oh good grief...

[acroyear]

Pharyngula: What year is this again?:

What year is this again?
Posted on: May 13, 2008 8:26 PM, by PZ Myers

I am stunned that this t-shirt could be proudly displayed anywhere anymore.


Now get this: the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is running an online poll that is asking, "What do you think of the Obama t-shirt?", with two choices: "It's racist" and "it's fine". You might be wondering why the newspaper would even have to ask…but here's the kicker.

"It's fine" is winning.

Do you think maybe we can shift the balance there? Or should we just let this indictment of Georgia's racism stand?

Well, since that post, it's gone to 55% "it's racist" so as the rest of the country weighs in, the fact is making itself known.

Still.

Makes me wonder just how much caca is down there in people finding more unique ways to duplicate EX-Senator Allen's "Macaca" jape.

As for the AJC?  Why the hell don't they just call it for what it is, rather than insisting that nothing is true unless some poll says it is?  Bad enough politicians and marketing weenies do that.  The press was supposed to be our last stand, our one voice for pointing out bullshit when it sees it, but the press is now more full of shit than ever, it seems...

Comments

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

I know that for a long time, African-Americans were referred to as chimps or monkeys in a derogotory fashion, and the potential for racism here is clear. But is it clearly the intent of the t-shirt maker? He claims that he thinks Obama actually resembles Curious George, that it has nothing to do with his race. I'll point out that George W. has been compared to chimps for eight years, based on his appearance, and even called "Curious George Bush."

I know a young elementary school teacher who is well-educated and relatively socially aware, who once told one of her students (who was black) to sit down and stop jumping around like a monkey. She really had no idea about the social faux-pas she had committed, and when somebody explained it to her afterwards, she felt thoroughly abashed.

Sometimes a monkey is just a monkey.

That being said, it is difficult to actually know the mind of the bar-owner who is selling these shirts. Is he telling the truth about his intent? And does his intent matter, when after being informed of the offense, he continues to sell them?

context is key

[acroyear70.livejournal.com]

Based on some other verbal gems he's produced, Norman would have a hard time arguing that he legitimately supports the Democratic front-runner for the presidency. To wit:

"I wish Hillary had married OJ"

"No habla espanol -- and never will"

"I.N.S. Agents eat free"

so maybe he's not a racist. maybe he's just a pure-blooded capitalist, capitalizing on other people's racism.

he has his free speech to make those shirts, and i have my free speech to call him a racist, or at least a racist sympathizer for it.

Re: context is key

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the shirt is meant to be offensive, whether the offense is meant to be personal or racial. I also find the man to be repugnant, in that he continues to sell them after he has clearly been told of the level of offense.

I would laugh if the owner of the Curious George trademark sued him.