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DEL.ICIO.USFuss over shirt offers chance of enlightenment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He looked nervous.
Who could blame him?
Some customers pointed and gave double-takes when Jason Getz, an AJC Gwinnett News photographer, walked into Martin’s Restaurant in Norcross. He wore a T-shirt that’s been in the news of late, thanks to Mike Norman, owner of Mulligan’s Bar and Grill in Marietta. He sells a T-shirt that shows a picture of Curious George, with a banana, with the words “Obama ‘08” underneath.
A coalition has protested. The publisher of the Curious George reading series has threatened to sue for misuse of the chimp’s character.
On Tuesday, I drove to Mulligan’s and plucked down $15 for a T-shirt. A jovial customer told me to be sure and try the collards, that they’d been prepared by a “sister” (meaning black woman) who was a mighty good cook.
The T-shirt served as a prop for yesterday’s Badie Tour. I wanted to see the reaction if someone actually wore the shirt. Getz agreed to be the guinea pig, though he may now resent it. He didn’t like the attention, the stares and gestures.
“It’s not me,” Getz said.
Soon, he shed it.
Dwight Bramlett, a white man from Newnan who was eating breakfast, could see why.
“I don’t see it as a racial thing, but it’s a touchy subject, ya know,?” the electrician said. “If I was black, I think I’d be a little insulted. But this is just more trouble. More stuff to fuss about.”
All because of a T-shirt.
But is it just a T-shirt?
Norman has the right to erect any kind of mean-spirited message he wants to on the marquee outside his hole-in-the-wall. He can sell racist T-shirts, too, if that’s his thing. If you don’t see anything wrong with it, you can eat and drink there. Take friends. We can’t tell Norman what to think or what to express.
Likewise, black people can’t be told how to feel or how to react to a T-shirt that compares a monkey with a black man. Black people, deal with it in different ways - by ignoring the Normans of the world, through anger, pain, protests, counter racism and humor. It’s not about holding a grudge, playing victim; it’s about not forgetting the past, the legacy.
It’s easy to say just get over it, move on, knock the chip off your shoulder, when you’re not the one whose history, whose ancestors, bore the scars. But do you tell a woman whose been raped to just “get over it?” Or relatives who lost a family member to murder to just “move on?”
The historical context in which blacks have been derogatorily compared to monkeys, apes and chimps is too defined, too recent. It’s rooted in Jim Crow America. The South. And if you can’t see that, don’t want to acknowledge it or didn’t know, then perhaps Norman’s Obama spoof has served one good purpose: enlightenment.
I’ve read some comments by AJC readers who wonder why the characterization and depiction of President George Bush as a monkey hasn’t garnered the same visceral reaction. While such a depiction may offend some, it carries absolutely no racial, racist or bigoted innuendo. Zilch.
At Martin’s Restaurant, Doug Candis and Burke Johnson, two black men, sat at a nearly table. They once worked together in radio broadcasting when stations didn’t play the same 30 songs all day. They were relieved to hear that Getz was part of a journalistic exercise, not some agitator with a death wish.
“We saw him when he first walked in,” said Candis when I approached their table. “I don’t go for things like that at all. It reflects negative thoughts. People are trying everything they can to bring (Obama) down. I reward him for staying on track.”
Johnson of Norcross saw a TV newsclip of the T-shirt. “I didn’t think I’d ever see anyone wear it,” he told me. “I didn’t think anybody would be brave enough to do it.”
Then, jokingly, he offered Getz some advice:
“You wouldn’t make it too far with that shirt on in some places,” he said. “You almost got tackled coming in here, man.”
Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or e-mail: rbadie@ �
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By MADMOMMY
May 15, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
It is just insane that someone has the gall to print up a shirt like that and then wonder what all the fuss is about. I think this is just a PR move and one that went a different direction than expected.
If you have the shirt, just think first before you wear it.
By Cartoon
May 15, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
No issue here. Nothing to see. Move along people.
By Katie
May 15, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Excuse me Rick. Chimps are Great Apes, NOT monkeys. Humans, Chimps, Bonobos and Gorillas are Great Apes.
It’s a shirt, I don’t think it’s a big deal. Curious George is a cartoon character, he’s not real.
By ken
May 15, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Move along people. Forget 400 years of history (except the confederate flag). Yeah, right. Thank God for the young, many of whom have shown that they are indeed willing to “move on” beyond this antiquated, adolescent nonsense. And thank God that these dinosaurs are approaching extinction. Relish in your T-Shirts, my friends; your time has past.
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
One more Obama informercial courtesy of Rick Badie.
Where is the Rev. Wright article Badie?
I certainly find a minister claiming “God damn America” and accusing the US government of creating the AIDS virus to kill blacks much more offensive.
But I don’t expect Badie to do anything but shill for Obama. He isn’t a journalist he’s an unpaid Obama hack.
LT5000
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
On Tuesday, I drove to Mulligan’s and plucked down $15 for a T-shirt. A jovial customer told me to be sure and try the collards, that they’d been prepared by a “sister” (meaning black woman) who was a mighty good cook.
I’m calling Bullsh*t on this. Badie’s trying to paint this place as a KKK hangout.
Rick, did you just add this as embellishment or did this really happen. If you are printing lies to bolster your story that is shameful.
LT5000
By Giles Slade
May 15, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Keep the shirt, man. It will be of great historic significance, a bit like having Jackie Robinson’s first baseball and it only cost you $15. You can show it on Antiques Roadshow in few years and people will laugh and scratch their heads. It’s genuine ‘Americana’. Also, don’t be surprised that some idiot printed up and sold this thing, there are at least as many white fools as any other kind. Still, I wish you asked the ‘sister’ who prepared the collard greens how she felt about it and what kind of man she thought Mike Norman was. Good piece though. Thanks!
By El Gringo
May 15, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Nice try Mr. Badie but you simply cannot compare a rape victim’s situation to this.
One is serious, and changes someone’s life forever; the other is s t-shirt!
It would seem we could use a little less race baiting and perhaps more productive use of our time from Mr. Badie.
The intelligence of some people is not just defined by there words but were they focus their attention…who wants to spend their free time getting upset about a t-shirt that by nature not necessarily offensive? Hmmm…
By gttim
May 15, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Nice column. As a white man I find the shirt incredibly racist. I find Mike Norman to be an ignorant or unrepentant racist, and now a coward, since he is whining that he did not print the shirts because he is scared to death of a lawsuit.
Get over it- meaning racism? This shirt proves that racism is still going on. How can one get over what has not ended?
BTW, if Houghton Mifflin Harcourt does not bring a massive lawsuit against Norman, I will assume they approve of the sentiment of the shirt and do everything I can to make sure nobody I know ever buys a Curious George product!
By taxxed
May 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
whats the fuss? curious george bush images have been out for almost a decade!
By hrw
May 15, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
No matter who we are; we should not poke fun or distribute anything that is offensive to others. Things comes back two-fold when we treat one and other wrong. T-Shirts, words, even actions destroy us all as human beings. What may appear funny is not; and what we assume is always a lie.
By Adam
May 15, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Mr. Badie - thank you for your column. I would only encourage the detractors posting comments to thsi blog to actually read it.
Please note the key thesis of the article. The reaction of people of color to this t-shirt is “not about holding a grudge, playing victim; it’s about not forgetting the past, the legacy.”
As a white southerner I will tell you that remembering the legacy is important for us all.
Before MLK lead the second march across the Pettus Bridge in Selma in 1965, the site of a brutal attack on peaceful marchers just days earlier (one where Georgia’s own John Lewis was seriously injured), he led a prayer. In that prayer he asked the Lord to deliver his white brothers and sisters in Alabama from their self-imposed slavery of hatred.
The legacy we all should remember is not just about establishing civil rights for people of color, it was about freeing white america from ignorance and hatred.
So when you dismiss this t-shirt as “just a joke” or “just a cartoon,” you’re taking a step back. We should never forget the millions of brave men and women who suffered tremendously, yet adhered to non-violence, not only to secure their own civil rights, but also because they loved their white brothers and sisters.
To dismiss this mean-spirited t-shirt as a simple “joke” is a slap in the face to that legacy.
That is the enlightenment that Mr. Badie is speaking of folks. Please don’t attack him for his thoughtful discourse and think twice about supporting someone who has no qualms about hurting others for publicity.
By D
May 15, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
wow, I am actually commenting on this… Have we as a nation became so PC to where a T-shirt offends? Some of the T-shirts the “kids” today wear, (and some people who think they’re still young enough to get away with it) a monkey should be the least of our worries. I read an article in the AJC recently where some company was making thong underwear for girls ages 10~15. As if that wasnt horrible enough they had subtle sayings on them, like most of these T-shirts do nowawdays, “come get sum,” “sugary sweet,” “tickle my fancy,” etc… Where is the outrage there? We have lunatics from PETA wanting to shoot a jockey for doing his job, countless immigration support groups wanting to grant immediate citizenship for illegal aliens, now we have Rev Al down here stumping… I thought he was too busy up in NYC fighting the not guilty verdict of those cops who JUSTIFIABLY shot, but we’ll save that topic fo another day… Let’s wait till we have a t-shirt that reads directly into an insult instead of insinuating… Oh yeah, those cops in NYC THOUGHT the guy had a gun, they reacted & now they’re being raked over the coals. C’mone man, its a freakin t-shirt…
By Jim
May 15, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Rick,
I was at Mulligans from opening to close and I didnt see you there. Nice fabricated story!
