Controversy Created By Tavern Selling Obama 'Curious George' T-Shirts

Saved this as a comment so I wasn't presenting opinion in the article itself.

Racism is alive in America as bad as it ever was.

Honestly, this is just disgusting and truly disheartening. This kind of thing will feed the fires so to speak. To this outsider, it would appear that the US is headed for a complete melt-down. How truly sad that it must be brought down to this level.

@ Carolyn E. Price (gohomelaker)
Honestly, this is just disgusting and truly disheartening. This kind of thing will feed the fires so to speak. To this outsider, it would appear that the US is headed for a complete melt-down. How truly sad that it must be brought down to this level.

I agree it is, but it also brings up another side of the coin. I have already stated by looking at the tavern owner's words, he seems to be a racists, but I also see other things in the news where people are claiming racism when it is not.

Putting this guy aside for now, recently, I saw a women (FOUND IT) who was forced to apologize because she referred to children climbing trees as "monkeys", she was made to apologize because the children were black.....YET, I used to call MY son and a little monkey when he climbed a tree, but because he was white it was ok?

I also had a penchant for climbing trees when I was little (2 concussions from doing so) and my mom and her friends called me a monkey, but that s ok to do when the child in question is white?

I see women with long faces referred to as horse faced", yet no one screams and yells about that comparison, again, if the woman is white.

I see people on my blog accuse anyone that dares question Obama's stances or his public statement or his policy speeches...racist.

So while this man, from his words, can legitimately be called a racist, I am seeing many, many instances where that term is being thrown out to anyone that has legitimate issues with Obama.

Are those people not racist in their own way to see racism in every single word uttered or action taken against Obama?

Aren't they using the race card even more than those they are accusing are?

Devil's advocate questions, yes, but ones I feel need to be addressed since this issue is blowing up in our faces at this very moment.

S.D., I think that you have to look at it in perspective. For quite some time, everyone has sort of skirted around the issue of everyday American's and racism, and then Hill/Bill Clinton's brought it front and center. The media grabbed the issue with it's brightly cleaned front teeth and are now shaking out each and every last little comment.

The media have to find something to report and where it was once "let's just put Hillary in her place and get Obama elected" it would now seem to be "no way Obama can win it because racism is alive and well". What else would they be spilling all this ink and air time over, other than woman v. black guy? This is a boon for mainstream media, they know it and they want it to go on for as long as possible. It is crystal clear to me that they've rubbed their hands together in glee, set their sights on Obama and he's the target, at least for now.

You have to admit, this guy is blatantly racist. The "little monkey" stuff, I can't comment on, don't know the woman who said it, don't know what the issues were around it, haven't read the link (but I will!). However, I agree with you, I too was one of those "little monkeys", but while people were busy calling me that, they were also calling blacks "niggers" (please don't yell and scream for using this word, I am trying to make a point here). You have to look at the times and how things have allegedly changed.

You are absolutely right S.D. any criticism at all is being construed as race based by certain factions that the mainstream media will echo

The one I like the most was that to question Obama's relationship with individual's who demonstrate racism is racist.

Effectively you can only be racist if you do not support Obama regardless of your ethnicity.

@ Carolyn E. Price (gohomelaker)
S.D., I think that you have to look at it in perspective. For quite some time, everyone has sort of skirted around the issue of everyday American's and racism, and then Hill/Bill Clinton's brought it front and center. The media grabbed the issue with it's brightly cleaned front teeth and are now shaking out each and every last little comment.

The media have to find something to report and where it was once "let's just put Hillary in her place and get Obama elected" it would now seem to be "no way Obama can win it because racism is alive and well". What else would they be spilling all this ink and air time over, other than woman v. black guy? This is a boon for mainstream media, they know it and they want it to go on for as long as possible. It is crystal clear to me that they've rubbed their hands together in glee, set their sights on Obama and he's the target, at least for now.

You have to admit, this guy is blatantly racist. The "little monkey" stuff, I can't comment on, don't know the woman who said it, don't know what the issues were around it, haven't read the link (but I will!). However, I agree with you, I too was one of those "little monkeys", but while people were busy calling me that, they were also calling blacks "niggers" (please don't yell and scream for using this word, I am trying to make a point here). You have to look at the times and how things have allegedly changed.

I already said I think this particular guy is a racists from his other comments and I also see your point about the race card...but again, I see too much of that word thrown out so when something like this tavern owner comes along, it is like too many have cried wolf, too many times.

It is being hailed as racism because a state like WV voted for Hillary Clinton and they are predominately white, yet when blacks overwhelmingly vote for Obama in states like North Carolina, no one dares show the racism on the other side because then they risk being called "racists" as well.

