Mayor comes under fire for sent e-mail with watermelons at White House

[dahunan]

Originally posted by: MovingTarget
Meh, who cares? Sure, it was a racist joke between friends that got out to the press, but does it really make a difference to the lives of ordinary Americans that some dumbarse mayor made a racially insensitive joke? Seems more like a media Duh-version from their responsibility to report actual news. Hell, I bet if Obama came to the town I went to HS in, the press would go nuts over us offering Obama watermelons. Oh yeah, guess what that town is known for....its staple crop.....watermelon.

Good Job retard... does it make a difference if our elected officials who are there to take care of Americans are blatant racists? DOH!!!

Pre Abolition is calling.. they want you back

 

[nobodyknows]

"We as black people, it's time, it's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild a New Orleans, the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans. And I don't care what people are saying Uptown or wherever they are. This city will be chocolate at the end of the day."

Nagin concluded that "This city will be a majority African-American city. It's the way God wants it to be."

I guess some Mayors can get away with more the others.

 

[Ozoned]

Originally posted by: NFS4
watermelons.jpg


I wonder how long it will be before Al Sharpton steps in again? Although I don't particularly care for the reference, people need to grow a thicker skin. I'm sure that Obama has seen/heard much worse during his lifetime.

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.?The mayor of Los Alamitos is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Local businesswoman and city volunteer Keyanus Price, who is black, said Tuesday she received the e-mail from Mayor Dean Grose's personal account on Sunday and wants a public apology.

"I have had plenty of my share of chicken and watermelon and all those kinds of jokes," Price told The Associated Press. "I honestly don't even understand where he was coming from, sending this to me. As a black person receiving something like this from the city-freakin'-mayor?come on."

The Orange County Register first reported the e-mail on its Web site Tuesday night.

Grose confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn't mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons.

He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board.

"Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn't see this in the same light that she did," Grose told the AP. "I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally?or anyone?from the standpoint of the African-American race."

Grose, who became mayor in December, said he sent an apology e-mail to Price and her boss and also left her a voicemail apology.

Regardless, Price said it will be difficult for the two to work together.

"Now I am like?wow, is this really how he feels?" Price said.

Los Alamitos is a 2 1/4-square-mile Orange County city of around 12,000 people. The mayor is elected by fellow members of the five-seat City Council.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11777282

Who benefits by these instances making national news? How on earth does a singular event like this go viral without some help?

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Ozoned

Originally posted by: NFS4
watermelons.jpg


I wonder how long it will be before Al Sharpton steps in again? Although I don't particularly care for the reference, people need to grow a thicker skin. I'm sure that Obama has seen/heard much worse during his lifetime.

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.?The mayor of Los Alamitos is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Local businesswoman and city volunteer Keyanus Price, who is black, said Tuesday she received the e-mail from Mayor Dean Grose's personal account on Sunday and wants a public apology.

"I have had plenty of my share of chicken and watermelon and all those kinds of jokes," Price told The Associated Press. "I honestly don't even understand where he was coming from, sending this to me. As a black person receiving something like this from the city-freakin'-mayor?come on."

The Orange County Register first reported the e-mail on its Web site Tuesday night.

Grose confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn't mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons.

He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board.

"Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn't see this in the same light that she did," Grose told the AP. "I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally?or anyone?from the standpoint of the African-American race."

Grose, who became mayor in December, said he sent an apology e-mail to Price and her boss and also left her a voicemail apology.

Regardless, Price said it will be difficult for the two to work together.

"Now I am like?wow, is this really how he feels?" Price said.

Los Alamitos is a 2 1/4-square-mile Orange County city of around 12,000 people. The mayor is elected by fellow members of the five-seat City Council.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11777282

Who benefits by these instances making national news? How on earth does a singular event like this go viral without some help?

The same way the others make national news. Email and word of mouth.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Ozoned

Originally posted by: NFS4
watermelons.jpg


I wonder how long it will be before Al Sharpton steps in again? Although I don't particularly care for the reference, people need to grow a thicker skin. I'm sure that Obama has seen/heard much worse during his lifetime.

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.?The mayor of Los Alamitos is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Local businesswoman and city volunteer Keyanus Price, who is black, said Tuesday she received the e-mail from Mayor Dean Grose's personal account on Sunday and wants a public apology.

"I have had plenty of my share of chicken and watermelon and all those kinds of jokes," Price told The Associated Press. "I honestly don't even understand where he was coming from, sending this to me. As a black person receiving something like this from the city-freakin'-mayor?come on."

The Orange County Register first reported the e-mail on its Web site Tuesday night.

Grose confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn't mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons.

He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board.

"Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn't see this in the same light that she did," Grose told the AP. "I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally?or anyone?from the standpoint of the African-American race."

Grose, who became mayor in December, said he sent an apology e-mail to Price and her boss and also left her a voicemail apology.

Regardless, Price said it will be difficult for the two to work together.

"Now I am like?wow, is this really how he feels?" Price said.