Jim
By Jim
May 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Whoa… I didnt even see the part about the “sister”.So not only were you not there, you are also lying about the people that work there to further tilt the story in your favor. Why am I not surprised. Point fingers at Mike for being a “Hate Monger” all you want, you sure arent helping the situation with your lies. You should be ashamed.
By Hugo
May 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I believe many of the comments saying get over it are from people that gain a certain amount of satisfaction and pleasure from seeing African-American depicted negatively. The Limbaugh’s and Hannity’s of the world have given these bigots cover for a number of years. The candidacy of Barack Obama will show the world how many racist idiots that are still in existance. Their numbers are dwindling but it is still quite substantial. We have come a long way with race relations in this country and we aren’t going back. These people who find delight in childish racist humor or who dismiss it as unimportant will find absolutely nothing offensive about anything that casts African-Americans in a negatively light. Also, if you can only feel good about yourself by belittling, minorities and others the world is passing you by. The attitudes of these people are more primitive and they are the ones that belong in the jungle because they are the ones that resemble monkeys.
By David
May 15, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Jim, Shut up. You’re an idiot.
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Adam and Badie,
That T-shirt is horrible, almost as bad as calling a female “Sweetie”.
When will you be writing that article Badie? Does Obama need some of your “enlightenment”?
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/15/obama-apologizes-for-sweetie-comment/
LT5000
By David
May 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
LT5000, any one who voted for Bush automatically loses the right to ever talk about enlightenment.
Why don’t you crawl back under your rock, rube?
By Cindy
May 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
It just never stops. What’s good for the goose is good for whichever gander you’re highlighting today.
By Dude
May 15, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Jim - either you’re a pathological liar or a very heavy drinker. How can you be in a bar from “open to close”? Shut up, you drunk.
By sista
May 15, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Excuse me. But I like curious George and have been a delight reading to my boys when they were younger (who are now in college and high school) seems like people have been totally mislead, what’s the big deal.. it’s a cartoon character for heaven’s sake people you are blowing this out of proportion. Give me a break. Are you going to ban the books about curious George too?.
By Michael
May 15, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Watch out David
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
David,
Give me a break, just because someone is black doesn’t give them immunity.
Go ahead call me a racist. Then you can effectively ignore any facts that are presented.
By the way, Badie, I intend on calling Mulligan’s today to ask them about the supposed “collard greens” incident.
I do not believe you and I suspect that you fabricated this incident to add weight to your stupid article.
LT5000
By Jim
May 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Dude and David,
So I am a drunk idiot?? Wow, what well thought out retorts! Badie is obviously a huge liar and bases his articles of lies. That’s great. “Freedom of Speech” in action!
By Tonia
May 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
We should not be moved from what’s important, and to me that’s electing Barack Obama as president. I don’t have interest in concerning myself with this t-shirt mess. Norman can feel and say anything that he likes, I’m not moved by the remarks or t-shirts. What I have decided to move on from is the past, it’s done and by any means necessary I’m going to heal and live a more abundant life.
By sharon
May 15, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Hrw and Adam I applaud your comments. El Gringo perhaps you need a lesson in reading comprehension.
By Jim
May 15, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
I did mis-speak earlier. I was there from 11AM(Opening) to 3:30 PM. T-shirts sold out around Noon. So there is no way that Mr. Badie could have gotten a shirt. The whole article is a lie.
By GaSouthAlum
May 15, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
If you want to see more offensive t-shirts, head on over to tshirthell.com. My personal favorite is a picture of the pyramids with a caption that reads, “Slavery — gets s** done.” Now, does this make me a racist because i find it funny and very non P.C. Nope, not any more than it makes me a liberal commie because I like the shirt that has a picture of W that says, “Bet you’ll vote next time hippie.” The big thing here is that no one is standing up for this man’s freedom of speech. Freedom of speech doesn’t just apply to the speech that you like. If you truly believe in freedom of speech, then you have to fight for the speech that you don’t believe in. If you don’t like the signs outside this man’s place, then don’t eat or drink there. I don’t agree with Rev. Wright’s comments, but I will scream from the highest mountain to protect his right to say them.
By Adam
May 15, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
LT5000 - why are you supporting the proprietor of this “horrible” t-shirt then?
Condemning bigotry does not require you to support Obama. You can support McCain or Bush or whoever and still reject a hateful act.
This t-shirt was not insulting Obama’s politics, it was insulting his race.
No one is saying you have to support Obama or your a racist. Support McCain, petition for a constitutional amendment so Bush can have a third term; I don’t care.
Politics has nothing to do with this… you can be a conservative republican and still find this t-shirt horribly offensive.
By the way, feigning offense at a sexist comment does not excuse this racist t-shirt. Also, as you are clearly a feminist and obviously sincerely concerned about Obama’s egregious slight against women, I’m sure you know that he immediately and sincerely apologized for that comment and his apology was accepted.
Where is the apology from the owner of this bar?
Let go man - hate Obama’s politics all you want - just don’t hate the man because he’s black.
By gttim
May 15, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
I firmly believe the “collard green incident.” Wingnuts try and justify their opinions by implying they are OK/good for one African-American, therefore for everybody or all African-American. I remember some GOPer telling me that an article condemning affirmative action had to be true because it was “written by a black man.” Somebody claiming that the collard greens must be good because they were cooked by a “sister” is the same type of faulty logic they use.
Not to mention Badie did have the shirt to get a buddy to wear into another place. How do you think he got it?
The wingnuts live in a state of denial!
By Jim
May 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Adam,
Why does he have to “apologize” for taking part in the first amendment? There is way too much ‘apologizing’ going on as it is.
Jim
By B.
May 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I agree that the shirt is in bad taste and shouldn’t have been printed. And I can see how it could be extremely offensive. I personally would never condone done such a thing.
However, I wanna know why all of the liberal democrats and Obama supporters that are enraged by this don’t seem to mind when Obama and his associates are found to have made racist comments or associate with known racists.
This isn’t about what’s right or wrong or inappropriate. Its all about what side you’re on. If you’re a white person saying or doing something racist or insensitive its horrible. If its a black man spewing hatred nobody cares.
Doesn’t look like anything’s really changing, does it?
By Jim
May 15, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
This isn’t about what’s right or wrong or inappropriate. Its all about what side you’re on. If you’re a white person saying or doing something racist or insensitive its horrible. If its a black man spewing hatred nobody cares.
Well said B!
Jimbo is out!
By C.
May 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Hugo,
Why don’t you try actually listening to Hannity every once and a while. You would find that he’s a good man that would never condone this type of hatred. I don’t always agree with him but he’s not a racist.
Obviously you have no idea what he stands for. You’ve just heard all of liberal America bash him and his views and you assume that anyone who is conservative must be a racist. I guess ignorance is bliss, huh?
By gttim
May 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Wow, Mike Norman has been caught in a lie. On the AJC video Norman explains how he came up with the idea for the shirts- hairline and ears. Then when he realized he illegally used a copyrighted character and could be subject to a slam dunk lawsuit, he suddenly changes his story to “he got the T-shirts from someone in Arkansas.” A coward and a liar!
BTW, don’t protest at the bar. Just have a few hundred African and Hispanic Americans show up during lunch and other busy times, take tables and order as little as possible. Hang around as long as you can and do not tip (his employees have all backed Norman). If he tries to kick you out, refuses to sit you, or sits whites in front of you, you suddenly have a Denny’s lawsuit! Hurt the guy financially!
By D
May 15, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Just the typical mind set of your typical southern moron red neck. Please do the nation a favor, let anything south of the mason-dixon seceded from the union.
By What're you a bigot
May 15, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Keep spewing the hate.
By Long View
May 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
“My Daddy is not a stupid redneck!”
Wrong! Only someone with no knowledge of the history of this country over the last 300 years would say something that asinine. Obviously, the nut has not fallen too far from the tree.
As Forrest Gump says: “Stupid is as stupid does.”
By Bubba
May 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Why does any of this even merit attention? Some redneck bar owner in Marietta shills cheap t-shirts for $15, next thing you know everyone has to pick sides. One stupid schlock who puts attention-getting messages on a board for a building he owns now goes into the t-shirt business.
People! It’s all about the money! Has nothing to do with 400 years of slavery, whose grandaddy did what to who’s momma. It has to do with how much you’re willing to spend to express your opinion pro or con. Rick and Jason didn’t make a point. They provided free advertising!
