Marietta tavern owner Mike Norman says the T-shirts he’s peddling, featuring cartoon chimp Curious George peeling a banana, with “Obama in ‘08″ scrolled underneath, are “cute.” But to a coalition of critics, the shirts are an insulting exploitation of racial stereotypes from generations past.
Updated: Bill makes a somewhat valid point - I should have used Conservatives not Republicans in the title. As many are wont to point out: the two are not the same.
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71 responses so far ↓
Rogue109 // May 13, 2008 at 11:06 am
Why Republicans have an issue with minority outreach, Part II
The entire Party has a problem with minority outreach because of this guy? Who knew! It makes being a Democrat, where 0.00% of their party has bigoted beliefs, sound more appealing.
Wait, I forgot: SpaceyG is a Democrat and has a bigoted family, per her own admission. Darn.
StevePerkins // May 13, 2008 at 11:33 am
If Ron Paul has an “anti-semitism” problem, because a handful of morons posted spam on RedState and told Erick “I smell Hebrew!”… then the local GOP has a race problem, if a handful of morons walking around with t-shirts portraying Barack Obama as a monkey.
I’m not saying that either smear is 100% fair, but the turnabout certainly seems fair to me. Don’t set standards for others that you don’t want to be judged by yourself.
Rogue109 // May 13, 2008 at 11:36 am
Wow, Steve. You’ve helped me see the light. Now run back to your Contracts class and quit making points that aren’t applicable.
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 11:44 am
Careful, Rogue, Steve is quite sensitive when anyone accosts his aspirations to become a lawyer.
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 11:52 am
Chris,
How do YOU know the owner of Mulligan’s is even a Republican? He could just be an ultra-conservative.
But…there you go again…whining about things because you’re an ignorant baboon.
SouthFultonGuy // May 13, 2008 at 11:58 am
Since we’re on the subject of race in America, can anyone explain the logic that since Barack Obama is half Black and half White, we automatically label him as a Black candidate?
He’e no more black than white…hmmmmm
Demonbeck // May 13, 2008 at 12:00 pm
What should the current spoofs of GW as a monkey be considered?
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 12:02 pm
SFG,
I would offer an explanation, but I am afraid frigtards like Chris Farris, Rugby, and John Konop will swarm on here and label me a “racist” again.
SouthFultonGuy // May 13, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Demonbeck,
There is historical precedence for the derogatory references to blacks as apes and monkeys.
There is not a similar derogatory reference for whites.
Rogue109 // May 13, 2008 at 12:09 pm
There is not a similar derogatory reference for whites.
Oh, so calling Bush a monkey based on his physical appearance is okay, but calling Obama a monkey based on his physical appearance is not okay. Makes absolutely no sense.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Bill Simon
Do you think the T-Shirt racist?
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 12:51 pm
John,
Yeah, I’d say it is racist.
Chris Farris // May 13, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Is Bush referred to as monkey based on his physical appearance or because his is the symbol of an administration that is despised by the left, middle and right in this country, for being too conservative, too incompetent and too liberal (respectively)?
drjay // May 13, 2008 at 1:17 pm
probably a little of both chris–the president does have the kinda big monkey ear thing going on–that are often caricatured in political cartoons depicting him…
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 1:23 pm
As does Obama, actually…Mike Luckovich, the cartoonist for the AJC, admitted that a couple of weeks ago that Obama’s ears are more physically noticeable as they protrude away from his balding head, and he intends to blow them up to caricaturize Obama in that manner as well.
If Luckovich were to include a banana in his depiction of Obama, I think the subsequent outrage would be justified…if, that is, Cynthia Tucker even allowed it to be printed.
SouthFultonGuy // May 13, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Rogue109 I presumed I did not have to repeat the “historical precedent” in both sentences. No one has been abusing GW or his ancestors for centuries by calling them a monkeys.
Since you don’t seem to know there is a longstanding history of the comparison of blacks to apes and other derogatory and hurtful terms to based on social standing and complexion - not their ears.
Many who do not experience the hurt firsthand continue to minimize it. When you defend bad behaviour you imply you share the prejudgement of those whose motives are likely sinister, while yours are probably innocently and intellectually based.
I cannot discern the motivation of those who might unfortunately and disrespectfully call our President a monkey. He’s been called much worse and I suspect that he’d not be impacted the same way as someone black might.
Obama has more than enough to be criticized for based on his policies and I agree that far too often the race card is erroneously and inappropriately played in his defense.
Nevertheless two wrongs do not make a right….
SouthFultonGuy // May 13, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Rogue109 I presumed I did not have to repeat the “historical precedent” in both sentences. No one has been abusing GW or his ancestors for centuries by calling them monkeys.
Since you don’t seem to know there is a longstanding history of the comparison of blacks to apes and other derogatory and hurtful terms to based on social standing and complexion - not their ears.