Los Alamitos is a 2 1/4-square-mile Orange County city of around 12,000 people. The mayor is elected by fellow members of the five-seat City Council.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11777282

Who benefits by these instances making national news? How on earth does a singular event like this go viral without some help?

Does it really matter??

 

[Avalon]

Yep, the mayor knew.

 

[Hacp]

I thought the Obamas liked everything organic and the picture was meant to portray that. There is nothing wrong with watermelons. I enjoy them all the time during the summer. Why this public servant is getting a bad rap, I have not the slightest clue.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

 

[UberNeuman]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Very well. But what is the point of a photoshop of Watermelons outside the White House?

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Very well. But what is the point of a photoshop of Watermelons outside the White House?

This is the issue at hand. You would only find that picture funny if you understood the racial stereotype. If you didn't know the stereotype, it's just stupid and makes no sense (and not funny).

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Bullshit or ignorance, your choice. Either way, it was offensive.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Very well. But what is the point of a photoshop of Watermelons outside the White House?

I dunno, I didn't see the picture and I didn't forward it. I wouldn't forward it because I just don't forward anything. Off the top of my head I would probably invent a meaning about the Obama family's preference for fresh locally-grown food, though the Easter egg reference would leave me puzzled.

 

[UberNeuman]

.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Very well. But what is the point of a photoshop of Watermelons outside the White House?

This is the issue at hand. You would only find that picture funny if you understood the racial stereotype. If you didn't know the stereotype, it's just stupid and makes no sense (and not funny).

Obviously we're not there yet.

 

[UberNeuman]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Very well. But what is the point of a photoshop of Watermelons outside the White House?

I dunno, I didn't see the picture and I didn't forward it. I wouldn't forward it because I just don't forward anything. Off the top of my head I would probably invent a meaning about the Obama family's preference for fresh locally-grown food, though the Easter egg reference would leave me puzzled.

Of course.

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes?

Now why would you think it was a stereotype?

/the two faces are showing....

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Robor
Can't say I'm shocked as I've seen plenty of this type of Email. Pretty stupid of a public official though. Oh, and apologists in 3... 2... 1...

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes? I'd consider that a step forward, that these stereotypes are gradually being forgotten and replaced with a more enlightened understanding of race. Demanding an apology just cements the stereotype rather than letting it take on a life of its own that is not connected to race.

Of course, maybe I just say that because I wouldn't have known there was anything offensive about watermelons either. Child of the everybody's-equal generation.

Very well. But what is the point of a photoshop of Watermelons outside the White House?

I dunno, I didn't see the picture and I didn't forward it. I wouldn't forward it because I just don't forward anything. Off the top of my head I would probably invent a meaning about the Obama family's preference for fresh locally-grown food, though the Easter egg reference would leave me puzzled.

Of course.

So we're penalizing people for NOT learning racial stereotypes?

Now why would you think it was a stereotype?

/the two faces are showing....

I would think it's a stereotype after reading the article at the top of the page and the fuss going on. Without that context I wouldn't have known that there was any association to watermelons at all. And yes, I'd invent a meaning because clearly somebody put the picture together with some intent and, in the absence of knowing what that is, I'd take best guess with the knowledge I have.

I'm ignorant I guess, but I don't really mind being ignorant on something so negative. I grew up on the west coast and, to be perfectly honest, my interracial socialization has been mostly Asian and Hispanic, not black. I just haven't been exposed to the same set of racial stereotypes and jokes you'd see in a location with a larger black population.

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707
I would think it's a stereotype after reading the article at the top of the page and the fuss going on. Without that context I wouldn't have known that there was any association to watermelons at all. And yes, I'd invent a meaning because clearly somebody put the picture together with some intent and, in the absence of knowing what that is, I'd take best guess with the knowledge I have.

I'm ignorant I guess, but I don't really mind being ignorant on something so negative. I grew up on the west coast and, to be perfectly honest, my interracial socialization has been mostly Asian and Hispanic, not black. I just haven't been exposed to the same set of racial stereotypes and jokes you'd see in a location with a larger black population.

Take a stab. What interpretation would you invent as to what the joke was, other than a racial stereotype, if you didn't know about that? To make it funny to want to forward it?

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Craig234

Originally posted by: AreaCode707
I would think it's a stereotype after reading the article at the top of the page and the fuss going on. Without that context I wouldn't have known that there was any association to watermelons at all. And yes, I'd invent a meaning because clearly somebody put the picture together with some intent and, in the absence of knowing what that is, I'd take best guess with the knowledge I have.

I'm ignorant I guess, but I don't really mind being ignorant on something so negative. I grew up on the west coast and, to be perfectly honest, my interracial socialization has been mostly Asian and Hispanic, not black. I just haven't been exposed to the same set of racial stereotypes and jokes you'd see in a location with a larger black population.

Take a stab. What interpretation would you invent as to what the joke was, other than a racial stereotype, if you didn't know about that? To make it funny to want to forward it?

I told you; I would, without any context, interpret it as a weak play on the Obama famiy's preference for eating local. To make it funny enough to forward... people forward me unfunny crap all the time so my threshold for "funny enough to want to forward it" is extremely low.