How can you move forward into the future if you keep reverting to the past? All of ya! Black, white. Ya spend time, effort and money arguing and fighting over…. Aw, hell. I’m turnin’ off the TV, shuttin’ down the ‘puter, diggin’ up some worms in the garden and goin’ fishin’. Anyone wanna come?
By Michael H. Smith
May 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
It’s rooted in Jim Crow America. The South.
A not so very nice contradiction in terms of speaking there, Mr. Badie: To assign a national problem correctly and then to preclude the guilty by crucifying a region?
Yeah I suppose, Sir James, has different names up North that makes it feel better when draped by the white robe of “Ethnic Village” as opposed to the tainted sheets of “N”-town?
There is no difference whatsoever North, South, East or West, when people are segregated into an area because of their ancestry. You can call it Little Italy or Hell’s Kitchen or Himie-town, by romance or nuance in calling that maturity, no differently those too, Mr. Badie, are the immaturity of Alabama Jim Crow. In the flesh!
The bigotry that is Jim Crow wasn’t invented nor is it exclusive to the South Mr. Badie; it was born in the heart and soul of every region of America, which continues to wobble and hobble along on the weak minded need of the social crutch called Race.
By Jim
May 15, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Great Post GaSouthAlum and your right…..its really quite simple…..if you dont like the shirt then dont buy it……if you dont like the restaraunt then dont eat there….ENOUGH with the political correctness! It is completely acceptable to use the terms “cracker”, “redneck” and “hillbilly” in the mainstream media in a negative condescending manner…..as a Conservative white southerner all of these terms are offensive but I do recognize the fact that people have the freedom of speech to make these comments….if I do not like it then it is my choice not to give my business to these media outlets and publications. Guys, its time to grow up….this man is selling a product that people are currently buying….when people no longer buy the product then mulligans will stop producing the product….simple supply and demand economics….
By Bruce Wilcox
May 15, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Great article Rick, you finally tied it all together. Georgia becomes a national embarrassment again. After reading some of these comments you can also hear the sound of banjo’s in the background.
By JRI
May 15, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
If yall are so embarassed by the South then LEAVE!!!!
By What're you a bigot
May 15, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Jim - how deep should I dig this hole so you can bury your head in the sand?
By Disillusioned
May 15, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
What does this have to do with Gwinnett County? What do most of his columns have to do with the issues facing Gwinnett County?
By JRI
May 15, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
BTW, don’t protest at the bar. Just have a few hundred African and Hispanic Americans show up during lunch and other busy times, take tables and order as little as possible. Hang around as long as you can and do not tip (his employees have all backed Norman). If he tries to kick you out, refuses to sit you, or sits whites in front of you, you suddenly have a Denny’s lawsuit! Hurt the guy financially
So what else is new? I see that all the time.
By What're you a bigot
May 15, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Bubba - Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
Jim - How did simple supply and demand economics work out for Sean Bell? Diallo? How does it work for blacks in Georgia, who comprise about 30% of the population but comprise more than 60% of the prison population.
LT - Nap time.
By Jim
May 15, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
gttim - your little scheme to “show up and not order anything for hours on end” is called “loitering” and would not be condoned by any local city ordinance/laws…nice try though……there are lots of people on this board using the term “redneck” in a condescending manner but still I see no condemnation from the likes of “What’re you a bigot”, “Adam”, “Hugo” or “D”…..You guys are proving my point exactly….its not OK to be selective supporter of “civil rights” when it conveniently benefits you or your political party….lets see you call out the people that use this term in the same way you are calling out mulligans and the t-shirt….you can not stand on your moral “high ground” when it is just convenient for you….you guys need to produce substance to your arguments and stop with the name calling because you are embarrassing yourselves…entertaining for me but not a whole lot of fun for you guys I suspect…..
By What're you a bigot
May 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I condemn Barak Obama for calling those women “sweetie”.
I condemn Jeff Foxworthy for building a multi-million dollar entertainment empire based upon jokes about southern white males.
I condemn Jesse Jackson for referring to NYC as Hymietown.
I condemn the Ritz Corporation for using a derogatory term for southern white males as the name of their primary product line.
By johnp
May 15, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Get your anti-Mulligan’s T-shirts here: http://www.cafepress.com/equalriots.262667607 Stickers available too: http://www.cafepress.com/equalriots
By KIM
May 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
There is nothing good about the t-shirt or its intent. It is offensive. How can we teach young people to judge others by their character when we adults don’t role model?
By Randall Fisher
May 15, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
It’s shameful how Curious George, an inocent cartoon character, had his good name and reputation slanderously compared to that of a politician. A presidential politician at that!
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
What’re you a bigot,
How does it work for blacks in Georgia, who comprise about 30% of the population but comprise more than 60% of the prison population.
What an ignorant statement.
Do you actually believe that prison populations should be proportional to the racial makeup of the state?
Prisons are for people who commit crimes.
Badie, still waiting for those Rev Wright and Barack “Sweetie” Obama articles. Where is your outrage?
LT5000
By What're you a bigot
May 15, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Do you actually believe that law enforcement is conducted in a color-blind manner?
Do you actually believe that any group that is being incarcerated at twice its rate of population (I don’t know if that makes sense) is not being profiled?
Please, you really aren’t that naive.
By "Hardworking American"
May 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
If a sista prepared the greens, then she must be comfortable working there—unless slavery still occurs. (I know it does in your mind and you’ll always be aggrieved as a means to seek recompense [pronounced “steal”] from “Hardworking Americans.”
Based on your (alleged) interaction with the bar patrons, one patron recommended the collards because they were made by a sista. The premise behind the recommendation is that they must be good because they they were made “by one of your own kind”.
Isn’t that what blacks have done in voting for Obama? They are voting for him because he is one of their own kind. Show me any other situation where 92% of a race of people all do the same thing (go to the same restaurant, grocery store, etc.)
By Jessalyn
May 15, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
You certainly don’t have to be black to find the shirt insulting. I’m white, and I’m completely appalled and disgusted by it.
By dano
May 15, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
YOUR KIDDING ME… campared to a rape… what??? slaves of generations ago…. c;mon…. MURDER??? who died??? are you kidding???? wow… NOTHING LIKE USING OPPORTUNITY TO TRY AND BOLSTER YOURSELF…. ARE YOU A PREACHER???
By Tenaj
May 15, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
It’s sad, just sad, sad, sad. Nothing’s changed, just now if you are going to denigrate someone, not object to their empty political rhetoric, object to their raising taxes or retreating from Iraq instead of completing the mission, just plain old insult them because of their skin color, you get to raise the “anti-politically correct” banner and shout free speech. Sure you can do it… but it’s still a sad commentary on where we are today. No intelligence, no debate, just call someone a name and you “won” because you exercised your right of free speech. It hurts to see that… and those of you who think we are being oversensitive, you have that right, but please don’t deny us the right to be deeply and profoundly hurt that this is still going on after all these years. Maybe, just maybe, we will “get over it” when it stops happening.
By JRI
May 15, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Haha! You are all goons. There are definetly two sides to the debate. One side is doing nothing but name calling, the other is replying with valid points. This is funny.
By JRI
May 15, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
By johnp Get your anti-Mulligan’s T-shirts here:http://www.cafepress.com/equalriots.262667607
John P, can I get your contact info? I am going to sue you for not asking permission to use the Mulligan’s Logo on your shirt. Forward your attorney’s info also. Thanks!
JRI
By tiff
May 15, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
My people (especially black people) are missing the obvious here. You have one of the most intelligent young black men in the world, who is about to be the president of the United States of America. On the other hand you have a old white uneducated run down bar owner who will never amount to anything. Why wouldn’t he be angry and print up t-shirts like this. It’s all about trying to put Obama down. This is the only way he can do it. He sure as heck could never come up against Obama on intelligence, charisma, looks, wealth, etc. We should all have a good laugh at this mans expense. Because I bet he lays his head on his pillow every night and wish he was half of what Obama is.
By JB
May 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Rick, This article reminds me of the movie “remember the titans” when they were going to play that all white school and the white coach called Denzel Washingtons team, “monkeys” so when Denzel Washingtons team kick the s** out of them, Denzel handed the coach a banana.
The sad thing is that hatred and prejudice will remain in this country until the end of time. I have witnessed with my own eyes that BOTH black and white people are guilty of it.
Let’s face it their are stupid, idiots, bad people in all races. I am white and I will be the first to tell you that yes their are Rednecks, Trailer Trash, Hillbilly in the white race but that doesnt mean all white people fall in those catagories.
This doesnt mean you can ignore peoples feelings and go around and demonstrate your opinion or voice. An intelligent person with common sense, a good heart and respect will not voice his opinion or demonstrate his opinion to others.
One day everyone will have to be judged by Jesus Christ, if you are prejudice how will you explain yourself to Jesus? WWJD??
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
What’re you a bigot,
Crime statistics don’t lie.
Lifetime chances of a person going to prison are higher for — men (11.3%) than for women (1.8%) — blacks (18.6%) and Hispanics (10%) than for whites (3.4%)
The Black community has a serious problem. Pointing the finger at somebody else isn’t going to fix it.
