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Obama Monkey Sock
I am 73 years old, and rarely enter into a conversation online. But I just felt compelled to tell you all how much I appreciate your comments on the Obama sock. I am well educated with a masters and ABD on a doctorate in early childhood, and I am also black. By the way, my name Scottiann is not because I am gay....it's my father's nickname for me because he always wanted a boy. I honor him today by using his given name Scott as part of my screenname. As a black woman who has seen so much racism in my day, it brought tears to my eyes to finally see that there are people who understand how much we have suffered over the last 400 years. Obama does not deserve to be catergorized as a monkey...a term white people have used to refer to us for 400 years. You can never imagine the pride, and the love we have for Obama. And every time I hear him speak, I get tears in my eyes because I thought I would NEVER live to see a black man or woman run for president. You don't know how much I appreciate your comments and understanding of how devastating this is to us as a race and to all of us as a nation. Thanks again.
And may you have all of the blessings that God can give for making my day.
Comments (16)
Beautifully stated, Sandra. And Obama indeed honors us all and gives us hope in the greater potential of the human race. These are good times, aren't they?
June 13, 2008 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Scottiann: Thanks. Your passionate comments brought tears into MY eyes. I just finished posting the response that I received from the couple that is selling the plush. The response is on Larry Geater's article. They profess to be saddened and guess that they have an element of naivete.
I evaluated their letter (and their website and their other response posted on the article) and have concluded that they are knowingly peddling racist stereotypes. I'm interested in YOUR thoughts about their letter.
June 13, 2008 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
To be fair, I think some people are merely blissfully ignorant about why this would be offensive: after all, aren't there numerous sites dedicated to how Bush looks like a monkey?
Don't get me wrong, I understand why this is different. However, I think it's important to also realize that not everyone who makes such an analogy is necessarily racist.
June 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think you ARE being fair, Ben. But, I'm curious as to your evaluation of their response. Do you think I'm being UNfair in my conclusion that they likely were aware.
June 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, not these people. They deserve your scorn. I'm just making a general point that there are some genuinely ignorant folk who just don't understand why it's offensive.
June 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Then let's educate the ignorant SOB's.
June 14, 2008 1:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Barack has more heart, soul, and intelligence than those monkey sock crackers and all their ancestors put together.
It's painful to watch the pathetic antics of ignorant bigots.
June 13, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Scottieann thank you for your heartfelt comment. I think a President Obama will make us all proud.
June 13, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for your comments, scottiann. They reminded me of my own path, as a skinny white kid from the farm who hardly had met a black person until I got out of college and went to work in a midwestern city for a black boss.
He was one of the most remarkable and brilliant people I'd ever met who, until his premature death from cancer, became a second father to me. It was his example that taught me about people I'd never known, and that understanding has stayed with me ever since. I sometimes wonder if I'd have become such an early supporter of Obama if I'd not met the inimitable Jim Gardner, but coming of age under such a mentor kept my spirit clear.
I'm glad we've come to a stage where an Obama can be the nominee of a major party -- and probably president. It honors the sacrifices of millions of people like Mr. Gardner (as I always still think of him), and validates their faith in this country.
June 13, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
What a beautiful tribute to Mr. Gardner. I'm sure that he is very proud of you.
June 13, 2008 10:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you, Scottiann, I was very moved by your post. I have been lurking here for months now, but was moved by this particular topic to write to the contract manufacturer.
I was quite dissatisfied by their response (posted in Larry Geater's article), which repeated the "we never thought of it like that." excuse provided by the couple.
June 13, 2008 9:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Back in the early 20th century, lasting through the mid 20th century, it was very common for people to speak of and to African Americans with contempt, all the while having absolutely no idea that they were doing so. My father, who was born in the 19th century, was one of those. He taught me to always treat everyone, regardless of their skin color, the same and with respect. But, he was unable to do so. That used to confuse me terribly, but I finally realized that he spoke instinctively, based on his own life experiences, and had no idea how insulting he was.
This, however, is not the 20th century, let alone the mid 20th century. I see no valid excuse for people who would do that today, and the couple selling those monkey dolls are doing it with full knowledge of what they are doing.
June 13, 2008 10:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Their transparently disengenuous response proves you correct.
June 14, 2008 1:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm guessing the only thing that will stop these people is a prolonged DOS attack. Which I would not, in any way, endorse, support, or participate in. Of course.
June 14, 2008 11:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly. I've sent e-mails and said as much. Either these people are racist, or ignorant of the inherent racism of their product. If the first, shame on them. If the second--then shame on them only if they don't learn and grow. Either way, they need to stop selling these.
June 14, 2008 2:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
.
Bush looks like a monkey?
Don't PETA or some such group shut down such attacks on monkeys?
.
June 14, 2008 1:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
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