Many who do not experience the hurt firsthand continue to minimize it. When you defend bad behaviour you imply you share the prejudgement of those whose motives are likely sinister, while yours are probably innocently and intellectually based.
I cannot discern the motivation of those who might unfortunately and disrespectfully call our President a monkey. He’s been called much worse and I suspect that he’d not be impacted the same way as someone black might.
Obama has more than enough to be criticized for based on his policies and I agree that far too often the race card is erroneously and inappropriately played in his defense.
Nevertheless two wrongs do not make a right….
dorian // May 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I’d like for John to weigh in. He’s a successful businessman, and thus, an expert on everything. John, be sure you start your post “as a successful businessman” or it doesn’t count.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 2:04 pm
dorian
Do you take meds at work?
Is it legal to practice law while being high?
dorian // May 13, 2008 at 2:24 pm
As a successful businessman John, I’d expect you to know the answer to that question. If you want to pay my retainer, I’ll answer it for you. Now, please excuse me, I have to go take my afternoon adderall.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Dorian
If business is tough I do some consulting work.
Burdell // May 13, 2008 at 2:40 pm
After seven years of comparing Bush to a monkey (several actually to the same one–curious george), I don’t think anyone can still claim that one as a “racial stereotype from generations past.”
And personally, I don’t see the resemblance anyway. This looks like another case of people with nothing better to do than trying to find something to get upset about.
OleDirtyBarrister // May 13, 2008 at 2:45 pm
George W. Bush WAS depicted as “Curious George” by many haters with BDS. What’s good for goose… Obviously, it’s OK for white people to be depicted as monkeys but not blacks, because in the liberal mind, minorities can’t be racists and women can’t be sexists. (Rolling eyes).
Screw ‘em. I hope the people at Mulligans stand their ground and tell the race pimps to go pound sand up their a$$es.
Jane // May 13, 2008 at 2:47 pm
This Nim-Nul is more of a Southern Party/ Paleoconservative party activist. Yes, there are some Ray McBerry types in the Georgia GOP, but they rarely get any play. The same is true of the Ron Paul people, very vocal, but few real votes. However. they do make mainstream Republicans look bad. They also make mainstream conservatives look bad as well. Hopefully, GOP activists pick the right side on this fight.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Jane
How does Ron Paul and his supporters make mainstrem Republicans look bad?
What are mainstream GOP issues now?
Chris Farris // May 13, 2008 at 3:33 pm
John,
“One [Ron Paul] newsletter, from June 1992, right after the LA riots, says “order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks.”
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/10/paul.newsletters/index.html
Probably more bigoted/stereotyping than racist per say. Paul probably didn’t write that, but he hired the idiot who did, and didn’t bother to proof what was written.
dorian // May 13, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Thanks John. I could use some advice. See, I have a problem dealing with pompous twits who think they know everything. Seriously, they’re like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Know what I mean? They’re the kind who offer up the best solution to any problem and the less they know about it the better. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
SouthFultonGuy // May 13, 2008 at 4:37 pm
OleDirtyBarrister ,
Who said “it’s OK for white people to be depicted as monkeys but not blacks”.
My comment as a matter of fact was that they “disrespectfully call our President a monkey. ”
Those same guys who want to diminish the offense of the insult to either Obama or GW are the same whizkid who figure its OK to say yes when their wife/girlfriend says “am I fat” because you think - well its true…
shep1975 // May 13, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Just for the record, Steve and I had contracts in 2006-2007. He also got a much better grade than I did.
I’ve been involved in the Cobb GOP for a long time (10 years) and I’m not sure I’ve ever met this guy.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 4:42 pm
dorian
Drink two beers and call me in the morning? Also you may have some issues Dr Ruth can help with you.
dorian // May 13, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Thanks John. Your concern with my sex life is touching. . . .figurately speaking.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 5:06 pm
dorain
Dr Ruth is psychologist your issues could be other than sex. What ever your problem is I am glad you are seeking help.
NonPartisanGA // May 13, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Sorry for adding a comment that actually applies to the original post rather than legal services, drinking or sexual counseling but…
My father served in the United States Army and was stationed in Hawaii as the Korean War was winding down.
White soldiers had told the Hawaiians who were encountering blacks for the first time that blacks had tails. He was frequently asked if they could see his tail.
Those that have not experienced the cruelty doled out by a segment of society can never fully appreciate the hurt it causes. While the current generation is not responsible for the acts of their ancestors, to the degree they perpetuate the ignorance through insensitivity with humor or cruelty at the expense of others now they bear some culpability.
To deny people’s real feelings of hurt are legitimate in response to racial epithets is s as ignorant or perhaps naive as telling a parent whose lost a child that you know what their going through….