The double standard is being seen on both sides, but people and their "political correctness" will only mention one half of the issue.

Take Jeremiah Wright for instance, his racial remarks cannot be disputed, but for those of us that wrote about them, we dared speak it out loud, we were called racists because we had the audacity to show the other side of the coin.

I also don't think it was Hill/Bill that brought race to the front and center....since Obama joined the contest the media has been all over her gender and his color, then polls started asking the "race" question and the media blasted those results all across the world.....then when Hill/Bill mentions it, they get blasted as "playing the race card".... the problem is, it is THERE and to expect people to deliberately not mention what is right in everyones faces in every media outlet, ever newspaper and every blog, is extremely unrealistic and hypocritical.

I do not often stick up for Hill/Bill as anyone who has read my pieces about Hillary can tell you, but I think that anytime someone mentions the elephant in the room, others scream racism at the top of their lungs to distract from the legitimate points being addressed.

Is that any less "the race card" than those daring to mention that it is a factor for some people?

This man who owns the tavern might be offensive, but he shows without a doubt that there is a problem, definitely, but that problem is being blurred by those that accuse everyone that votes against Obama as a racist.

@ Bobcatx2
You are absolutely right S.D. any criticism at all is being construed as race based by certain factions that the mainstream media will echo

The one I like the most was that to question Obama's relationship with individual's who demonstrate racism is racist.

Effectively you can only be racist if you do not support Obama regardless of your ethnicity.

Exactly the point I have been trying to make in the comments.

I started the comment thread so that my questions would not be seen as any defense of the Marietta idiot guy, I made it clear I think HE is a racist, but I believe the discussion about the other issues are just as important.

If we cannot discuss the issues in front of us for fear of those screaming racism at every turn, then what good is public discussion at all?

Where is the outrage when it's not a Democrat?

http://www.bushorchimp.com/

http://www.38harding.com/qblog-old/archives/bush_monkey_face%20copy.jpg

http://www.flumesday.com/images/bush/monkey.jpg

EXCELLENT example of what I have been saying in this thread.

Double standards.

Kinda funny story honestly. I have known many people who look like monkeys, both black and white. I have known people who look like mice, rats, birds, and pigs. I understand the deeper meaning behind it in this instance, but this picture has been shown on DJ before and I think it makes Obama look like a monkey.

Vote it up! 2 votes Senator Barack Obama - Photo by Elizabeth Cromwell (GNU Free Documentation license) (Creative Commons - Attribution)

I had to remove it from one of my stories once because I refused to be associated with it. So how is it any different?

No banana?

See to me it isn't the t-shirt that should have caused the controversy....people in that town say this man has been making highly charged controversial statements for years and yet no one said a word until this?

He even put up a bar sign he ran in December wishing Hillary had married OJ just "saying out loud what everyone in this town whispers."

The sign can be seen here.

Why were his other offensive statements and actions ignored and yet THIS is making people freak out?

Double standard and hypocrisy.

I think the shirts are cute and free speech.

I guess its all how one looks at it.

What I find funny is that Nation of islam, you know the anti white cauc-haters, find it offensive.

My daughters nickname is monkey-butt. Guess I'm a racist, ?

I used to babysit some kids when my oldest was a toddler to make a few extra bucks. Because all kids between the age of 2 and 6 act like little monkeys I lovingly called my group monkeys. Two of the kids I watched were black and one night when their Dad came to pick them up I called out, "Okay Monkeys time to go home." Their dad freaked out. It was only until the mom came (he made an angry phone call to the mother to come NOW!) did he really understand it wasn't as a racial slur. Once I understood how upsetting it was for him as a black person I stopped the nickname of monkey for all the kids.

This was in the South and monkey is a term of real nastiness down there at times.

anything's better than UK politics....

Does anyone find this offensive? I don't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhODBFQ2-bQ

I also think the shirts are cute, and sometimes people over-react whenever they see a monkey associated with anyone black. If that was the creator's intention, I think it would be apparent.

Nation of Islam protesting?

Did Mad Magazine sue over the Bush Alfred E. Newman photos?

Racism exists! Just look at the number of black that vote for Obama just because he is black, now thats REAL racism.

While I really believe that there are racist tones to this instance, I also know that using the "race card" for anything possible is a tactic that is not healthy to anyone when it comes to topic of racism in America.

As for me, I wouldn't purchase or wear the shirt.

THAT IS AWESOME........... WHERE DO I GET ONE !!!!

Hello Everyone,

I've read one comment that referenced a double standard and the "overuse" of the race card. I must contend that, if the race card has been overused, that must represent that the racial language has been misused as well. The card cannot be pulled unless there are racial overtones present. I would imply that if these individuals are tired of hearing about racism against people of color, In like manner, I can assure you that the people of color are just as tired of being offended by the terms and language in the same regard.

