NationStates Jolt Archive

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. - The mayor of a small Southern California city says he will resign after being criticized for sharing an e-mail picture depicting the White House lawn planted with watermelons under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Los Alamitos Mayor Dean Grose issued a statement Thursday saying he is sorry and will step down as mayor at Monday's City Council meeting.

Grose came under fire for sending the picture to what he called "a small group of friends." One of the recipients, a local businesswoman and city volunteer, publicly scolded the mayor for his actions.

Grose says he accepts that the e-mail was in poor taste and has affected his ability to lead the city.

Located in Orange County, Los Alamitos is a 2 1/4-square-mile city of around 12,000 people.


So, what do you think? Big deal over nothing? Harmless joke? In poor taste but not necessarily racist? Not intentionally racist? Or worthy of being made to step down?

For those wondering, this is the picture:

http://www.webzee.com/media/files8/pictures/watermelon_white_house.jpg

i wonder what he thought the point of the pic was if not to be racist. without the racism its ....mystifying....as to why anyone would make or distribute it.

It's racist, but I don't know if he should have to step down. I don't buy his explanation (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11777282?nclick_check=1) that he was unaware of the stereotype, but maybe he honestly didn't know how hurtful it could be.

i wonder what he thought the point of the pic was if not to be racist. without the racism its ....mystifying....as to why anyone would make or distribute it.

Everybody likes a watermelon. Even the president. Pants one leg at a time kind of thing.




Damn, that's racist....

his claim that he didn't intend it to be racist is laughable. in so far as it is funny, it relies on racist stereotypes. it doesn't really make sense otherwise.

besides, there isn't really enough room for the watermelons - the garden is full of arugula.

Maybe I'm missing something... why is this racist?

Everybody likes a watermelon. Even the president. Pants one leg at a time kind of thing.




Damn, that's racist....
everybody DOES like watermelon.

but that doesnt explain the photo.

Maybe I'm missing something... why is this racist?

I could tell you but then I'd have to tell you.

Maybe I'm missing something... why is this racist?
it was common in the past to associate rural blacks with watermelon eating. it was a common motif in racial/racist arts and crafts.

Oh right fair enough then, I don't thinl resignation is necessary, an apology perhaps would be better.

Maybe I'm missing something... why is this racist?

its an old racist stereotype. one that has already been seen out of california republicans in reference to obama, actually.

http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2008/10-16/racist16_400.jpg

Maybe I'm missing something... why is this racist?

It refers to the lazy, grinning, watermelon-eating, banjo-playing stereotype from the minstrel-show era of black comedy. Not a high point for race relations. Put another way, it makes people think of things like this:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Whar_de_watermelon_grow.jpg/460px-Whar_de_watermelon_grow.jpg

Yeah, watermelon and fried chicken had its roots in racist stereotypes.

But today, it's just funny, like any other stereotype; anyone who sees racism it now is just looking for something to whine about.

its an old racist stereotype. one that has already been seen out of california republicans in reference to obama, actually.

Oh, forgot about that one. Good point.

it was common in the past to associate rural blacks with watermelon eating. it was a common motif in racial/racist arts and crafts.
Indeed. Ugly caricatures of slaves looking like monkeys eating watermelon slices and fried chicken were the stereotype.

Funny enough, when I was taking a class on multiculturalism in college, we all had to bring a food from "our culture" for the party at the end. My mom and I made flan, and my friend Terrence, who was six foot tall and with a wicked sense of humor, brought in two buckets of KFC and a watermelon because, "Hey, it may be stereotypical, but we DO eat a lot of fried chicken and watermelon -- and none of YOU guys could get away with it!"

Yeah, watermelon and fried chicken had its roots in racist stereotypes.

But today, it's just funny, like any other stereotype; anyone who sees racism it now is just looking for something to whine about.
Yeah?
Like people are silly to whine when all Italian-Americans are depicted as Mafiosi? Or all Hispanics are lazy and illegal? Or when Southerners are shown as shotgun-toting, two-toothed rednecks in overalls who married their sister? Or all Muslims are Ebil(tm) run around yelling dirkadirkadirka and blowing each other up?