The valid point Chris was making was conservatives who claim to be compassionate, will not win independent voters who happen to be black over with t-shirts depicting the dems nominee apparent as a monkey.
Icarus // May 13, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I don’t get why the idiot who made the T-shirt thinks it will help, either.
After all, once we tell everyone that Obama doesn’t wear a flag pin, and we have some 527’s raise Michelle Obama’s negatives, it’s all over anyway. If it’s closer than we think, we can always just “mess up” and call him Osama a few times. That’ll do it…
Andisheh Nouraee // May 13, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Mulligan’s also unveiled its new logo today!
http://tinyurl.com/523tyx
Chris Farris // May 13, 2008 at 5:47 pm
ssshh Icarus, you’ll let out the Talk Radio battle plan……
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Obama not wearing a flag pin is quite minor…however, him not putting his hand on his heart when our songs are being sung is QUITE another (the Commie-pinko bastard):
http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Sorry…our National Anthem…At approximately 3 minutes into that video….Hillary and Bill Richardson had their hand over their heart….not so Barack Hussein “I’m Not An American” Obama.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Bill Simon
Did you buy the T-Shirt?
Why not tell us why you support John McCain?
moocher // May 13, 2008 at 6:20 pm
If this receives anymore press I expect the people who own the rights to Curious George are going to have a thing or two to say about the T-Shirt.
Just for the record, Obama ad Bush look a little like monkeys, I think it’s the ears.
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 6:20 pm
John,
Perhaps you missed my response above when I indicated that “Yeah, the shirt is racist.” I don’t wear racist shirts.
Why do I support John McCain? Because I know John McCain IS a “patriot” to this country and would not seek to destroy this country.
Quite honestly, as much as I am POed about GWB (and, he could run for a 3rd term), IF Obama was running against Bush, I’d vote for Bush.
NOT because McCain and Bush are white, and Obama is black, because if Michael Steele (black conservative Republican) or J.C. Watts (another black conservative Republican) were running, I would vote for those “black men” NOT because they were “black,” but because they were Republicans.
Got it straight now, John? Or, do YOU (and/or Chris Farris) think YOU (and/or Chris Farris) are going to be the Great White Conservative Apologist for all ill things done against liberal blacks?
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 6:21 pm
They do, moocher. But don’t try to convince John Konop of that. He feels guilty every day for being white.
Icarus // May 13, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I guess I need to jump in here, since I corrected Goldwater “Conservative” on another thread:
Chris/rat, please respect the use of the word Frigtard and restrict its use to the proper group of NRA idiots that don’t support their own grass roots’ wishes.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Bill Simon
Are you saying issues do not matter only whom you think is a “patriot”?
Icarus // May 13, 2008 at 6:29 pm
And Simon,
The sensitivity training has apparently paid off. You’re now officially sensitive. Overly so.
Now let’s you, Rugby, Rat, and Konop have a big group hug, sing Kum-ba-ya, and get back to the surly group we all love.
Icarus // May 13, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Actually John, I think he’s saying the opposite.
He’s for the issues the Republicans (claim to) represent, despite the fact that the last 8 years have been horribly executed.
Looking forward, he’ll take (as will I) an imperfect Republican over a perfectly wrong Deomocrat.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Bill Simon
I can give you many reasons based on policy that I disagree with Obama as well as McCain.
Yet I do respect McCain for his service to our Country and Obama for being the first black candidate for president to not play the race card.
I also think Obama tough love Bill Cosby message is needed in the black community. I also think McCain in general has been a straight shooter but the religious right and immigration and Iraq make him look like a flip flopper.
With that said I have real policy disagreements with both candidates. Yet the Hagee or Wright issue is a distraction that divides the country and does not solve anything.
John Konop // May 13, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Icarus
This is why you will win in 10!
Chris Farris // May 13, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Icarus - I used frigtard because the term I really wanted to use would have been censored by the TMC, the FCC and possible even George Carlin.
And Bill, I’m not apologizing for that f–ktard. I’m pointing out that thoughtless (in the first case) and or deliberate actions designed to piss off black people (in this case) are why the party that fought a war to keep slavery gets 90% of the African-American vote in the average election.
Icarus // May 13, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I’ll try to let it slide this time, but for future reference:
“R-Douchebag” should only apply to a member of the house that wants to punish/impeach/censure a member of the Senate, The entire Senate, or the Lt. Governor for not immediately bowing to the wishes of the House Speaker. However, we may need to expand the use of this term over time. Please consult with a quorum of The Committee before seeking expansion.
Chris Farris // May 13, 2008 at 7:32 pm
As I’ve said before, I do not recognize the authority of your committee, only the supreme greatness of the TMC and its holy profit the swedish chef.
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 7:33 pm
John,
Seriously….REALLY, seriously, do you actually THINK Obama will put forth ONE issue successfully that will help you, a conservative-minded person?