The truth of the matter is that, it would be impossible for an individual of an ethnic group, such as non-minorities, which have possessed a superior status throughout the course of history, to feel as insulted with something that they would view as only a word, or a character. For instance, one may call a white person a cracker, or something out of the ordinary. I would suggest that this has no impact on that person's status, heritage, or born supremacy. On the other hand, the "N Word" is the embodiment of a past that represents slavery, oppression, bondage, murder, slander; the list goes on.

So, to all who have been wondering, "why do they get so offended at just a word or a picture of a character?" There it is.

Lastly, I hope no one gets offended because I have explained the same thing to my "white" wife, mother and father-in-law (white of course), and mixed daughter (7 yrs); whom I love dearly.

I hope America changes soon, not just for my family's sake, but for the sake of every living individual.

Why is everyone going ape about this? Has everyone lost their cotton picking minds?

And we all thought "evolution" was a bunch of hooey.

If we evolved from the apes, why is everyone so upset?

@ macdiamonds
And we all thought "evolution" was a bunch of hooey.

If we evolved from the apes, why is everyone so upset?

That's a stupid question. Viewing blacks as apes would indicate that they haven't evolved.

@ WET DOGs
Hello Everyone,

I've read one comment that referenced a double standard and the "overuse" of the race card. I must contend that, if the race card has been overused, that must represent that the racial language has been misused as well. The card cannot be pulled unless there are racial overtones present. I would imply that if these individuals are tired of hearing about racism against people of color, In like manner, I can assure you that the people of color are just as tired of being offended by the terms and language in the same regard.

The truth of the matter is that, it would be impossible for an individual of an ethnic group, such as non-minorities, which have possessed a superior status throughout the course of history, to feel as insulted with something that they would view as only a word, or a character. For instance, one may call a white person a cracker, or something out of the ordinary. I would suggest that this has no impact on that person's status, heritage, or born supremacy. On the other hand, the "N Word" is the embodiment of a past that represents slavery, oppression, bondage, murder, slander; the list goes on.

So, to all who have been wondering, "why do they get so offended at just a word or a picture of a character?" There it is.

Lastly, I hope no one gets offended because I have explained the same thing to my "white" wife, mother and father-in-law (white of course), and mixed daughter (7 yrs); whom I love dearly.

I hope America changes soon, not just for my family's sake, but for the sake of every living individual.

I'm going to point out for you, since you're new here, that one of the one's who mentioned double standards is a Jew, and one is part Cherokee.

Might put things in a different light about how we feel about the race card ourselves.

Am I mistaken or did someone just play the Jew card? Wow, this thread has come full... circle.

@ Mr Garibaldi
I'm going to point out for you, since you're new here, that one of the one's who mentioned double standards is a Jew, and one is part Cherokee.

Might put things in a different light about how we feel about the race card ourselves.

Are the Jews still being discriminated against in the U.S.? NO! And so it would make a major difference.

@ WET DOGs
Hello Everyone,

I've read one comment that referenced a double standard and the "overuse" of the race card. I must contend that, if the race card has been overused, that must represent that the racial language has been misused as well. The card cannot be pulled unless there are racial overtones present. I would imply that if these individuals are tired of hearing about racism against people of color, In like manner, I can assure you that the people of color are just as tired of being offended by the terms and language in the same regard.

The truth of the matter is that, it would be impossible for an individual of an ethnic group, such as non-minorities, which have possessed a superior status throughout the course of history, to feel as insulted with something that they would view as only a word, or a character. For instance, one may call a white person a cracker, or something out of the ordinary. I would suggest that this has no impact on that person's status, heritage, or born supremacy. On the other hand, the "N Word" is the embodiment of a past that represents slavery, oppression, bondage, murder, slander; the list goes on.

So, to all who have been wondering, "why do they get so offended at just a word or a picture of a character?" There it is.

Lastly, I hope no one gets offended because I have explained the same thing to my "white" wife, mother and father-in-law (white of course), and mixed daughter (7 yrs); whom I love dearly.

I hope America changes soon, not just for my family's sake, but for the sake of every living individual.

Well said but as you can see, some people still don't get it.

[url=http://www.BushOrChimp.com]www.BushOrChimp.com

Everyone has seen these photos of GW compared to a chimp. He does look like a chimp, but I haven't heard people crying RACISM over it!

Give me a break. The real racists are the ones who won't let the topic die.

Besides, Curious George is a CHIMPANZEE not a monkey. Monkeys have tails, apes do not.

@ SuperSockPuppet
Am I mistaken or did someone just play the Jew card? Wow, this thread has come full... circle.