Judge Arrington was correct. But I guess he’s just an “Uncle Tom” right?
LT5000
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm
By JRI
May 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
John P,
I am still waiting on your contact info. I want to get the ball rolling ASAP.
Thanks Again, JRI
By Charles
May 15, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
African Americans are psychologically/physically depending on white people to service the basic needs of their families and the families of posterity. Psychologically, they can’t accept Mike Norman, owner of Mulligan’s Bar and Grill in Marietta, selling T-shirts that shows a picture of Curious George, with the words “Obama 08” underneath. Why does an apparently harmless act cause too much trauma to the psyche of African Americans? Buried in the back of their collective minds is the thought that any implied rejection of black people is an avenue for ceasing to service their basic needs, food, clothing, shelter, education, employment, etc; and subconsciously they know or should know if that should occur, they’re up the creek without a paddle. Jews certainly don’t have enough institutional power to service the basic needs of fifty million black people.
Like a fool the so-called educated integrationist black people decided to forgo the building of black institutions for money, status, employment, etc; additionally, the so-called educated integrationist leaders taught the masses of black people to do likewise. And on the Marta Train, when Soldier Girl asked the N**** from Glenwood, “do you know what this old lady caused me”? That was an interesting question. Although, the AJC thought that she asked a different question. “Do you know what this old lady called me”? But nevertheless, anything white people do that seems to threaten African American’s link to life, the threat of withdrawing goods and services, will be met with strong disapproval.
Simply said, it’s not the Curious George shirt per se which causes black people to react with strong irrational emotions, but it’s the implied threat that the Curious George shirt symbolizes. Buried in the back of their collective minds is the thought that any implied rejection of black people is an avenue for ceasing to service their basic needs, food, clothing, shelter, education, employment, etc; and subconsciously they know or should know if that should occur, they’re up the creek without a paddle.
By "Hardworking American"
May 15, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
tiff wrote:
“You have one of the most intelligent young black men in the world, who is about to be the president of the United States of America.”
Separately, Obama said he had visited 57 states with one more to go.
Funny how these two statements don’t contradict each other.
A new U.S. flag lapel pin depicting the 57 state U.S. has been created to commemorate the occasion.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/05/new-patriotic-o.html
By Eric
May 15, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Curious George is gay
By Donna
May 15, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Barack’s history has NO HISTORY OF AMERICAN SLAVERY. His father was from Kenya and his momma is WHITE. Which only makes him half AFRICAN/BLACK. So all of the black Americans who are voting for someone who is “just like them” are delusional.
By Tenaj
May 15, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
I cannot speak for all black Americans only myself. As a black woman who never received a government handout (food stamps, welfare or even unemployment) who raised two boys alone when I divorced, who is a Republican and who does not flinch every time someone uses the word “boy” “colored” or even the “N-word”. As someone who feels that Rev Wright is wrong and who is not a Obama supporter….. Why does this issue hit so close to home? Because, although I am not looking for anyone to give me anything, to love or even like me.. this is about me, my mother, my kids, my cousins, my whole family. What hurts is that in 2008 we can’t even debate how wrong a person may be for our country without digging waayyyy back (I believe Norman said 1941) to an image that was directly linked to hatred of a person, not because they are wrong or you disagree with them, but because they are seen as an animal, not human. If I am on an elevator and a male co-worker tells me what he would like to do to me if I let him take me out… that is called sexual harassment and no one will question me for being offended. If I were Jewish and someone is selling t-shirts with a swastika on it at the store down the street, it would not be questioned why I am offended and I can call him an anti-Semite. But, if I want to merely express how hurt I am that a Black man is depicted as a monkey just like back in the 40s, then I am playing the race card and need to get over it or I’m taking it the “wrong” way. It doesn’t matter how much we as Black people try to “assimilate” and “live the American dream” or be self sufficient, law abiding, God fearing, tax paying citizens, an alarmingly large number of people (as seen here in this blog and others I have read) still look at us as sub human as depicted in the t-shirt. When George Bush was depicted as a monkey it did not have the same historical meaning as it has when Obama is shown that way. As a white American male, he nor his ancestors were ever looked at that way. There was no historical context. We all have freedom of speech and if what you say or do offends me I do not have to deal with you or spend my money in your establishment. However, I can express my outrage, disgust, sadness and anger at how this incident is bringing out the very worst in all of us. That is the problem. Call Obama a leftist or a marxist, call him naive or incompetent but why must it always come down to race?
By middleagedwhiteguy
May 15, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I’ve often found that people who are outspoken are too ignorant to know better, therefore they don’t have enough sense to keep their mouth shut. Mr Norman, you sir are one of those people.
By Melissa
May 15, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Isn’t that what blacks have done in voting for Obama? They are voting for him because he is one of their own kind. Show me any other situation where 92% of a race of people all do the same thing
Actually, I think that what uneducated and older whites are doing with Hillary. Check the news, plenty of information about that there. I also bet you $5 that Italian-Americans voted Guiliani (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE0DA133AF930A35753C1A96F948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all), Mormons voted Romney (http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB119793553723735331.html), etc. If you want situations, they are easy to find.
By Tenaj
May 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Are you telling me that Iowa, South Carolina, Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, Maine, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Democrats Abroad, Wyoming and Mississippi are all black??? And are you telling me that every Black person in the United States will vote for him? Whites have voted 100% of the time for white Presidents. That’s because there was no other option. Yes blacks are voting for Obama in huge proportions because it is a choice. Also they vote for him because they are angry at what they see when others focus soley on his race. I know a lot of black people who voted for McCain and even for Clinton. But you never hear about that.
By Republican Party
May 15, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Melissa….you are a moron.
By What're you a bigot
May 15, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
I won’t try to peddle some nonsense that X percent of individuals that are incarcerated don’t deserve to be there or that those that are incarcerated are somehow the victims, but I will ask again….
Do you actually believe that law enforcement is conducted in a color-blind manner?
Do you actually believe that any group that is being incarcerated at twice its rate of population (I don’t know if that makes sense) is not being profiled?
Please, you really aren’t that naive.
Oh, and Mr. Republican Party, kudos to you on a well researched response to Melissa. Both you and George Bush are a credit to your party.
By monitor
May 15, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I have come to the conclusion that racism is a term that the media and some politicians in this country use to impose their own views on other people and to enrich themselves. I am Southern. I am a conservative Independent. I work for a large Utility and I work with african Americans everyday. We discuss issues together. We discuss race together. We get along fine. I have as much for good African American people as I have for good white people. I hold bad people, no matter what race, in contempt. Everybody better wake up and see that the answer is not found in politics and it is not found in the media. It is found in ourselves.
By "Hardworking American"
May 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Notes to Tenaj and Melissa:
Religion doesn’t equal skin color, so your Mormon analogy doesn’t hold up.
Since your links went nowhere, I’ll quote Politico (Oct. 20, 2007):
“The non-partisan National Italian American Foundation’s meeting last weekend at the Washington Hilton Hotel became a pep rally for Rudy Giuliani’s Republican presidential candidacy. That buttressed Giuliani campaign claims that he can capture the big Italian vote, normally split between Republicans and Democrats.”
The key part is that the Italian vote is usually split between Republicans and Democrats. But good try.
To Tenaj: Why does it always come down to race? Because that’s what is foremost in the minds of Democrat leaders. They are the ones focused on race. So you need to pose your question to the Democrats on this forum.
Finally, you need to spend a little more time reading the details of the posts. Show me where someone said that everyone living in the states you enumerated were black. Didn’t happen. And you are disingenuous when you say you are a Republican because you display your victimhood all too readily.
By cj
May 15, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Well said Tenaj
By MJK
May 15, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
I can’t say whether the t-shirt in question or some of today’s posts are more offensive.
Depicting a black man as Curious George is offensive. I don’t really see a debate to be had. If you consider there used to be characters called the Frito Bandito and the tar baby in the Disney Movie “Song of the South” these characterizations were much more prevalent and tolerated in the past. I guess it means we’re doing better than our parents generation did in respecting eachother and we can only hope our kids will do better than we have.
By gttim
May 15, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Jim says: gttim - your little scheme to “show up and not order anything for hours on end” is called “loitering” and would not be condoned by any local city ordinance/laws
Jim, you should learn to read and comprehend. I did not write order nothing, I said order as little as possible. That is not loitering. You are a customer, just not a big spending one. Not only do you have trouble understanding racism, you have no reading comprehension skills. Or maybe you just lied on purpose so you could make a point, on that was not valid in any case. So either you are not real smart or you are a liar. Either way you are rather sad, just like Norman.
By Agitatter
May 15, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
LunaTic 5000, does Rick remind you of your boss? It seems that you sit in your small cubical criticizing this column to get your jollys rather than working like you should. You stay in trouble at work all the time. Don’t you?
By Vexorg
May 15, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
“It’s easy to say just get over it, move on, knock the chip off your shoulder, when you’re not the one whose history, whose ancestors, bore the scars. But do you tell a woman whose been raped to just “get over it?” Or relatives who lost a family member to murder to just “move on?”