Not saying he didn't know it was a racial stereotype, just saying I didn't until this thread so it's possible for somebody to legitimately not know.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707
I told you; I would, without any context, interpret it as a weak play on the Obama famiy's preference for eating local.

now it think it obvious that you ae playing dumb

 

[BoomerD]

"Watahmelon and frahed chieken? MMMMM"


Stereotypes DO generally exist for a reason...not that it make it right, but...

I do however think it was pretty stupid of Mr. Mayor to forward such an email...or to claim that he didn't know. :roll:


Like it or not, racism exists...right or wrong. Prejudices exist...right or wrong.

Neither of them are illegal...only if an individual acts on them might it be illegal.

As a private citizen, I can hold all the prejudices I so choose. THAT'S not illegal.

I don't have to invite Blacks, Asians, Mexicans, Irish, Arabic or Canadian people into my house when I have a party.

I don't have to be friends with any of them if I don't want to.


BUT, as a business owner, I'm forbidden to discriminate against anyone in employment-related issues.

As a landlord, I'm forbidden to discriminate against anyone in housing-related issues.

As the mayor of a small town, I'm forbidden to discriminate against anyone in any government-related issue.

He has every right to pick and choose who he likes/doesn't like...but this was just plain stupid...and he deserves to lose his job over it.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
"Watahmelon and frahed chieken? MMMMM"


Stereotypes DO generally exist for a reason...not that it make it right, but...

I do however think it was pretty stupid of Mr. Mayor to forward such an email...or to claim that he didn't know. :roll:


Like it or not, racism exists...right or wrong. Prejudices exist...right or wrong.

Neither of them are illegal...only if an individual acts on them might it be illegal.

As a private citizen, I can hold all the prejudices I so choose. THAT'S not illegal.

I don't have to invite Blacks, Asians, Mexicans, Irish, Arabic or Canadian people into my house when I have a party.

I don't have to be friends with any of them if I don't want to.


BUT, as a business owner, I'm forbidden to discriminate against anyone in employment-related issues.

As a landlord, I'm forbidden to discriminate against anyone in housing-related issues.

As the mayor of a small town, I'm forbidden to discriminate against anyone in any government-related issue.

He has every right to pick and choose who he likes/doesn't like...but this was just plain stupid...and he deserves to lose his job over it.

What race doesn't like watermelon!?!

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: miketheidiot

Originally posted by: AreaCode707
I told you; I would, without any context, interpret it as a weak play on the Obama famiy's preference for eating local.

now it think it obvious that you ae playing dumb

No, just would have been clueless (actually dumb, instead of playing dumb) as to the actual meaning and couldn't come up with any other association. It's admittedly weak but I just don't think I would have realized it was a racial stereotype. Now I know better.

[edit] As an additional example of my ignorance, I was just discussing this thread with another AT member and the term "tar baby" came up. While I knew the term and knew it was offensive, I had no idea what the story behind it was and he had to explain it to me. I know a lot more about racist memes when it comes to the local minority populations in my area. Glad I haven't accidentally offended anyone through my ignorance (that I know of) so far.

 

[Orignal Earl]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707


[edit] As an additional example of my ignorance, I was just discussing this thread with another AT member and the term "tar baby" came up. While I knew the term and knew it was offensive, I had no idea what the story behind it was and he had to explain it to me. I know a lot more about racist memes when it comes to the local minority populations in my area. Glad I haven't accidentally offended anyone through my ignorance (that I know of) so far.

When I was arrested they told me Ignorance was no excuse
Then the Heb judge tore my Niggle ass a new one

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Orignal Earl

Originally posted by: AreaCode707


[edit] As an additional example of my ignorance, I was just discussing this thread with another AT member and the term "tar baby" came up. While I knew the term and knew it was offensive, I had no idea what the story behind it was and he had to explain it to me. I know a lot more about racist memes when it comes to the local minority populations in my area. Glad I haven't accidentally offended anyone through my ignorance (that I know of) so far.

When I was arrested they told me Ignorance was no excuse

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. It's not possible for everyone to share every bit of everybody else's cultural experience and knowledge.

 

[yowolabi]

Originally posted by: AreaCode707

Originally posted by: Orignal Earl

Originally posted by: AreaCode707


[edit] As an additional example of my ignorance, I was just discussing this thread with another AT member and the term "tar baby" came up. While I knew the term and knew it was offensive, I had no idea what the story behind it was and he had to explain it to me. I know a lot more about racist memes when it comes to the local minority populations in my area. Glad I haven't accidentally offended anyone through my ignorance (that I know of) so far.

When I was arrested they told me Ignorance was no excuse

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. It's not possible for everyone to share every bit of everybody else's cultural experience and knowledge.

Well, you don't go to jail for insulting someone. There are only social penalties, the same kind of penalties you get whenever you are socially inept. It's always your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of popular culture and history. If you fail and say something racist, sexist or just stupid, the penalties you suffer are appropriate for the crime.