I think I just made my point. No, no one was playing the "jew" card, nor was I playing the "cherokee" card. If I'm going to play cards, it's going to be blackjack, poker, spades, hearts, rummy, or solitaire.

@ Mr Garibaldi
Where is the outrage when it's not a Democrat?

http://www.bushorchimp.com/

http://www.38harding.com/qblog-old/archives/bush_monkey_face%20copy.jpg

http://www.flumesday.com/images/bush/monkey.jpg

Dude, you aren't truly that dense are you? It has nothing to do with democrat or republican. It has to do with the fact that for decades "monkey" was and is a derogatory term for blacks.

If it was a curious George shirt that said "Condoleeza Rice '08" there would be the same outrage

I find it laughable that people today are complete whiners at the slightest verbal or visual offense that passes their way! People are such cry babies now and It makes me embraced to be an American knowing that other countries have to be looking at these marches, protests, people losing their jobs over snide statements,etc..etc. and thinking what emotionally decrepit people we are. Why don't all of you who are offended by this guy's shirt grow a spine and get over yourselves and pass it off for what it is! If this guy wants to make a fool of himself its his right to do so. I cant imagine it is helping his business any and that should be a statement in itself.

I am generally a very tolerable person and try to sympathies with the black peoples past/current struggles but every time I turn on the radio or TV all I hear is how they are being offended by what someone said and want them to be fired for a personal comment. I have grown numb to all of this now and could really care less anymore.

Dude, you aren't truly that dense are you? It has nothing to do with democrat or republican. It has to do with the fact that for decades "monkey" was and is a derogatory term for blacks.

If it was a curious George shirt that said "Condoleeza Rice '08" there would be the same outrage

It's also a term used for children, as in "yard ape, yard monkey," and several other terms that others have put into this thread already if you'll scroll back through.

Are you in this Mike Norman's mind? Can you read his thoughts?

This is a prime example, to me, of how no one takes one seconds thought at disrespecting our current President, but some stupid little profit driven publicity stunt in Marietta creates such an outrage.

@ BoVandy
Dude, you aren't truly that dense are you? It has nothing to do with democrat or republican. It has to do with the fact that for decades "monkey" was and is a derogatory term for blacks.

If it was a curious George shirt that said "Condoleeza Rice '08" there would be the same outrage

Actually there was one with Condi pregnant with a monkey not long ago and the outrage lasted about...um..... a day, total, so please give me a break!!!

Sho9w me some of the same people crying like babies now saying ANYTHING about that...please.

Most those whining now, were LAUGHING at that so your point isn't supported by facts DUDE.

@ WET DOGs
Hello Everyone,

I've read one comment that referenced a double standard and the "overuse" of the race card. I must contend that, if the race card has been overused, that must represent that the racial language has been misused as well. The card cannot be pulled unless there are racial overtones present. I would imply that if these individuals are tired of hearing about racism against people of color, In like manner, I can assure you that the people of color are just as tired of being offended by the terms and language in the same regard.

The truth of the matter is that, it would be impossible for an individual of an ethnic group, such as non-minorities, which have possessed a superior status throughout the course of history, to feel as insulted with something that they would view as only a word, or a character. For instance, one may call a white person a cracker, or something out of the ordinary. I would suggest that this has no impact on that person's status, heritage, or born supremacy. On the other hand, the "N Word" is the embodiment of a past that represents slavery, oppression, bondage, murder, slander; the list goes on.

So, to all who have been wondering, "why do they get so offended at just a word or a picture of a character?" There it is.

Lastly, I hope no one gets offended because I have explained the same thing to my "white" wife, mother and father-in-law (white of course), and mixed daughter (7 yrs); whom I love dearly.

I hope America changes soon, not just for my family's sake, but for the sake of every living individual.

When the race card is "used" on people that refuse to vote for Obama because of POLICY issues, then "I" Contend it IS being overused with no basis.

The tavern owner, sure, his words make it apparent he is racist, but when people scream racism because someone points out Obama's lies, or his flip flopping, or his racists pastor that he used as a "spiritual guide" for 20 years, or his connections to Rezko and Ayers and people start yelling racism instead of addressing the issues, then YES, it is being overused and without "racist overtones" presented.

If you cannot separate legitimate racism from people that just do not agree nor like Obama and do not think he is good for the country, then you are no better than Mr. Norman, just in a different way.

@ Ed Boston
While I really believe that there are racist tones to this instance, I also know that using the "race card" for anything possible is a tactic that is not healthy to anyone when it comes to topic of racism in America.

As for me, I wouldn't purchase or wear the shirt.

Same here and well said! Amen to your point about people using that card when it isn't needed simply because they cannot address the actual issues that are presented.

@ Nikki W (karateblossom)
I think the shirts are cute and free speech.

