Okay, seriously. It’s 2009. The excuse “Oh I didn’t know that was offensive to [insert minority group]” is no longer acceptable. It never was acceptable to begin with but especially now. If the Mayor didn’t know it was offensive to black people, why was he so amused with it to send it out? If black people weren’t associated with watermeleon in an offensive way, this picture wouldn’t have caught his eye and he wouldn’t have sent it out. He may as well hang vinyl banners all over the city with him smugly twirling his mustache, saying, “There’s a blackie in the White House.” I’m tired of this. Barack Obama is President…end of story. If you don’t like it…tough shit.
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Whatever, watermelon is tasty and nutritious.
true true
that mayor is a perfect example of a douche bag. is he governing a town full of skinheads?
Now this is some sweet buttery bullshit.
death to all tyranny
I was bout to give dude the benefit of the doubt….some people who live in remote areas of this country really dont know (I’m talkin bout bummmmmmmmfuck areas like where there are 0.000000817% minorities; Montana, Idaho, Sean Hannity’s house…LOL jk).
BUT THEN I read the article and dude is the mayor of Los Alamitos which is like maybe an hour south of Los Angeles…..YEAH, dont fake the funk, he KNEW….
Well now itsnt this a double standard!!?? Its ok to VOTE someone in office based soley on their race, but God forbid after his in dont notice his color. When blacks quit making white jokes and quit wearing black pride shirt. I could never wear a white pride shirt. I am by no means prejudice but I hate to see hatred at any form!!Now whats wrong is wrong. Cant we all just get along. Until Blacks quit being hypocrits we will always have double standards. Black Panthers are a hate group and are just as ignorant as the KKK. They both are ignornant. I am proud of my race but Im not allowed to acknowledge it lest I be branded a biggot. I will be so glad when we are all one color. I believe we will one day with race mixing. Like I said, Im not racist. I believe in mixed marriage. For those who dont, Moses was married to Nuephrite, which were black. But I am sooo ashamed that we voted a man in office just because he was black. Shame shame on us.!!!
First off…”susan”…I’m particularly weary of people that have to announce that they aren’t racist. You did it twice in a paragraph. Secondly, your statement that black people voted for Obama solely because of his race is offensive. Yes, some blacks voted for Obama based only on his race but you know what? I’m sure some white people voted for McCain because of his race. President Obama wasn’t the first African American to run for President so this whole “Blacks only voted for him because he was black” rant is pretty basely and retarded.
Also, this picture is obviously sent out to poke fun at race. It doesn’t make sense otherwise. If I put up a picture of Hitler with an Easy Bake oven I’m sure Jews would be offended…same thing.
Also, you’re statement about the Black Panthers is again misinformed. The Black Panthers might be a radical group, the the KKK has an embedded history with Federal, State and Local governments in which they systematically plotted to infringe on the civil liberties of not just black people, but any minorities.
Next time pick up a book and start learning your history before you come over here with this “I’m not racist” crap.
If not racist, it’s certainly a pretty myopic view that blacks voted for Obama purely because of his skin color. But, Susan, as a fellow melanin-challenged person, I think it’s important to take a step back and ask if it would be wrong if black people did vote for Obama because he is black (and before you get on the “Well, he’s white too” kick, you can’t have it both ways; we are going by the “One-Drop” rule that has often relegated people who are perhaps even a quarter black to being “black”). Voting for Obama, I can imagine, must have been an affirmation for black people that the old, used-out phrase of “You can be anything you want to be (in America)” can actually be true. So, as you say, you are not a racist, and the national level of government is at least somewhat diverse, but let’s remember that not all states are created equal. As an example, the opportunities provided to black people in the DC/MD/VA Area (where I am from) greatly outweigh those in North Carolina (where I live now) or worse yet in places like Mississippi or Alabama. If anything, it has helped black people feel more a part of the American story that is told outside of the month of February. Besides, Obama has made it abundantly clear that he is going to be the President of everyone, not just black people, so more importantly, why do you care?