Or is that more "minorities have no cause to complain because we white guys are SO marginalized" that I hear?

I've always thought the watermelon thing was a weird racial stereotype. Especially how it got so racialized to the point that it's now racist. Playing a banjo is part of that old caricature, but it never got the watermelon treatment. Saying black people eat fried chicken and watermelon strikes me as more just weird and possibly incorrect than racist.

I guess what I'm saying is that it's weird that it's considered racist. Jews eating bagels and lox isn't racist, but it's similar insofar as it's a stereotype(and delicious...as is fried chicken; not so much the watermelon, though). Why the one has associated racism and the other doesn't is just odd.

Indeed. Ugly caricatures of slaves looking like monkeys eating watermelon slices and fried chicken were the stereotype.

Funny enough, when I was taking a class on multiculturalism in college, we all had to bring a food from "our culture" for the party at the end. My mom and I made flan, and my friend Terrence, who was six foot tall and with a wicked sense of humor, brought in two buckets of KFC and a watermelon because, "Hey, it may be stereotypical, but we DO eat a lot of fried chicken and watermelon -- and none of YOU guys could get away with it!"


Like people are silly to whine when all Italian-Americans are depicted as Mafiosi?
Yeah, exactly. We all know it's not true, so just get over yourself and enjoy a good joke. It's funny. Laugh.
Or all Hispanics are lazy and illegal?
Same.
Or when Southerners are shown as shotgun-toting, two-toothed rednecks in overalls who married their sister?
Same.

Or all Muslims are Ebil(tm) run around yelling dirkadirkadirka and blowing each other up?
Well, Muslims are evil, but in the same way all followers of Abrahamic faiths are.

Yeah, exactly. We all know it's not true, so just get over yourself and enjoy a good joke. It's funny. Laugh.

What was the funny again?

HA ha - Italian people are in the Mafia? Where's the funny here? What's the joke? It's not even a BAD joke, it's just a stereotype.

Like people are silly to whine when all Italian-Americans are depicted as Mafiosi?
But they are. I mean, why else would you describe yourself as an Italian-American?

Or all Muslims are Ebil(tm) run around yelling dirkadirkadirka and blowing each other up?
It's not "dirkadirkadirka", and they blow up the whities, not each other.

Or is that more "minorities have no cause to complain because we white guys are SO marginalized" that I hear?
It's more that if one complains about shallow jokes like this picture, that only speaks badly of themselves as humorously challenged, not of anybody else.

Nah, I'd say get over YOURSELF and stop telling people that when they're being insulted, they shouldn't be because you think 'it's funny'.

Very telling that all Muslims are evil in your book and you just ignored the "white guys are marginalized, example." Also, not unexpected.

Watermelons don't grow like that. Those aren't watermelon plants, looks like some kind of berry, but I can't tell for sure. Too low to the ground to be strawberries I think.

But they are. I mean, why else would you describe yourself as an Italian-American?
For the learning-impaired:

In the US people say they are "Italian-American", "German-American", "Norwegian-American" not because they think they have dual citizenship, but to tell you they're an American of _________ descent. Because pretty much, unless you're descended from the Native Americans, your ancestors came from somewhere else.

Nah, I'd say get over YOURSELF and stop telling people that when they're being insulted, they shouldn't be because you think 'it's funny'.
There are some things people shouldn't find insulting, and when they do anyway then the problem is with them and not with the material.

Very telling that all Muslims are evil in your book
Did you read the entire sentence there?

and you just ignored the "white guys are marginalized, example."
Because I'm not in the habit of responding to snide, strawman-esque remarks that do nothing to advance the discussion.

It's racist, but I don't know if he should have to step down. I don't buy his explanation (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11777282?nclick_check=1) that he was unaware of the stereotype, but maybe he honestly didn't know how hurtful it could be.

How could he not be aware of the stereotype? Honestly?

I could forgive him if he said the joke was in bad taste, has intended to amuse rather than harm, regretted the unintentional harm he caused and resolved never to do so again.

...or to at least to come up with better material. :p

unless you're descended from the Native Americans

Who actually came from Asia (who actually came from Africa)...