I guess its all how one looks at it.

What I find funny is that Nation of islam, you know the anti white cauc-haters, find it offensive.

My daughters nickname is monkey-butt. Guess I'm a racist, ?

ROFL KB!

@ KJ (momentsintime)
I used to babysit some kids when my oldest was a toddler to make a few extra bucks. Because all kids between the age of 2 and 6 act like little monkeys I lovingly called my group monkeys. Two of the kids I watched were black and one night when their Dad came to pick them up I called out, "Okay Monkeys time to go home." Their dad freaked out. It was only until the mom came (he made an angry phone call to the mother to come NOW!) did he really understand it wasn't as a racial slur. Once I understood how upsetting it was for him as a black person I stopped the nickname of monkey for all the kids.

This was in the South and monkey is a term of real nastiness down there at times.

The point is you didn't mean it racially, you called all the kids the same name, but because of hypersensitivity, HE jumped the gun and made it so you couldn't even use term innocently.

Real fair huh?

The truth of the matter is that, it would be impossible for an individual of an ethnic group, such as non-minorities, which have possessed a superior status throughout the course of history, to feel as insulted with something that they would view as only a word, or a character.

I have to disagree. I am 26 years old and I do not have any privilege what so ever. At the age of 9 round abouts I heard my first racial slur, Cracker. I have had people tell me that I as a 9 year old girl I had no right to be offended by it because I was white and my ancestors did horrible things to black people. Something I never did, and I am supposed to grasp this at 9 years old? Sure I didn't understand what it meant as first, but then again I wasn't raised to be hateful and racist and to sling racial slurs at people, like the black girl who decided to teach me a lesson because I was white. I was also called racist because she tripped over me while I was leaning in a doorway. Obviously I did it because I am white therefore evil and racist.

So nobody, I Don't care what minority, can tell me, that because the history I am some kind of criminal or I "don't understand" or so help me God do I need to show the history of all the crimes committed against people through out the ages in Africa and the Middle East? Of course we don't talk about that in America now do we? Cause that would mean we are racist.

What this guy did was stupid and he was being discriminatory ( I am not sure if he thinks whites are superior but he is definitely negatively portraying blacks), but for people to get on here and to start saying everyone is racist is pure BS.

So the Jew who is still part of the persecuted in America, says something about racism and tries to identify by explaining the history behind it all is pulling the race card?

The American Indians who are still trying to get out of generations of poverty don't get it? That is a bit narcissistic in my opinion.

And my generation, raised in a world that teaches us that because of the idiots in the Jim Crow era and the slave era that we are all evil hateful racist bigots and should kow tow to anyone of minority status who is the same age and in the same demographics, is fed up with it. Because now we are being subject to the very racism and prejudice and stereotypes that minorities have complained about for ages.

Here are some quotes to show what my generation is being conditioned to accept or else be black listed like the commies once were.

A mandatory University of Delaware program requires residence hall students to acknowledge that "all whites are racist" and offers them "treatment" for any incorrect attitudes regarding class, gender, religion, culture or sexuality they might hold upon entering the school, according to a civil rights group.

The organization cited excerpts from the university's Office of Residence Life Diversity Education Training documents, including the statement:

"A RACIST: A racist is one who is both privileged and socialized on the basis of race by a white supremacist (racist) system. 'The term applies to all white people (i.e., people of European descent) living in the United States, regardless of class, gender, religion, culture or sexuality. By this definition, people of color cannot be racists, because as peoples within the U.S. system, they do not have the power to back up their prejudices, hostilities, or acts of discrimination….'"

Seattle Schools Say Only Whites Can Be RacistTheir web-site starts with this paragraph: “The systematic subordination of members of targeted racial groups who have relatively little social power in the United States (Blacks, Latino/as, Native Americans, and Asians), by the members of the agent racial group who have relatively more social power (Whites).” Individual Racism: “The beliefs, attitudes, and actions of individuals that support or perpetuate racism. Individual racism can occur at both an unconscious and conscious level, and can be both active and passive. Examples include telling a racist joke, using a racial epithet, or believing in the inherent superiority of whites.”

Indeed, a black congressman from Chicago, Gus Savage, and Coleman Young, the black mayor of Detroit, have argued that only white people can be racist. Likewise, in 1987, the affirmative action officer of the State Insurance Fund of New York issued a company pamphlet in which she explained that all whites are racist and that only whites can be racist.

With this tirade I am not trying to downplay the horrors that the black community and other minority communities have been subject to, and I won't explain further because I have obvioulsy wasted my breath in commentary after commentary identifying with minorities ( because I am white how can I possibly understand?) But make no mistake, white Americans are not going to tolerate being told that we don't understand. My generation if not the one before us are being well versed in the issue.