Sorry Mr. Badie, but your liberal rhetoric is not going to wash with me. The REAL PROBLEM with race relations in these United States, is that one race in particular is WELL NOTED for their almost non-stop WHINING and VICTIM ATTITUDE since they were freed in 1865….
Yet, you somehow manage to INSULT members of other races, creeds, and colors who have been openly discriminated against as well, when their ancestors first set foot upon this land. BUT, they managed to “get over it” (as you put it) and SUCCEED in all areas. I can hear you now, “Oh, but they were WHITE”.
EVERY RACE on this planet has suffered an injustice of one form or another by a DOMINATE RACE, through war and conquest. Yet, you, and others of your liberal leftist-learning viewpoints continue to race-bait and trivilize the injustices of other races by popularizing the myth that somehow, that BLACKS were the only race to suffer!
I find that way of thinking more “racist” (actually BIGOTED) than any fictional cartoon character printed on a t-shirt……
By Jeff
May 15, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Vexorg, you are a true racist. You are the problem. I am white, and I despise people with your attitude.
By its just a joke
May 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Why do people automatically stereotype black people with monkeys/apes…. in my opinion obama looks like curious george (this coming from a colored person) these shirts seem to be collectables now and sold out for specific reasons, people are even selling them on ebay.
By Vexorg
May 15, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Yeah Jeff, sure I am. I doubt you KNOW the difference between a BIGOT and a RACIST, as the terms have become synominous thanks to the liberal apologists, even though the DEFINITIONS ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT!
You missed my point: “ALL RACES, have at one time or another suffered INJUSTICES from another DOMINANT RACE, through war and conquest”. My subpoint is, that it appears to me, at least, that BLACKS seem to think that it was ONLY THEIR RACE in this country that has suffered.
Signed, An AMERICAN of “polack” “k**” “hebe” and “wop” origins, whose ancestors endured suffering too, yet, doesn’t sit around waiting for “reparations”…..
By hambuga, hambuga
May 15, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
does this mean i have to stop wearing my “buttwheat” t-shirt. i guess not since nobody know’s who eddie murphy is anymore!
By KC
May 15, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
If Norman was selling a shirt that was offensive to Jews, the ADL would have Mulligan’s shut down by now. But since its offensive to black folks, we’re told to just get over it. GTFOH……
By LT5000
May 15, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
F*-ittator,
Actually, I am well respected at work for my analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
I am successful because I operate only on the facts. I am not blinded by prejudice.
To tear down another error filled Badie article or moronic post (Brucie comes to mind) takes little or no time away from my work.
Again, facts do not lie.
LT5000
By gttim
May 15, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
I’ve given some thought to my earlier post Jim and I owe you an apology…..sometimes my liberal tendencies take over and I make no sense…..once again…sorry for the post and i’ll try to think before I speak in the future.
By gttim
May 15, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Hi Jim…..me again….I would like to also ask where to get some of those shirts; can you send me the link? I’m a big Hilary supporter and think this would be perfect for her next rally. Thanks again for educating me on the issues and patience shown with my previous post.
By Jim
May 15, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
gttim,
Glad you finally see the light. You are forgiven for you foolish liberal ways. I’ll ask Mike if I can get a shirt for you!
:)
By Jogger
May 15, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
What about having George Bush as a monkey or compared to one? No one got upset by it. When I first noticed Obama he reminded me of Curious George. I was NOT DISSING HIM.
By Lee
May 15, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Mike Norman is a genious. Put an iron-on decal on a $2 tee shirt that depicts a black in a negative way, call the NAACP to complain about the (horror) insensitivity of it, and then sit back and let the pathetic, politically correct crowd give you more free publicity than you could have bought on the Home Shopping Network.
Badie also took the bait - hook, line and sinker. (Hey Badie, I’ve got some needle-nose pliers in my tackle box if you need to take that hook out of your lip).
Before all the free publicity, Norman might have sold 50 shirts. Now, he’ll probably sell thousands.
Mike Norman. Genious, I say. Pure genious.
By HT
May 16, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Just a couple of things I’m seeing here that are really bugging me:
The “sister” cooking the collards issue. The quote from the article reads as follows:
“A jovial customer told me to be sure and try the collards, that they’d been prepared by a “sister” (meaning black woman) who was a mighty good cook.”
I’m seeing people reading this as the collards being good because they were cooked by a “sister”. Has anybody considered that the comment just may have meant that they were good because they were prepared by a “mighty good cook” who just happened to be a “sister”?
The whole Bush being compared to Curious George thing has got me a bit bent out of shape as well. It’s not only that nobody raised an eybrow when the comparison was made with Bush but it’s the idea that the very people who are yelling about the comparison to Obama are the ones who are really being racist. If it’s unacceptable for a black man to be compared to Curious George then it should be unacceptable for ANY man to be compared to Curious George. The people who are condemning the comparison between Obama & Curious George are the same people who are crying for equality among the races, yet I fail to see the equality when the reaction between the two comparisons changes based solely on race. As long as you see a monkey being compared to a black man or a white man there will always be racism. When you see simply the monkey being compared to a man, then, maybe, racism will be dead and buried.
Of course I’m sure the same folks who have no problem with black people slinging the word “nXggXr” around are the first to condemn a white man for using the same word in the same context.
I’m also sure that the same folks who have no problem with Black Entertainment Television (which frequently showcases performers who often use the word “nXggXr” in their performances) would have coniptions if White Entertainment Television went on the air.
I’m also sure that people who share the following sentiment have no problem with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt not speaking out against the comparison of Curious George & George Bush.
“BTW, if Houghton Mifflin Harcourt does not bring a massive lawsuit against Norman, I will assume they approve of the sentiment of the shirt and do everything I can to make sure nobody I know ever buys a Curious George product!”
Would I be considered a crackpot if I said that I would do everything I can do to make sure nobody I know ever buys a Curious George product because Houghton Mifflin Harcourt did not condemn the use of Curious George in a manner derogatory to the leader of our nation?
I am not a racist, but I am getting pretty tired of hearing the racism card being thrown around by the very people who are perpetuating the racism to begin with. I hope what I’ve said here makes people start thinking.
By Bruce Wilcox
May 16, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Lee, that wouldn’t be any relation to Robert E. Lee would it? The thinking certainly comes from the same era.
You must have read the comments and missed the intent of the article. Comparing Bush to a monkey and Obama to a monkey are two completely different things. Blacks have been protraited as monkey’s for years in the Jim Crow South, Bush hadn’t, nor his family.
Maybe most here are just too young to realize that Blacks finally gained full Rights as citizens a little over forty-five years ago.
“I am not a racist, but”, has to be the most dishonest statement that people use. What’s next Lee, “I have a few Black friends”?
I think the majority of comments address the fact that racism stills exsists and stories like this makes Georgia again the laughing stock of the nation. “Yes, let’s move our headquarters to Georgia, the one in Russia, not that state that hasn’t moved out of the fifties yet”.
YEE-HA
By Bruce Wilcox
May 16, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this
If I screwed up Lee with HT in certain parts when replying it really doesn’t make a difference. When those types have those beliefs it really doesn’t matter if you address one or a group, they still don’t get it.
Except for LT who stalks me and must think he is my sweetie.
By Glen
May 16, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this
I guess it is time to remove curious george from the book shelves! We didn’t complain when the president was pictured next to a chimp. Time to get over it folks.
By Bruce Wilcox
May 16, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this
Guys,
Just wanted to post what a self righteous fool I am…..I have the audacity to post lecturous comments on this board about how racism still exist here in the south and the shame that I feel for being here in the South…..I then turn around and post derogatory comments like “Yeehaw” and making unfair comparisons to a great southern general that really deserves more respect. Looking at other post on this board today I realize that I am being a hypocrite in my condemnation of certain types of racism but a advocate of other more acceptable forms of racism against white southerners. I will try to show more proper judgement in future post.
By Katie
May 16, 2008 6:12 AM | Link to this
Chimpanzees are apes, they are our cousins and are highly intelligent, they have culture and society, can use tools, have emotions and are quite handsome. What’s wrong with being compared to one???
People are way to sensitive.
By Michael H. Smith
May 16, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
Please tell me someone is impersonating Bruce Wilcox @ May 16, 2008 6:09 AM?
Or else call 911! Hurry, send them to my house quickly, I think I’m going to need medical assistance.
Did I just enter the Twilight Zone?
By jimmy
May 16, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
I am not so sure the Curious George T-shirt was a racist endeavor.
From what I know about Mike Norman, owner of Mulligan’s Bar and Grill in Marietta, he is an equal opportunity insulter of liberals.
Norman uses his restaurant’s sign to shock the emotions of those who drive by, much like a shock jock or stand up comic tries to hit our nerves.
Outrage and demonstrations will not change opinions and in fact usually can harden beliefs. Though this will not happen, I believe the best way to handle this is for Barak Obama to wear the Curious George shirt.
