I know this is an old story from earlier in the week. I decided that I was going to sit on this story while cooler heads prevailed for a bit.
This according to the AJC…and yes, this is happening in Georgia, nonetheless.
Please spare us any southern stereotypes.
If you haven’t been following the news, here’s an excerpt:
The sales came to light this week when a loose coalition of local groups called a protest of the T-shirts.
About a dozen protestors rallied against the shirts Tuesday afternoon, condemning them as racist and asking Norman to stop selling them.
Norman acknowledged the imagery’s Jim Crow roots but said he sees nothing wrong with depicting a prominent African-American as a monkey.
“We’re not living in the (19)40’s,” he said. “Look at him . . . the hairline, the ears — he looks just like Curious George.”
So of course, I am not only appalled with the distasteful connection of a person being compared to a monkey, but just irritated that folks are not educated enough to make political jabs–that they must resort to this kinda crap.
What’s even worse is that the race card has been thrown out there once again. Going back to the McCain post on this site, one shouldn’t perpetuate the racial suggestions unless it is critical and worth it. Don’t cry wolf!
I say this because George W. (I understand is not the most popular kid at the lunchtable) is being compared to as chimps/monkeys as well. Most of the public think that is quite humorous.
Oh and spare me the historical references about African/Black Americans compared to monkeys. I know that. I am aware of that.
1 Comment
May 19, 2008 at 10:05 am
I agree resorting to these tactics can be juvenile and tasteless, but I think too much is being made of this story. As you stated, I’ve also seen plenty of t-shirts ridiculing President Bush, including his very own Curious George shirts on the streets of Manhattan.
A friend of mine told me that even if you don’t agree with the man or his politics at least respect the office. Seems like a double standard.