Susan I am sorry if I turn this thread into mud. I am probably going to be "vote deprived" for the next week, but hey people want an honest race discussion and I will give it to them. As the one lady on Bill O'Reilly said, If someone calls you racist get over it it is just a name. She is black, and I'll take her at her word. After all Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson can speak for an entire community, why not her?

@ Samantha A. Torrence
I have to disagree. I am 26 years old and I do not have any privilege what so ever. At the age of 9 round abouts I heard my first racial slur, Cracker. I have had people tell me that I as a 9 year old girl I had no right to be offended by it because I was white and my ancestors did horrible things to black people. Something I never did, and I am supposed to grasp this at 9 years old? Sure I didn't understand what it meant as first, but then again I wasn't raised to be hateful and racist and to sling racial slurs at people, like the black girl who decided to teach me a lesson because I was white. I was also called racist because she tripped over me while I was leaning in a doorway. Obviously I did it because I am white therefore evil and racist.

So nobody, I Don't care what minority, can tell me, that because the history I am some kind of criminal or I "don't understand" or so help me God do I need to show the history of all the crimes committed against people through out the ages in Africa and the Middle East? Of course we don't talk about that in America now do we? Cause that would mean we are racist.

What this guy did was stupid and he was being discriminatory ( I am not sure if he thinks whites are superior but he is definitely negatively portraying blacks), but for people to get on here and to start saying everyone is racist is pure BS.

So the Jew who is still part of the persecuted in America, says something about racism and tries to identify by explaining the history behind it all is pulling the race card?

The American Indians who are still trying to get out of generations of poverty don't get it? That is a bit narcissistic in my opinion.

And my generation, raised in a world that teaches us that because of the idiots in the Jim Crow era and the slave era that we are all evil hateful racist bigots and should kow tow to anyone of minority status who is the same age and in the same demographics, is fed up with it. Because now we are being subject to the very racism and prejudice and stereotypes that minorities have complained about for ages.

Here are some quotes to show what my generation is being conditioned to accept or else be black listed like the commies once were.

With this tirade I am not trying to downplay the horrors that the black community and other minority communities have been subject to, and I won't explain further because I have obvioulsy wasted my breath in commentary after commentary identifying with minorities ( because I am white how can I possibly understand?) But make no mistake, white Americans are not going to tolerate being told that we don't understand. My generation if not the one before us are being well versed in the issue.



Susan I am sorry if I turn this thread into mud. I am probably going to be "vote deprived" for the next week, but hey people want an honest race discussion and I will give it to them. As the one lady on Bill O'Reilly said, If someone calls you racist get over it it is just a name. She is black, and I'll take her at her word. After all Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson can speak for an entire community, why not her?

NEVER apologize to me for speaking your mind so eloquently, if people cannot say what they feel and discuss the issue then these comments on all threads should be shut down.

How can everyone understand each other if certain topics cannot be discussed for fear of being labeled a "racist?

Thank you for your comments Samantha...very much.

Now that I have caught up with this thread, I have to go call the cable company.....OH JOY.

Be back soon.

Interesting, SDQ-thread and article.

What I find truly interesting is that we have gotten so super sensitive.

Racism exists in america regardless of color. I witness stereotyping and ethnic slurs, jokes, emails, websites against Asians, hispanics, arabic descent.....religious persecution of jewish (also doble edge sworded in that still degraded and recipients of slurs directed towards being money grubby, large facial features, etc), athiests....you name it, always a high and mighty to greet what they deem as racial in some way.

Hillary is degraded for her gender.

McCain is degraded for his age.

Obama is being degraded for his race?

No matter how we slice it, humor is humor and one group will joke about another in some way-watch SNL!

The shirt isn't horrible. This tiny town could have done worse than curious george for sure.

I cannot see where anyone here should need to apologize a bar owner's t-shirts.

I've seen worse being sold and at a greater weight of racism.

As for being a 'cracker' and 'gringa' and 'stupid woman'-all three are wrong and hurt. Would I buy or wear the shirt? no, I have more respect for others and myself.

Do I feel the need to create national panic over such a tiny (and cute) shirt? no way. There are children being beaten by their own parents and teens suffering at the hands of their boyfriends and babies who are victims of molesters in every neighborhood everyday.

This shirt is peanuts compared to REAL ISSUES that need attention but sadly, never get multiple groups showing up.

Just my 2 cents.

Again, SDQ, great stuff. :)

@ Nikki W (karateblossom)
Interesting, SDQ-thread and article.

What I find truly interesting is that we have gotten so super sensitive.