Watermelons don't grow like that. Those aren't watermelon plants, looks like some kind of berry, but I can't tell for sure. Too low to the ground to be strawberries I think.
Yeah, I don't see any vines. Trust people who make ignorant jokes to be ignorant about how things grow in their photochops.

There are some things people shouldn't find insulting, and when they do anyway then the problem is with them and not with the material.

Because I'm not in the habit of responding to snide, strawman-esque remarks that do nothing to advance the discussion.
Spoken like a bully, who blames the victim. And yes, it has everything to do with the discussion. There must be something wrong with your perception if you can't see it. See how that works?

Since Bluth didn't deign to answer, I'll do it for him: there was no funny.

Stereotypes are not inherently funny.

The only way they could be considered so is in that sleepover-party, stay-up-past-midnight, oh-how-naughty, immature way.

I'd equate it with "pull my finger" except farts ARE inherently funny.

See it's things like this that promote racism/stereotypes.

Just ignore it. Who cares? It was an ignorant email, no need to resign over it.

If people keep saying "OMG WHAT A RACIST" every time something like this happens, then racism will never go away.

See it's things like this that promote racism/stereotypes.

Just ignore it. Who cares? It was an ignorant email, no need to resign over it.

If people keep saying "OMG WHAT A RACIST" every time something like this happens, then racism will never go away.

Oh definitely. It wasn't racism until people started realizing it was racist. :p

Nah, it's PRECISELY people saying, "Boy, you're an asshole for making that remark; it's not appropriate, " that will extinguish the behavior. You don't let a little kid run wild and hit people saying they'll grow out of it, because then you end up with teens, then young adults, and finally adults who think it's okay to bludgeon someone when they don't get their way.

See it's things like this that promote racism/stereotypes.

Just ignore it. Who cares? It was an ignorant email, no need to resign over it.

If people keep saying "OMG WHAT A RACIST" every time something like this happens, then racism will never go away.

On the other hand, ignoring them implicitly condones racist jokes, which turns into a permissive mentality that lets kids make "How many Jews can fit in a German car?" jokes in public.

Nah, it's PRECISELY people saying, "Boy, you're an asshole for making that remark; it's not appropriate, " that will extinguish the behavior. You don't let a little kid run wild and hit people saying they'll grow out of it, because then you end up with teens, then young adults, and finally adults who think it's okay to bludgeon someone when they don't get their way.

SOmetimes it's just fun.

*hides rubber mallet*

Nah, it's PRECISELY people saying, "Boy, you're an asshole for making that remark; it's not appropriate, " that will extinguish the behavior. You don't let a little kid run wild and hit people saying they'll grow out of it, because then you end up with teens, then young adults, and finally adults who think it's okay to bludgeon someone when they don't get their way.

But then what about people that get off on saying shit like this? That just promotes their behavior because they enjoy pissing people off and being an asshole in general.

*EDIT*

Another thing I'm trying to say is that the people being stereotyped need to lighten up as well. I, as a white male, don't care if I get called honkey, cracker, redneck (I'm very much a redneck/hillbilly). I just don't care. But that doesn't mean I go around promoting racist remarks/stereotypes. If people keep taking offense over words, then the problem won't go away because there will always be that asshole spewing shit like this just to get a rise out of said group.

Getting rid of racism takes effort from both parties is what I'm trying to say.

For the learning-impaired:

In the US people say they are "Italian-American", "German-American", "Norwegian-American" not because they think they have dual citizenship, but to tell you they're an American of _________ descent. Because pretty much, unless you're descended from the Native Americans, your ancestors came from somewhere else.

Then why do Irish-Americans get called "plastic paddys"?

Oh definitely. It wasn't racism until people started realizing it was racist. :p
It's true, though, until people started using the word "racist" to cover a collection of anti-social behaviors based upon perceptions of others social worth, such behaviors weren't "racist."
Then why do Irish-Americans get called "plastic paddys"?
Because they're not "authentic" enough for the "real" Irish who were born in Ireland.
I find debates about authenticity to be entirely asinine, but for some people it is very important that no one gets into their club house without having been born into it.

It's true, though, until people started using the word "racist" to cover a collection of anti-social behaviors based upon perceptions of others social worth, such behaviors weren't "racist.