With what is looming ahead of us, John, in a left-wing controlled House and US Senate, putting a liberal democrat in as President would be the ruin of this country.
Truly, you are a fool if you cannot recognize that.
John McCain would not sign some of the bills that those Dems in the House and Senate are DYING to put forward and pass. A liberal Dem like Obama wouldn’t give it a 2nd thought to sign them.
AND, if you recall, Janet Reno as Attorney General under Clinton, all sorts of laws wer re-interpreted to suit the agenda of the Clintons. That is what would happen under a liberal Dimocrat like Obama.
Bill Simon // May 13, 2008 at 7:39 pm
John, Part 2
If you watch that video up to the point where john Edwards (rightfully) assails Obama’s record in the Senate as primarily casting votes of “Present” rather than voting “Yes” or “No”, ANYONE in their sound mind would conclude that Obama is just a puppet waiting to be controlled by whoever gets in the door.
Get your mind out of whatever track its in right now, because if you think “Change” is a good theme for this democracy to get, you can probably kiss your freedoms goodbye in the 4 years that Obama is in there.
dorian // May 13, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Thanks John. If I ever decide I want to lose for some office I’ll know who to call.
Icarus // May 13, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Dorian?
What gives?
A little extra edge on the posts today.
I don’t always agree with John, but he is at least 1) coherent, 2) articulate, and 3) consistant.
It takes all kinds to run the political world. Note from an earlier post today that he and Rep. Price are even on o.k. terms.
John and I were a bit sharp to each other when I first started posting here. Now he’s my campaign manager. (though I still have absolutely no idea what I’m running for)
Lighten up, enjoy the ride.
dorian // May 14, 2008 at 4:47 am
It’s all in good fun Icarus. Sorry if I offend. It’s envy, because John is so good looking and I’m fat and bald and smell of cheap Bertagnolli liquer.
Bill Simon // May 14, 2008 at 7:54 am
…and Swisher Sweet cigars…
Demonbeck // May 14, 2008 at 7:55 am
I wonder when whitemalevoters will weigh in on this one.
Icarus // May 14, 2008 at 8:08 am
Pretty simple solution:
Anyone from the Cobb GOP care to join in the protest?
There is no political affiliation of the bar owner mentioned in the article. It is just “assumed” that he is a Republican. A few folks from the Cobb or State GOP joining the “coalition” in protesting the bar would immediately change the news story and give a new headline of “GOP distances itself from anti-Obama bigot…”
Would provide a nice contrast to the race baiting that continues from the Hillary camp.
Bill Simon // May 14, 2008 at 8:37 am
“Would provide a nice contrast to the race baiting that continues from the Hillary camp.”
Or the Chris Farris’s and John Konops of the world. (And, where the heck is Rugby’s whinings?)
Icarus // May 14, 2008 at 8:59 am
Bill,
Let it go…
Donkey Kong // May 14, 2008 at 9:25 am
Noooooo!!!!! I hate that I missed all the name-calling. Though Icarus did a great job refereeing. Let’s see. Time to catch up:
Bill — GT sucks. There.
John — ummm, I voted for Tom Price. Well, actually, my parents did. I’m registered in Athens.
Dorian — you’re an attorney. ‘nough said.
Rat — the gods at TMC will be visiting you shortly.
Donkey Kong — +100 points for your acute wit
Bill Simon // May 14, 2008 at 9:32 am
DK,
You headed to Columbus this weekend?
Donkey Kong // May 14, 2008 at 9:39 am
No, unfortunately not. I’m working in NY this summer and am flying out on Saturday. I was hoping to make it on Friday but as of now looks like I’ll have too much work to do before I leave. Will you be there both days?
Bill Simon // May 14, 2008 at 9:45 am
Nah, just Saturday. Perhaps I’ll catch you at the Cobb GOP 4th of July BBQ…or, at least see your “equipment” there.
HankRearden // May 14, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Da*n, don’t wink when talking about people’s equipment.
Bill Simon // May 14, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Hank + Rearden - den = HankRear.
Coincidence, or serendipity for your lifestyle, Hankee-Poo?
Donkey Kong // May 14, 2008 at 1:49 pm
My equipment will be there. My “equipment” will remain solidly in place with me.
(actually, I’m not sure what you are referring to…)
I’ll still be in NY over July 4, unfortunately. Like last year, though, I’ll have friends there and hopefully I’ll hear more interesting stories.
Romegaguy // May 14, 2008 at 2:10 pm
All of these comments about checking out each others’ equipment… way too easy to make comments here but I will leave that to others
Bill Simon // May 14, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I was just putting that in there to see if HankRearden (NOT to be confused with “Hank Rearden”, a a different blogger) was still slithering around.
Sure enough, he is!
Donkey Kong // May 14, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Ohhh, good catch Bill. I never noticed.
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