Racism exists in america regardless of color. I witness stereotyping and ethnic slurs, jokes, emails, websites against Asians, hispanics, arabic descent.....religious persecution of jewish (also doble edge sworded in that still degraded and recipients of slurs directed towards being money grubby, large facial features, etc), athiests....you name it, always a high and mighty to greet what they deem as racial in some way.

Hillary is degraded for her gender.

McCain is degraded for his age.

Obama is being degraded for his race?

No matter how we slice it, humor is humor and one group will joke about another in some way-watch SNL!

The shirt isn't horrible. This tiny town could have done worse than curious george for sure.

I cannot see where anyone here should need to apologize a bar owner's t-shirts.

I've seen worse being sold and at a greater weight of racism.

As for being a 'cracker' and 'gringa' and 'stupid woman'-all three are wrong and hurt. Would I buy or wear the shirt? no, I have more respect for others and myself.

Do I feel the need to create national panic over such a tiny (and cute) shirt? no way. There are children being beaten by their own parents and teens suffering at the hands of their boyfriends and babies who are victims of molesters in every neighborhood everyday.

This shirt is peanuts compared to REAL ISSUES that need attention but sadly, never get multiple groups showing up.

Just my 2 cents.

Again, SDQ, great stuff. :)

Thanks KB. Nicely put also.

I am glad that people like this guy are around - they say what they think, not hiding it for back room conversations - I live in Marietta and plan to visit this tavern to see what these guys are really like... Humor should be able to be funny no matter who cast it... and by the way, he does look like curious george

hahaha and mccain looks like a ferit lol

I don't see it... his face is too flat for a ferret. He doesn't seem to have much of a totem association that I can see. If anything I would call him either a Bear or a Moose simply because of his rather slow and lumbering type of intent when it comes to speeches and motions, but his temperment can flare much like both of those animals. I'll keep looking at pictures, I am sure I can find some animal he looks like, his eyes look familiar when it comes to another lumbering animal dunno which one though, I don't see ferret though...

un-freakin-believable

md-emory and Sam... It is that type of sense of humor we seem to lack as a world these days.

ALL THAT ARE OFFENDED BY THIS T-SHIRT - whatever you do - never, ever watch South Park! You might just implode your head with your own foot from an overzealous knee-jerk reaction!

@ Redbarronben
ALL THAT ARE OFFENDED BY THIS T-SHIRT - whatever you do - never, ever watch South Park! You might just implode your head with your own foot from an overzealous knee-jerk reaction!

ROFL.

"The publisher of the popular children book's series "Curious George" is considering legal action against a Georgia bar owner for selling T-shirts that seem to portray Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as the inquisitive monkey."

I've been waiting for this to happen. Using the Curious George image is a clear violation of copyright.

@ Connie M (Catana)
"The publisher of the popular children book's series "Curious George" is considering legal action against a Georgia bar owner for selling T-shirts that seem to portray Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as the inquisitive monkey."

I've been waiting for this to happen. Using the Curious George image is a clear violation of copyright.

Sorry Connie for not responding, I was writing about that very issue already, although I was using different links, but thank you very much for that link!!!

With regards to Jeremiah Wright and "Black Speak" - I shared this back in APRIL and got NO Reply:

My wife (white –age 44), my daughter (white – age 14) and myself (white – age 52) went to lunch one Sunday after church. We were in a restaurant we frequent and know the clientele to be mixed race (the economic profile is hard to say, but those who eat there appear to be middle class like us).

There were two couples in a booth next to us (all mid-20’s and African American) and here’s a “snippet” of how their conversation went:

“You know, there are a lot of black graduates at school who are looking to move to France?” “Yeah, Europe treats their blacks a lot better than here (the U.S.A.)”

“You know the thing is, I don’t mind moving, but having to leave family would be hard and there’s no real middle-class there.” “Yeah blacks and everybody get treated fair and they get more holidays then we do.”

Sitting and listening to clean cut, well educated people talk about there future would never bother me (and when we’re out with our daughter like that we point it out when see or hear someone do something of good character). My daughter has been raised to believe that GOD looks on our heart, not our skin.

I teach men’s Sunday School class that is mixed race. I listen to Sharp Talk (Al Sharpten’s television program) and Tony Brown’s program on PBS now and then; so I’m not living in a racial vacuum.

Maybe someone can answer me what I’ve tried to ask my “Black Friends” – If a white man uses “white” to describe his worldview or political take then it’s racist. If African American uses black EVERY OTHER WORD (or so it seems then it’s acceptable).

The “EVERYBODY GETS TREATED FAIR” part didn’t make me sick to my stomach so much as when one of them broached not paying their student loan.

“Uncle Sam will take care of it…” As I listened I heard them carry on about “black this… and black that.” Did I turn to my daughter and say “See honey all black people talk black and put down the country in their conversation”. ? Nope.