I could make an entirely separate response to the point of being proud to be white. What is there to proud about? “We” started this Country, but we did not alone build it. I am not saying that you cannot be proud of your individual heritages from Europe and what cultural flavors that may bring to your ethnic plate, but being white has no intrinsic culture. It’s an amalgam of a variety of European influences that separately had to overcome adversity, but together has never been faced with the same level of hatred and misunderstanding as being a colored person. I love that I’m part Irish; it contributes to my tolerance for drinking beer, but that does not equate to being proud of being white. It just so happens that cultural identity in America, in large part because of the racial divide left by slavery and the ambivalence of whites to try to understand anything outside of their own race, runs along color lines. Kriss already pointed out the differences between the Black Panthers and the KKK, but it bears reinforcing that the Black Panthers had something to fight for, while the KKK was largely bred out of fear and intolerance. The Black Panthers fought/fight to be part of something, while the KKK fights to keep things exclusive.
In addressing the postcard, it’s just the same subtle racism/ignorance at work that people saw in the chimpanzee comic strip about the stimulus plan. You cannot say that amongst an ALL white group of people, you have never heard someone use a racial slur, or that black people are like monkeys, or that they sure do love them some watermelon (because, unfortunately, I have). I think I would have more respect for the guy if he just came out and said “Yeah, I’m racist, and what?” rather than try to sidestep it like people don’t already know what is up.
By the way, what would we think if it were a Hispanic president and the postcard had a field of strawberries or lettuce out on the front lawn of the WH with migrant workers picking the fruit or vegetables? Or if it were a Jewish president and the field was full of trees where money/gold was growing. You don’t think those communities would be upset that they’ve had ONE aspect about them taken and generalized? It’s a subtle way of reminding people that we are separated by constructed divisions and that some people will never escape those confines to become part of Americna culture at large. And damnit… I like watermelon too!
Political correctness has gone too far. As a multi-racial person from Los Angeles, I view the American obsession with not offending ANYONE as ridiculous and unneccesary. We can joke about Asians being overly studious and nerdy, White people being hicks/rednecks, but god forbid us to poke fun at an African-American stereotype. Get over it, people. No one is subjecting African-American’s to harm.
Bottom line: this postcard was meant as a joke, and the intent was to be funny. That is all that matters. Nothing bad happened as a result. I asked 11 African-American friends of mine via email if they found it offensive, and none of them said it was, so I am clearly not the only one who thinks this.
Well here’s the problem. First off the mayor tried to claim that he didn’t know it was a stereotype. You can’t claim that people are being too serious and should get over the stereotype when the offending person’s defense is “I didn’t know it was a stereotype”. That’s bullshit. Secondly, saying Asians are “overly studious and nerdy” isn’t even close to what this is. This country has a pretty well defined history of racism and bigotry using stereotypes against African Americans. If this was something that was considered antisemitic, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. Why is it hard to admit that sometimes people do idiotic things and just leave it at that. There’s a fine line between humor and being offensive and this is clearly one of those cases where the mayor crossed the line.
And the “I asked 11 of my African American friends if it was offensive” line is bullshit. You know it, I know it, just admit it.
I think it is hilarious. Black people(excuse me, African Americans) can joke about White people(excuse me, lets say White Americans) but they get offended when it’s reversed.
Voo, just for the sake of the argument, which as a white person I’ve heard plenty of times and rarely ever put any weight to, let’s examine the general stereotypes espoused by black jokes on white people versus white jokes on black people.
White people are often characterized by black jokes as:
1) Uptight
2) Unhip
3) Making a lot of money
4) Being smart, to the point of being socially awkward
5) Having a good relationship with the police
6) Not caring about or at least not understanding black people/culture
7) Putting mayonnaise on everything (haha, Undercover Brother)
Most of which is true. Let’s face it, have you ever been to a wedding and seen a white guy try to dance to “I Like Big Butts”?
Black people are often characterized by white jokes as:
1) Ignorant (need I point out Skids and Mudflaps from Transformers 2?)
2) Lazy / on welfare / unable to provide for a family (c’mon you’ve probably heard and possibly told the “Difference between a large pizza and a black man” joke right?)
