoral.
Who??? | 1:45 p.m. June 16, 2008
Who is Jim Crow? I am a middle aged woman and I d0 not have any idea who Jim
Crow is, so isn't it possible that this company did know ethier.
Quit looking for excuses to cry racisium...
Quit looking for excuses to cry racisium...
Painful | 1:50 p.m. June 16, 2008
These comments are painful to read. It frightens me that I may be surrounded at
any time in this state by ignorant people who think it is acceptable to portray
a black person as an effigy of a monkey.
COSMO | 1:54 p.m. June 16, 2008
Ok, so a mistake was made. Should the offending party be sent to a re-education
camp?
As to Mr. Obama's race. He is just as much Caucasian
as African.
There are truly far more important issues, to be addressed. Let's not keep beating each other up, all
the time. :-)
As to Mr. Obama's race. He is just as much Caucasian
as African.
There are truly far more important issues, to be addressed. Let's not keep beating each other up, all
the time. :-)
Amy to Anonymous | 1:55 p.m. June 16, 2008
"What's so wrong about the Obama monkey doll?
Only in racist Utah would a question like that be taken seriously.
Well, maybe in Mississippi it would be popular also."
I'm from Mississippi, and I obviously don't like it. And I don't think everyone from Utah is some extreme racist. States have stereotypes about them, too.
I don't even know if the Lawsons are racists; they may be just be ignorant. Utah has a 1% black population; it's not something they deal with every day.
Only in racist Utah would a question like that be taken seriously.
Well, maybe in Mississippi it would be popular also."
I'm from Mississippi, and I obviously don't like it. And I don't think everyone from Utah is some extreme racist. States have stereotypes about them, too.
I don't even know if the Lawsons are racists; they may be just be ignorant. Utah has a 1% black population; it's not something they deal with every day.
rayray | 2:01 p.m. June 16, 2008
Are they available on ebay yet?.It will be a big collectors item now. Or are
they still available from the company??
Amy | 2:04 p.m. June 16, 2008
"Who is Jim Crow?"
Jim Crow laws were laws about segregation, and laws that limited the civil rights of non-whites.
"Quit looking for excuses to cry racisium [sic]..."
Perhaps you should stop looking for excuses to minimize it.
Jim Crow laws were laws about segregation, and laws that limited the civil rights of non-whites.
"Quit looking for excuses to cry racisium [sic]..."
Perhaps you should stop looking for excuses to minimize it.
awesomeron | 2:04 p.m. June 16, 2008
I think it is PC to be against the Obama Doll. I wonder if you will be
considered a Raceist if you do Not Vote for him. I so that would make part Black
Self, both Not PC and a Raceist. However how would that Not make one part Black
person a Raceist for Not Voting for another Part Black Person. Could it be that
it is Not Race based but issue based and whar ever % we can be apart we are
apart. War, Peace, Faith, Right To Life, Being Mean and angry and clinging to my
narrow minded values and my Religion. The 1st, 2nd,14, and 16th amendment,Roe v
Wade etc.
Utah cheerleader | 2:08 p.m. June 16, 2008
Okay, everybody!
On the count of three.
one, two, three ...
WHITE AND DELIGHTSOME!
On the count of three.
one, two, three ...
WHITE AND DELIGHTSOME!
Dear "Who???" | 2:09 p.m. June 16, 2008
You are an uneducated "middle aged woman". If you don't even know
about Jim Crow then you have no room to talk.
Why do you think that this is an excuse to "cry racisium"? Do you have any black friends? By friends I mean people that you hang out with on a regular basis, outside of work or school. Do they talk to you about having been called names growing up? Or beaten by older people in Utah?
Just keep going to your homogeneous groups in your homogeneous neighborhoods. When something is out of your realm of comprehension then maybe you shouldn't put your two (misguided) cents in.
I'm not saying your racist. Just ignorant!
Why do you think that this is an excuse to "cry racisium"? Do you have any black friends? By friends I mean people that you hang out with on a regular basis, outside of work or school. Do they talk to you about having been called names growing up? Or beaten by older people in Utah?
Just keep going to your homogeneous groups in your homogeneous neighborhoods. When something is out of your realm of comprehension then maybe you shouldn't put your two (misguided) cents in.
I'm not saying your racist. Just ignorant!
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I hope this has educated the Lawsons, and their hearts will soften to people of ALL races.