This would demonstate Obama’s ability to laugh at himself and to demonstrate that 400 years of history is not weighting him down.
In this situation, anger, outrage and demonstrations will never accomplish what a little humor can. There are no civil right issues at stake here and no laws will be changed. All that is really needed is for people, of all races, to see things differently.
That is the best way to deal with an equal opportunity insulter. Laugh at him.
By Charles
May 16, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
I find it highly offensive that someone would compare a human being to a monkey. There should be no tolerance for such behavior in our society!
That being said I think it is time the AJC takes a stand against denegrating people in this manner. They can start by firing Mike Luckovich for drawing our President as a monkey.
(of course, they’ll never do it - Liberalism is a one-way street)
By Katie
May 16, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Charles, please check your dictionary. Chimps aren’t monkeys, they are great apes—just like humans. Hate to break it to you.
By Charles
May 16, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Katie - hate to break it to you but I never wrote ‘monkey’ anywhere in my post. You better hope Hillary/Obama Care comes your way so you can get your eyes examined - I’ll be praying neither of them ever gets elected to the White House.
By Michael H. Smith
May 16, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Katie, I respect your right to believe as you do. Now I hope you and others will show that same degree of respect for what I’m going to say. I do not believe men and women descended from monkeys or apes. Though, I must admit at times our conduct as a species does lend alot of support to that conclusion. Man – as in mankind, humanity – was created in the image of God. In that creation we all share a common origin, we are HIS creatures, and we are very closely related one to another. Both Theology and Science agree on that, whether in the Genesis and 1st John account or in “The Out of Africa Theory”. Agree with this or not, we are a human family. Therefore, RACE, is a meaningless category. Brothers and sisters often squabble, having bitter exchanges, say mean and hateful things to gain some sense of advantage over the other. Nothing new about that, it has been going on since Cain slew Able. And to this day we all know just what to do, or say, to push each others buttons so to speak to cause rage and retaliation.
Mr. Badie’s argument is well taken, with the exception of his “regional slander”. Whites or more correctly, people of European ancestry – the mutant blacks if you accept evolution - have been pushing Blacks or people of African ancestry’s buttons for a very long time, especially in this country. It is very understandable why some things set Mr. Badie off that really don’t get to me…. like, being called “boy”, especially by someone years younger than me. You see, there is this baggage certain people of particular ancestries have been forced to carry from birth. They didn’t ask for it, they really don’t want it either; nevertheless, they got it and when they think finally I can drop this heavy odious load society puts on them, someone shoves a suitcase full of that crap right into their chest, as if to say, tote it!
People are far too sensitive or certain people have been far too wounded to feel anything but pain when they see the object of their injury thrust before them once again?
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
LT 5000, I think you give yourself too much credit. You must think you are doing the readers a great favor because you come onto this column every day to criticize. Use some basic analytical skills. You obviously do not like his column. Stop reading it. Others do like many columns. You set yourself out as a blithering fool by your rants. I only hope some day your boss catches you spending time on the internet rather than working. You sit in your small cubical, not because people respect your analytical skills, but because you get caught up in your own emotions, and provide little value through your opinion. You will always sit in that small cubical. You do not like Rick’s columns. So stop reading them. A 5 year old child can analyze this situation; if you don’t like it, don’t bother with it. Get over yourself. You want respect; quit acting like an arrogant fool.
By Katie
May 16, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Charles, read the first sentence of your post: “I find it highly offensive that someone would compare a human being to a monkey.”
Micheal. Humans are considered Great Apes, regardless of anyone’s personal beliefs. Ever taken Biology??? You would have learned that there. I didn’t make it up, it’s a fact (not saying reality fact though) whether you believe it or not. We share similar traits to other great apes and that’s why we’re classified as such. Animals are catagorized, look up animal kingdom, you’ll see. I’m not going to get into religion vs. science, that’s not what this blog is about. My point is is that proper terminolgy should be used, humans are not monkeys. There are several differences between monkeys and apes and people should educate themselves before spouting off nonsense. You can deny human origins but you can’t deny how we have been catagorized.
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Vexorg, my post about your racism has nothing to do with definitions. Your post shows a hatred toward a particular race. You lump everyone together and label them as the problem:
“The REAL PROBLEM with race relations in these United States, is that one race in particular is WELL NOTED for their almost non-stop WHINING and VICTIM ATTITUDE since they were freed in 1865….”
This statement is blatantly racist. I have no friends with this attitude you describe. YOU as an INDIVIDUAL are a racist. I’m sure that others of your ethnicity would condemn this hatred. YOU as an INDIVIDUAL, and other INDIVIDUALS like you are the problem. You are repulsive.
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Rick, I enjoy many of your articles; not all, but most. Thank you.
By Michael H. Smith
May 16, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
As I said Katie I respect your belief, as now, even if you do not respect mine.
Comparing apes or a monkey as in this article’s focus to a human being - a T-shirt that compares a monkey with a black man - is demeaning, if for no other biological reason than it asserts that someone is less than a human being. Apes have not, even through evolution, the “qualities of being human”. So yes, I certainly can deny apes and humans are in the same category.
That is the wrong in the comparison.
Furthermore, I do not deny that this society cannot - as it appears - function without depending upon a mentally fabricated “social crutch” defined as race or races where “biology” says race or races is a meaningless category.
By jet lag
May 16, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
If a man is brown and monkey’s are brown, then we have all the scientific proof we need that a brown man is a monkey. If God is white and a man is white then isn’t that all the evidence any of us needs to prove that whites are Gods? and that the earth has only Gods and Monkeys living on it. That’s the reality of our social and cultural mores-heels.
It’s also the limits of our mental potential.
I suppose Mulligan’s Bar in Marietta should lose all it’s customers in protest over his gaff, and this Mike Norman fellow should issue a strenuous apology, and tell us how he’s seen the light, or climbed the mountain and seen the promised land.
In reality, political campaigns awaken us all to the strides we’re going to make in November. Will we elect a black man as president, just to do it, or because he’s the most qualified and the timing is right, and why are we in Iraq?
Will someone explain the mission of US troops in Iraq?
Just what is the mission of US troops in Iraq?
We gods and monkeys needs to know.
By LT5000
May 16, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
F*,
I hate to break it to you, but my cubicle is a corner office. And my analytical skills are second to none. The facts are always on my side.
However, Badie’s blog is always an error filled exercise in stupidity. He constantly makes false claims. Recession, Tasers, Health care statistics….. The list goes on and on.
I can’t blame you and Badie for not liking me. Who would want their numerous errors pointed out to them week after week?
I’m sure your boss at the Dollar store has to point out your errors daily. Have you thought of going back to school and getting your GED?
LT5000
By LT5000
May 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
F*,
Here is the supposed premise of Badie blog:
Rick Badie writes about people, places and issues in Gwinnett County.
Mulligans is in Cobb county, not Gwinnett. Badie was just looking for another chance to break out the Obama kneepads.
Oh yeah, my previous post is directed at you.
LT5000
By Vexorg
May 16, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Dear Jeff,
“The REAL PROBLEM with race relations in these United States, is that one race in particular is WELL NOTED for their almost non-stop WHINING and VICTIM ATTITUDE since they were freed in 1865….”
Unlike you, Jeff…I will stand by my statement because it is a FACT. (you see it on the news, or read it in this very newspaper just about every day and night!) You can be a liberal revisionist apologist all you want, but I am NOT going to apologize for the actions of others that happened in the past, nor will I be held responsible for those actions. Once again, why don’t you break out a dictionary and look up the words “RACIST” and “BIGOT”. Also “PREJUDICE” while you’re at it, I’m sure that you don’t have any “PREJUDICE” against anyone…..right????
Oh, here’s another statement from me that you can put in your pipe and smoke: “I am tired of WHITE PEOPLE being held responsible for the FAILURES of the BLACK PEOPLE in these United States. Other races have been victimized in this country too, but these other races have worked hard and strived for a better life rather than sitting around p** and moaning about being held down, demanding reparations, or demanding apologies for crimes never committed against them personally.”
If that makes me a “racist” in your mindset, fine. I make my own way in this world, and am not dependant on the welfare or opinions of others to guide my life.
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Vexorg, if I were you I would be ashamed to show my ignorance on this site. Read the definition of racism. You fit it perfectly. How old are you? Hopefully you are aging like me and don’t reflect the future. This would is in trouble if you your represent the future. You are by all definitions a racist. Your last post further proves it. I don’t expect you to apologize. However, don’t expect me to give you credit for having any intelligence or for blaming you and individuals like you for being the predominant problem. You are a disgusting person. You are full of hate, and a horrible example of a human being. That is my opinion of you, and I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE!
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
LT5000, I know who you are. Your last post was very useful. It goes to show your mindset. I think you may know who I am.
By Bruce Wilcox
May 16, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
A great southern general wouldn’t have lost the war.
About the shame of living in the South, it is a small vocal group that keep Georgia the laughing stock of the nation. Besides it is called the spoils of war, I like the weather.