I get really sick of hearing there are two Americans. I get really sick of hearing “You don’t understand because you aren’t BLACK”.

Don't use "black" in a sentence (unless you are one...).

Be sure to your choose words carefully so no one is offended.

Don't wear clothes that have a political or religious statement, don't dress too much like a boy or a girl or someone will think you're gay, the list goes on.

Who says we're born NEVER to be offended ? - GROW UP!

GOD has got to change people's heart (not their skin color).

@ Hammster
With regards to Jeremiah Wright and "Black Speak" - I shared this back in APRIL and got NO Reply:

My wife (white –age 44), my daughter (white – age 14) and myself (white – age 52) went to lunch one Sunday after church. We were in a restaurant we frequent and know the clientele to be mixed race (the economic profile is hard to say, but those who eat there appear to be middle class like us).

There were two couples in a booth next to us (all mid-20’s and African American) and here’s a “snippet” of how their conversation went:

“You know, there are a lot of black graduates at school who are looking to move to France?” “Yeah, Europe treats their blacks a lot better than here (the U.S.A.)”

“You know the thing is, I don’t mind moving, but having to leave family would be hard and there’s no real middle-class there.” “Yeah blacks and everybody get treated fair and they get more holidays then we do.”

Sitting and listening to clean cut, well educated people talk about there future would never bother me (and when we’re out with our daughter like that we point it out when see or hear someone do something of good character). My daughter has been raised to believe that GOD looks on our heart, not our skin.

I teach men’s Sunday School class that is mixed race. I listen to Sharp Talk (Al Sharpten’s television program) and Tony Brown’s program on PBS now and then; so I’m not living in a racial vacuum.

Maybe someone can answer me what I’ve tried to ask my “Black Friends” – If a white man uses “white” to describe his worldview or political take then it’s racist. If African American uses black EVERY OTHER WORD (or so it seems then it’s acceptable).

The “EVERYBODY GETS TREATED FAIR” part didn’t make me sick to my stomach so much as when one of them broached not paying their student loan.

“Uncle Sam will take care of it…” As I listened I heard them carry on about “black this… and black that.” Did I turn to my daughter and say “See honey all black people talk black and put down the country in their conversation”. ? Nope.

I get really sick of hearing there are two Americans. I get really sick of hearing “You don’t understand because you aren’t BLACK”.

Don't use "black" in a sentence (unless you are one...).

Be sure to your choose words carefully so no one is offended.

Don't wear clothes that have a political or religious statement, don't dress too much like a boy or a girl or someone will think you're gay, the list goes on.

Who says we're born NEVER to be offended ? - GROW UP!

GOD has got to change people's heart (not their skin color).

Nicely said. Good points made in that comment and thanks.

@ Mr Garibaldi
I think I just made my point. No, no one was playing the "jew" card, nor was I playing the "cherokee" card. If I'm going to play cards, it's going to be blackjack, poker, spades, hearts, rummy, or solitaire.

That's not funny, I'm a red. Keep me away from the mouthwash :P

@ WET DOGS
The truth of the matter is that, it would be impossible for an individual of an ethnic group, such as non-minorities, which have possessed a superior status throughout the course of history, to feel as insulted with something that they would view as only a word, or a character. For instance, one may call a white person a cracker, or something out of the ordinary. I would suggest that this has no impact on that person's status, heritage, or born supremacy. On the other hand, the "N Word" is the embodiment of a past that represents slavery, oppression, bondage, murder, slander; the list goes on.

Columbia university student?
I guess you are correct though everyone knows white people have never been persecuted throughout history and have just sailed through history unscathed on a magic carpet where its always sunny and the clouds are made of cotton candy.

That definition of racism is raciest in itself and utterly egotistical and filled with self pity and arrogance. Not to mention it shows your lack of knowledge of world history.
Besides that you are throwing EVERYONE with white skin in as a racist without knowing if they were even on the continent at the time of slavery. FYI only about 400,000 out of 9 million whites owned slaves at its peak. you always hear black leaders or proclaimed leaders praise MLK and the fight of their black ancestors but you never hear mention of all the "white" people that had their homes burned family slaughtered and outcast because of helping the black people gain their freedom. And i am not speaking out of misinformed I listen to Joe Madison, Al Sharpton, Warren Balentine and the callers,general public and its all the same. "The white America and white people just want to keep the blacks down"
I have never looked down on anyone because they were black or any other race nor will I in the future but I won't stand aside and be convicted and classified as a racist because I'm white.

Good story, Susan and equally interesting comments. I have to agree that racism is alive in the good ole USA...

@ Debra Myers (skyangel)
Good story, Susan and equally interesting comments. I have to agree that racism is alive in the good ole USA...

Thanks.