3) All are either rappers, sports players, drug dealers, or criminals
4) Liking chicken, watermelon, etc. (i.e. simple Southern foods)
I want you to argue that most of what’s listed above for black jokes is across-the-board true.
The difference between white jokes and black jokes generally is that the white jokes often do more harm than good by perpetuating flat-out wrong and hurtful stereotypes (almost a way of white people saying “we’re still on top intellectually”); many times when told in all-white settings they are intentionally meant to do harm. We can and should all laugh at our differences/similarities, but I do not think we’re at a point yet in society where tit-for-tat comedy is acceptable (a few more generations removed from slavery, Civil Rights Act, etc. and then maybe; societal changes do not happen overnight). That’s the burden of being the “dominant” race (population-wise, and for a long-time economically and socially)… “white people” have long been the establishment/authority against which people of all ethnicities often make jokes. Comedy is frequently a protest against established societal norms or used as a depature from reality and that’s why it’s funny.
By the way, if you’ve read this site more frequently, you’d know it’s not as PC as you think, so your “excuse me, African Americans” comes off as condescending at best. If you’re the type of person who bemoans political correctness but then argues creationism needs to be taught in public school, you are just as much a culprit of being PC… it’s not simply something on the left.
My point is that if Hillary had been president and the picture was making fun of her background, marital problems, hairstyles, etc. everyone, including blacks, would find it harmless fun.
I ran a business where most of the clientele were black. They were the most racist people I have ever come in contact with. There can be no true equality until everyone stops bringing color into the equation.
As far as PC goes, I’ll take good old fashion common sense anytime.
Seriously, idiots like you really need to learn that just because someone else does something that is wrong, that doesn’t excuse everyone else from following suit. Let’s say your flawed premise that somehow if the picture was of Hillary, “everyone, including blacks” would find it harmless. THAT DOESN’T MAKE THAT SHIT RIGHT! Jesus, it’s 2009. I know you learned one of the golden rules growing up “Two wrongs don’t make a right” The kindergarten logic of “But they did it too” is just foolish to use as an adult.
I didn’t say it was right, I said it was funny. I thought the Golden Rule was Do Unto to Others …., but I guess either would prove your point. This is not a perfect world, so there will always be somebody doing or saying something stupid and hurtful. I am just tired of it being a major media event if it offends a black person. Where is the outrage at all the jokes and put downs aimed at Sarah Palin? Jessie Jackson used the N word, link for article. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/16/politics/main4266693.shtml
He apologized and said he hoped Americans would forgive him and focus on the REAL issues. Is this not a real issue? If a white man had said this, his career would have been over.
1. Sarah Palin is an idiot. All the “damage” done to her was her own words. She thought being close to Russia gave her foreign policy experience and she had absolutely no idea what was going on in the financial crisis. She’s an idiot
2. Jesse Jackson…is also a moron. Just because he’s always on TV doesn’t mean he really has a job. Him or Al Sharpton. They’re both buffoons.
Bottom line, there’s a very real history of white people making racial jokes at the expense of minorities. Black folk were treated as second class citizens not too long ago. So yes, there is some sensitivity there when a white person makes a joke. I don’t see anyone telling Jews to get over the Holocaust or Jews jokes.
I see stories all the time of people saying the Holocaust never even existed. The story is reported and people move on. No one loses a job and no one makes a public apology.
I agree that Jesse Jackson is a moron. I put little stock in anything he says, but alot of black people do. He is an idiot and a racist, but it is accepted. He is not helping the racist issue, he adds fuel to the fire. It does not make it right, but it would not be tolerated at all if he were a white man.
I also agree that black people were treated badly even a few years ago, but now the cards are stacked in their favor. Now they receive things because they are black. If they are discriminated against it is wrong, but it is also wrong when the scales are tipped in their favor just because they are black. I have a family member that was up for promotion in a city government job. He had seniority and a better record, but the job was given to a less qualified man because he was black. He was told this was the reason. Is this right? Where were the committees and leaders that should have stood for his rights?