I cannot be a hypocrite for stating a fact, nice try.
Don’t worry Mr. Smith, just another Southerner without cajones.
By D
May 16, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Jim, I’m sorry ;)))
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
LT5000. I now have your attention. Let’s see if I can replace Rick on the top of your list. “Agitatter” is my posting name. Remember it. Do you get much work done during the day? Does your organization monitor use of your computers? The workplace is for work not spending time posting rants on the internet.
By COLOR B4 CONTENT???
May 16, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
MR BADIE, WHY IS IT THAT EVERYONE IN YOUR ARTICLE , GETS A NAME AND THEN A COLOR, I QUOTE ” A WHITE MAN”,”TWO BLACK MEN” ETC… YOUR MORE INDUCED BY THEIR COLOR THQN WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY… YOU CANT QUOTE ANYONE WHITHOUT RECOGNIZING THE COLOR B4 THE COMMENT…. DID YOU ASK ANY MEXICANS ANY QUESTIONS?? WHAT DO YOU CALL THEM??? “LIGHT BROWN MAN”???? MAYBE SOME ASIAN QUESTIONS, THEN YOU CAN CALL THEM “WHITE WITH SLANTED EYES” B4 THEIR COMMENTS ON THE SUBJECT. YOUR INTEREST IS COLOR THEN CONTENT. I WOULD WATCH YOUR OWN BIGITRY, BEFORE I WOULD JUDGE OTHERS… BROTHER!!!! (MEANING FELLO HUMAN)
By Vexorg
May 16, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Dear Jeff,
How sweet of you…the pot calling the kettle black by proclaiming me “ignorant” because I will not accept liberal theology as politically correct gospel!
I have read the definition of racism, and seen it abused far too often in the mainstream media for my liking.
Nice of you to post your opinion, and PREJUDICE against me, based upon your own narrow minded assumptions of me from a few of the posts I have written.
I’ll give you this…if, by your definitions and standards I am a racist, I will cheerfully admit it to one and all on here…….
as long you admit to being a HYPOCRITE…….
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
No prejudice Vexorg, I just don’t like you. Just because I see people equally, I’m liberal. Just because I don’t stereotype, I’m a hypocrite. I don’t think you’re ignorant because you will not accept “liberal theology”. I think your STUPID because you think everyone of the same race is the same. I think you do a very good job of proving your ignorance. So now my definition of racism is more of an abuse than inaccurate? Every post, you show more of your ignorance. Keep them coming. Show us who you really are.
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Vexorg, my dislike of you and your opinions has nothing to do with race, sex, religion, politics, or sexual orientation. It’s very personal, and is based on your hatred and outlandish ideas. I think you are a very destructive person, and I’m glad that everyone is not like you. Your ideas are not politically conservative, moderate, or liberal. Instead they are crazy rantings that you try to tie to non-liberal theology.
By Cindy
May 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F
Now THAT’S the biggest bunch of crap I’ve seen in a long time. We should all refuse to comment if they’re going to govern us and prevent us from posting during non-work times. I don’t like this…I don’t like it one little bitty bit! Grrr!
By outofcontrol
May 16, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
damn these shirts are all over ebay.
By Kruschev's Father
May 16, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
The reconstruction era after the civil war saw the black man elect ex slaves as congressmen and senators. Those offices were stripped from those black men by citizen nullification and ropes. If a black man tried to vote after that, his voter ID was a rope around his neck.
Black men should complain, because nothing’s really changed. Read the comments from the humanitarians on this blog and see what i mean.
Obama ‘08. You wont need a rope to prove you’re black. Just show up and vote.
By Michael H. Smith
May 16, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I figured I was right, Mr. Wilcox. As the axiom goes a leopard doesn’t change its’ spots.
You should consider reading Shelby Foote, noted civil war historian, before assessing Generals. Paraphrasing the late Mr. Foote loosely as best I recall:
There was never any question about the South losing that war. The only amazing thing was that it took the North four years win, what they should have won in four months.
The North fought the war with one hand behind their back. Had there ever been any danger of the North losing, it would have simply pull-out the other hand.
Robert E. Lee despite your view of him, was one of the best military men this nation ever produced, by far exceeding U.S. Grant and as for Sherman, you should know he was a Southerner.
Also another little know story about Robert E. Lee. After the war , in a church service a black man went to the altar to pray amidst an all white congregation, as one white man and only that one, joined the gentleman at the altar to pray with him, while the others sat silently aghast.
That man was none other than General Robert E. Lee.
By what the heck
May 16, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
I CANT BELIEVE THEY ARE SELLING THIS CRAP ON EBAY!!!!
By what the heck
May 16, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I CANT BELIEVE THEY ARE SELLING THIS CRAP ON EBAY!!!!
By what the heck
May 16, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I CANT BELIEVE THEY ARE SELLING THIS CRAP ON EBAY!!!!
By Bruce Wilcox
May 16, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
No Mr. Smith, I really do have great respect for Gen. Robert E. Lee, as well as many others, including Southern General Wilcox.
Most all of the major Generals, from both sides, were classmates at West Point. A good book on the subject I believe the title is, “The Class of 1848”.
I was busting on the weasel who not only cowers behind his screen, but impersonates another. If my memory serves me well the same has happened to you in the past, so you can imagine how I feel.
btw… you’re correct kind of like my spots were they are.
By will davis
May 16, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
He DOES look like courious george! That is the truth. Hey its just a joke get over it. I will be buying 2 of the t’s.
By LT5000
May 16, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Tea-baggitator,
OK, I’ll bite. Where do I work? Where do I live?
LT5000
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Downtown Atlanta
Dekalb County, inside the perimeter I-85 to Shallowford Exit, turn right….
By dcook
May 16, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Its not a racial thing,we’re overlooking the fact that Obama DOES look like Curious George.
By Michael H. Smith
May 16, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
By all means bust away, Mr. Wilcox.
BTW, I think we will agree the South may have thought it was prosecuting a war. In reality the South was only committing suicide.
Unfortunately, the South did win reconstruction by default and sadly because of that historic reality, it gave far too many an impression that it is now halftime.
By LT5000
May 16, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Tea-baggitater,
OK. I accept that you know me. Care to give me a hint who you are?
LT5000
By Jais AAA Duluth
May 16, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Can I get a moment to rag on the Duluth police?
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
LT5000, you don’t need a hint. Is it appropriate for you to be posting during work? I don’t think so.
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
It’s funny LT5000, I had no idea until today. It was things you said in your post that gave you away.
By Debbie Holt
May 16, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
I think Norman is a great person and I love his shirts and those of you that dont like it than leave!!!! It is ok for the blacks to wear their Malcom X t-shirts the man that hates whites but it is not ok for us to wear a monkey shirt! He I support Norman 100% so do many many other prople across the state and country. I am glad a white man is not afraid to stand up for what he beleives in because now days white people are scared to death to stand up to blacks and that is coming to halt real quick! ALL you blacks play the race card NO ONE cares! If i never saw another black the rest of my life then I would consider myself in heaven. As for as the proceeds it can go to the bikers foundation to help all those poor white children out there at Christmas. Please blacks go away no one cares what you think! I love you norman see you tomorrow!!!!!!! You are wonderful!
By Debbie Holt
May 16, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
I think Norman is a great person and I love his shirts and those of you that dont like it than leave!!!! It is ok for the blacks to wear their Malcom X t-shirts the man that hates whites but it is not ok for us to wear a monkey shirt! He I support Norman 100% so do many many other prople across the state and country. I am glad a white man is not afraid to stand up for what he beleives in because now days white people are scared to death to stand up to blacks and that is coming to halt real quick! ALL you blacks play the race card NO ONE cares! If i never saw another black the rest of my life then I would consider myself in heaven. As for as the proceeds it can go to the bikers foundation to help all those poor white children out there at Christmas. Please blacks go away no one cares what you think! I love you norman see you tomorrow!!!!!!! You are wonderful!
By Debbie Holt
May 16, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
I think Norman is a great person and I love his shirts and those of you that dont like it than leave!!!! It is ok for the blacks to wear their Malcom X t-shirts the man that hates whites but it is not ok for us to wear a monkey shirt! He I support Norman 100% so do many many other prople across the state and country. I am glad a white man is not afraid to stand up for what he beleives in because now days white people are scared to death to stand up to blacks and that is coming to halt real quick! ALL you blacks play the race card NO ONE cares! If i never saw another black the rest of my life then I would consider myself in heaven. As for as the proceeds it can go to the bikers foundation to help all those poor white children out there at Christmas. Please blacks go away no one cares what you think! I love you norman see you tomorrow!!!!!!! You are wonderful!
By Agitatter
May 16, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
I forgot your previous posts, your “analytical skills are second to none.” Why are you wanting a hint about who I am? I figured out you are by what you said in your post. Can’t you figure out who I am? Am I now number one. As I’ve stated earlier, you give yourself too much credit.