Bottom line, I laugh at myself, Sara Palin, Jesse Jackson, and yes the postcard. So, if someone finds something humorous that is in bad taste, it may mean they are insensitive but not wrong!
You think the cards are stacked in our favor? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Yes, Is it right to get jobs, scholarships, etc because of your skin color? No it is not just as it is not right to be denied because of the color of your skin. Why are there scholarships open only to blacks? Why is it OK to be proud to be black, but if you are proud to be white you are racist? Black ancestors made as many mistakes as white ancestors, including selling their own people into slavery. Who is calling for them to apologise? We have a black president now, whom by the way I support not because of color but because of his ideals, I think blacks have ridden the “oppressed” pony into the ground . There were many atrocities against blacks as well as poor whites in the past. Money ruled then as money rules now, period. I think that there are misconceptions that whites have for blacks and that blacks have for whites. They are never going to be resolved until color plays no part in any issues. Why can’t we just be Americans?
Voo,
To add to Kriss’s earlier reply I think it is important to address some of the things you claim. First, in your simplified Hillary analogy, you claim that everyone, including blacks, would find harmless fun in a postcard making fun of Hillary for a variety of things like marital problems, hairstyles, and possibly even background. The reason this postcard is harmful is because it takes a stereotype about black people and applies it to our President, the supposed most powerful person in our country. It belittles his position in basically saying, “He may be President, but he’s still black” in a very condescending way. If it were a picture of Obama smoking a cigarette, or a field of marijuana on the White House lawn (because he smoked it when younger), a field of arugula (remember when McCain tried to use that again him for his elitism?) or any variety of things that are personal to his character, most people would not have a problem with it. Making fun of Hillary for most of things you mentioned would be PERSONAL to her, not some comment on all women. I don’t think you frequently hear men going “You know those women, they sure do looooove them some hairstyles/marital problems.” Regardless if men did, it would not be a subversive way of trying to belittle her accomplishments, but a comment on the differences between the sexes.
Secondly, I find your story about your business lacking in detail. What kind of business was it? Where was it located? And how were the black clientele “the most racist people [you] have ever come in contact with?” Have you ever stopped to think about your own perception of the matter? You sit there and whine about black people being racist, but what, if anything, did you attempt to do to try to ease relationships with your clientele? Did you put up wrought-iron bars or bulletproof glass/plastic up at your business like so many places I’ve seen in rough parts of DC? Were you nice to your clientele or did you expect them to act a certain way and begin by treating them with the expected level of respect you thought you’d gain?
I’ll have you know that as a white guy who frequents the site, I am not trying to get rid of some “white guilt” or trying to be politically correct. I see that race-relations are a two way street and white people need to do our part to understand where everyone, not just black people, is coming from. I do my part to participate in discussions that do not always speak glowingly about white people, but I rarely, if ever, get offended. Why? Because the posts are not really about me. We are all prone to our prejudices, but being self-aware of those prejudices and being pro-active about not acting on them is one of the first and important parts to breaking down barriers in race-relations so that we CAN make jokes without the stigma of coming across two-faced. If you do not see it that way then “there can be no true equality.” In short, white people need to stop doing stupid shit like this sending out this postcard, getting caught, and then trying to claim they did not know it was racist.
Personally, I think it’s silly that we even have racials problems, but I would be doing non-white people a disservice to say that white people have no part in perpetuating the problem. If anything, the real problem is with those in poverty. I hardly ever hear a black person assume that I love NASCAR, drink Natty Light, listen to country and/or heavy metal, live in a trailer, drive an El Camino, and rock a mullet hair-do… why? Because that’s a “poor white/trailer-park trash” thing. It’s an oversimplified example, but people of other races are smart enough to distinguish between all white people and poor white people. Why are white people not bright enough to distinguish between what happens in the ghetto with what happens in suburban and middle-class to upper-class black America? And I feel sorry for you if it’s some kind of newsflash that “middle-class and upper-class black America” exists.