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Debbie, are you Vexorg’s wife or girlfriend? Or are you Vexorg in drag? You are just as despicable.
By The bed is long past wet
May 16, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Jeff - Just from scanning your above posts(quite a few and you must have quite a bit of time on your hands) you love to hide behind the term “racism”…I am not thrilled at the t-shirts that Mr Norman put out and have no interest in buying or wearing them(although do respect Mr Normans right to produce and sell them)….what does draw my attention to your post specifically is that you are very quick at branding someone as a “racist”(victim mentatlity)…..you have chosen to ignore all other negative and derogatory post that target southerners and specifically southern white males. You obviously see these negative post(as you spend quite a bit of time monitoring this board) and choose to look the other way….you loosely use the term “racist” to feel empowered to judge others when you are in fact silently promoting the same type of racism that you condemn….as a conservative southerner I also want equality for all men regardless of color…..with equality comes accountability however and I expect that in the future you will show better judgement when haphazardly using the terms “racism” “racist” etc…your post have become long and tired….BTW….I am not going to bother coming back to the board to read your future post labeling me a “racist” as well so dont waste your time(although I am sure you will waste your time because time is one thing you seem to have a lot of…)
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
The bed is long past wet, I had the day off. I think your decision to not bother with my post is a good one. I think I explained my comments about racists very well. I would suggest you do what you propose and stay away. I only judge based on specific comments. I have labeled individuals racist because of their racist comments. Stop wasting your time. I have never commented on the T-shirts. I have only commented on obviously racists comments made on this cite. Don’t waste your time or mine with your comments. I do feel this is important enough to spend my time because of people like you.
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Wetting your bed, I am a southern white male. You are a racist!
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Bed wetter, I agree that you should not come back to this site. You have no idea what accountability means. Don’t waste my time. I use the term racist very exactly. LT5000/Vexorg/Debbie, you are a racist. Your racism will soon catch up with you.
By Jeff
May 16, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Bed wetter, no conservative would claim you. You are repugnant.
By Michael H. Smith
May 17, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
From Cynthia Tucker’s column:
>
Already, Marietta bar owner Mike Norman has peddled T-shirts comparing Obama to a monkey, the children’s book character “Curious George.” And in a few primary contests, white voters openly expressed their prejudices against a black candidate. According to The Washington Post, Rory Kennedy, daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy and an Obama volunteer, was given a blunt assessment by a white voter who would not vote for Obama: “White people look out for white people, and black people look out for black people.”
There are black Americans, too, who are eager to play the race card, some of them afraid that an Obama victory would undermine their long-held conviction that this nation remains unrepentantly racist. Perhaps that’s why Rev. Wright launched a race-baiting diatribe shortly before the Indiana and North Carolina primaries: He, too, wants to hold onto old prejudices.
>
What do you think Mr. Badie?
Do, “White people look out for white people, and black people look out for black people?
Tell you what, bloggers, Mr. Badie will not touch this “raw nerve” with a ten foot pole, so what do you guys think of that statement from the fellow quoted in the Washington Post? (Best make it quick before the take this blog down.)
My answer is simple: Yes, that is the case and it would be no different for whites in America if the controlling majority was black and the whites were the minority.
However, this is not a matter dependent on skin-color alone. Ancestry even more so than skin color too, is involved. Now the focus is Obama, a half black half white man in reality, being compared to a monkey.
Years ago, during the time of the great Irish migration to the U.S. major mainstream newspapers often depicted Irish people as drunken-brawling monkeys.
Do the Americans need to assimilate to the high-ideas of the ‘ideal’ America?
By Katie
May 17, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
I wonder how many Southern white males have african blood in them. Afterall, it is a known fact that many slave owners had offspring with their slaves. After multipal generations, the traits of the African would be gone. So, here they sit, spouting off racial remarks yet unknowingly they speak of themselves.
By LT5000
May 17, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tea-bagitatter,
Now for the let down. I was just screwing with you.
I don’t work in downtown Atlanta or live off Shallowford rd.
I just wanted you to feel smart for a few seconds.
I consider it charity for those of you with an extra chromosome.
Now you can join the ranks of the other idiots on this blog that have to be striaghtened out by yours truly.
Not really a challenge, but I do gain a certain enjoyment out of it.
Back on your knees and back to work Tea-bagitatter. Don’t forget to gargle.
LT5000
By Michael H. Smith
May 17, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Thomas Jefferson certainly hoped that after generations the African traits of his and Sally Heming’s children would disappear, though, in reality they never did and never will genetically.
Thomas Jefferson was a paradox, not so unlike the America he helped to create. On the one hand he spoke of blood lines mixing into one with acceptance and adoration. While on the other hand he worked feverishly trying to figure out how to separate and deny the mixed blood linage of his own children’s ancestry.
Ain’t that America, for you and me?
By Mark
May 17, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
What’s the fuss? Obama and curious george look indentical. All blacks look like chimps. Hey Badie, want to sell that shirt?
By Kruschev's Father
May 17, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
That horse they shot at churchill downs 2 weeks ago is a 3 to 1 favorite to win today’s preakness.
By HT
May 17, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
In response to Bruce Wilcox: I did not at all miss the intent of the article. The intent of the article, as I see it, is to rile up hatred based on race. Let me repeat myself: * I fail to see the equality when the reaction between the two comparisons changes based solely on race. As long as you see a monkey being compared to a black man or a white man there will always be racism. When you see simply the monkey being compared to a man, then, maybe, racism will be dead and buried.* No, comparing Bush to a monkey and comparing Obama to a monkey are NOT two different things. In BOTH instances it is the comparison of a HUMAN to a monkey. You are trying to make it seem different by applying the race. My view of it is devoid of any racial aspect, yet you insist it is different based SOLELY on race. That, my friend, is perpetuating racism. And you infer that I’m the one being dishonest…
By Derek
May 17, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
That shirt is tame in comparison to the NEW OBAMA MONKEY SHIRT at [aryanwear.com](http://aryanwear.com}
By jimmy
May 18, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Katie, to help answer your question about how many whites have black ancestry, a simple DNA test for less than $300 can determine racial ancestry. It often can even identify the general location where ancestors came from.
If anyone is interested in finding out where they come from, modern science can provide the answers.
As for the responses on this blog, this thing has really gotten out of hand. It seems like Rick Badie has really hit a nerve.
Everyone would probably be better off to move on to a new topic and cool off.
By jimmy
May 18, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
I just checked out the web site that Derek posted and feel it has proven my point in an earlier post.
Some self appointed black leaders demonstrate about the T-shirt at Mulligan’s and now the aryanwear.com web site is selling Curious George T-shirts.
If those people had left well enough alone, and let Norman sell his shirts, almost no one would know about it but by demonstrating they gave the restaurant publicity, promoted the shirt, got Badie to right an article and now the aryan web site is getting attention.
There are times, you just let things pass.
By Michael H. Smith
May 18, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
In BOTH instances it is the comparison of a HUMAN to a monkey. You are trying to make it seem different by applying the race. My view of it is devoid of any racial aspect, yet you insist it is different based SOLELY on race. That, my friend, is perpetuating racism. And you infer that I’m the one being dishonest…
Thank you HT, I sense that at the very least we share some parallels in path of ENLIGHTENMENT concerning this moronic social invention people, at least in this American society invent and seem given to re-invent continuously. YES, INVENT, in their minds in order to defend IGNORANCE and BIGOTRY that has no bases found by SCIENCE in BIOLOGY, which has declared RACE a MEANINGLESS CATEGORY amongst human beings, H. sapiens.
Therefore, RACE does not depend upon the color of one’s skin nor does it depend upon the geography of one’s birth. RACE depends solely upon the quality of being human, where any differences that exist in the fleshly attributes, do not represent in any manner of speaking deficiencies with respects to qualities of being human. To think or to say differently is to ally ones self with, and to furthermore promote, propagate, as well proliferate, the very dogma of the Ku Klux Klan!
Whether in the words of Chief Justice John Roberts who said: The best way to end racial discrimination is to stop using race. Or, in the words of former President John F. Kennedy who said: Race has no place in America or in the law. It is far past the time for Americans to throw away the “social crutch” of race and to stand upon the declared high principles of this nation: All men are created equal.
By jamal
May 19, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
RUBBISH RUN FOR PRESIDENT DEAL WITH GETTING YOUR B*LLS BROKEN. WHAT ABOUT THE HILLARY NUT CRACKERS THEY SELL IN THE AIRPORT. CRY SOMEWHERE ELSE YOU BUTTERBALL BABY
By jamal
May 19, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
RUBBISH RUN FOR PRESIDENT DEAL WITH GETTING YOUR B*LLS BROKEN. WHAT ABOUT THE HILLARY NUT CRACKERS THEY SELL IN THE AIRPORT. CRY SOMEWHERE ELSE YOU BUTTERBALL BABY
By Whoopee!
May 19, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Where can I buy some of those T-shirts? My friends and I would never vote for that Muslim fanatic guy but we think the T-shirts are neat.