To address the promotion of the black individual over your family member in a city government job, this is sincerely a subjective example. There are plenty of people in their jobs that sit and wonder why someone has been promoted while they still sit at the same desk. It happens amongst white people where nepotism, classism, and downright retardedness play into advancement. While your family member may never admit to it, perhaps the black guy was more qualified in the “soft-skills” department. Seniority is ONE of the many factors playing into promotions. I’m not really sure what “better record” means but you have a tendency to be vague in your anecdotes. So, because of equal opportunity employment, and affirmative action, you just now assume that every black person that advances and gets hired was a quota/AA hire? In the situation where someone is TRULY less qualified, I can see where that happens, but there are so many factors that play into office politics that it belittles the effort of black people to simply claim they were promoted because of AA. That is one of the subtley racist things that still occur amongst white people. Rather than look at their own short-comings they place all the blame on AA and the black person for simply being black and in doing so they discredit any work the black person may have done. If you come up with a better way to ensure that we make up for the educational disparities between black and white communities, let me know. (I’m not really sure if the effect has a name, but it’s common that when black people move into a largely white neighborhood, whites start moving out, which somehow devalues the property, reducing property taxes collected in a region, ultimately affecting school funding… so yes there is a disparity).
At the end of the day, though, I still pose the question to society: “Why is watermelon only a black thing?!” I love it too damnit! I love it too! New slogan proposal: “As American as watermelon.” (it would make sense too because more and more Americans are taking on the shape of watermelons)
OK, let me address your feedback. First of all, I am a woman, so jokes about females that are in power do strike a nerve with me. Let’s look at the stereotyping there. They got to the top because they are uptight bitches (if they happen to be unattractive) or because they slept their way there (if they happen to be attractive). So alot of things said about women in power ARE personal attacks on all women. Comments such as these do not make headlines and no one is penalized for them.
Secondly, I owned the business and I gave everyone respect and professional courtesy. The hispanic poplulation in our county is increasing in large numbers. The black clients would stereotype and make racist jokes about the Hispanics on a daily basis. This really surprised me. It was like being in elementary school again and the blacks were finally the fifth graders and now the hispanics were the underclassmen. I could fill a page of racist remarks about whites and hispanics that I overheard while I was in my office and they did not realize how their voices carried.
Finally , the family member I mentioned retired in a high ranking position. He, himself, then had to adhere to the AA policies and promote accordingly. Just because it may not happen as often as white people think, still does not make it right. As I mentioned earlier, in our county, whites are becoming the minority as in many other states. No one is rushing to organize a NAAWP.
As for watermelon, it is also my most favorite food!
Who the fidduck doesn’t like watermelon?!, except for the people who don’t like watermelon. If you like watermelon just say “I like watermelon.” I’m a black man and honestly if someone were to make that joke to me personally I wouldn’t be offended, honestly. I would just calmly reply, who the fidduck doesn’t like watermelon?! Watermelon is ok, but I really like Apples. Especially red delicious apples. I can’t get enough of them, really. OH YEAH, WHAT WERE WE TALKING ABOUT? Watermelons you say?
Stereotypes didn’t come from nowhere; they weren’t pulled out of a hat people. The Irish love their drink (except for me), the Italians love statues in their yards; white trash and black trash verbally abuse their kids at Walmart; black people love watermelon (me too); southerners like sweeeet ice tea; college kids are generally more liberal than their parents, etc. etc. Get over it. The “only whites are serial killers” seems to be falling by the wayside however…
Well, this is a fantastic description, perhaps less becoming a scientist than a poet. ,
Hey everybody,
You’re gonna have to forgive Kriss. I didn’t have the best nutrition working when I was pregnant with Kriss, and Kriss never really developed the cognitive thinking portion of his brain. He tries to be a good boy, but just comes across as uppity sometimes.
Either way, ain’t NO WAY I am thinking this postcard is offensive. I loves me some watermelon, fried chicken, chitlins, and sweet potato pie, so this stuff don’t bother me. We grew up poor, and the white people next to us always axed us why we kept chickens. Duhhh….it was so we could teach our kids how to walk properly!
Ya’ll be good…I gots to go watch Oprah.
Love,
Momma