So the secret to eradicating racism is to pretend it's okay? Wow! That's easy!

Because they're not "authentic" enough for the "real" Irish who were born in Ireland.
I find debates about authenticity to be entirely asinine, but for some people it is very important that no one gets into their club house without having been born into it.

Apparently.

It's true, though, until people started using the word "racist" to cover a collection of anti-social behaviors based upon perceptions of others social worth, such behaviors weren't called "racist."

fixed.

So, what do you think? Big deal over nothing? Harmless joke? In poor taste but not necessarily racist? Not intentionally racist? Or worthy of being made to step down?

For those wondering, this is the picture:

http://www.webzee.com/media/files8/pictures/watermelon_white_house.jpg
Nah, it wouldn't have been in poor taste unless he had also mentioned that the chickens laying the Easter eggs were now fried chickens.

I've always despised the fried chicken, watermelon and collard green remarks when someone is attempting to take a jab at black folk. Those things aren't 'black things' here in the south .. they are just southern. If they want to go the way of naming foods black people are known to eat around here more than white folk.. they should name chitlins or neckbones.

But actually.. that's probably still more of a southern thing.

Fixed. Also, I say naive, because the kid doesn't realize that words have power because we give them power. Even by simply having a "no cussing week" that kid is giving the cuss words power.

Stolen from the "Gosh Darn It" thread because it's true, and it pertains very much to what I'm saying.

So, what do you think? Big deal over nothing? Harmless joke? In poor taste but not necessarily racist? Not intentionally racist? Or worthy of being made to step down?

For those wondering, this is the picture:

http://www.webzee.com/media/files8/pictures/watermelon_white_house.jpg

it was a very bad, in rotten taste joke. and while I wouldn't hold the mayor solely accountable for it, I will respect his decision to step down.

I wouldn't of minded if it was funny but so far I haven't seen anything which is a shame :(

stupid but I don't care

Stereotypes are not inherently funny.

yeah they are thats why they are silly things

Then why do Irish-Americans get called "plastic paddys"?

because no Irishmen would ever blow up a pub *nods*

along with being embarrassing and such

Worthy of being made to resign.

yeah they are thats why they are silly things


Oh those wacky stereotypes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_St%C3%BCrmer). So much wholesome jocularity, such zany silliness!

Regardless of the racism, surely he is just too stupid to hold public office.

Regardless of the racism, surely he is just too stupid to hold public office.

I think we have a winner....

It does raise an interesting question. Is anyone who holds public office, that thinks sending this would be a good idea, really fit to hold public office?

Oh those wacky stereotypes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_St%C3%BCrmer). So much wholesome jocularity, such zany silliness!

LOL Godwin

also learn the difference between humour and outright hate its not very hard

Regardless of the racism, surely he is just too stupid to hold public office.

hes a politician

it was a very bad, in rotten taste joke. and while I wouldn't hold the mayor solely accountable for it, I will respect his decision to step down.
This.^^

Regardless of the racism, surely he is just too stupid to hold public office.
Also this.^^

Also, I can't help but wonder about people who make excuses for this kind of thing or who think we should just laugh off racist insults made by public figures: Just what excuse are such people trying to invent? What bad behavior of their own are they defending, indirectly?

LOL Godwin

also learn the difference between humour and outright hate its not very hard


Unless you're a small California town mayor apparently. :p

LOL Godwin

also learn the difference between humour and outright hate its not very hard


You said stereotypes were inherently funny. They aren't, and Der Sturmer is a great source of examples that prove you wrong.

There's nothing inherently funny about stereotypes.

Its pretty lame that someone he refered to as a friend made the email public.

Its not funny. It is racist. But on the racist scale, it barely registers.

Unless you're a small California town mayor apparently. :p

he should of played the Arab angle and gone for the easter eggs being bombs in buildings.

we'd all laugh but then easter would come :eek2:

he should of played the Arab angle and gone for the easter eggs being bombs in buildings.

we'd all laugh but then easter would come :eek2:

Or the socialist angle and take eggs away from the kids with the most and give them to the kids with the least. ;)

SOmetimes it's just fun.

*hides rubber mallet*
*tickles LG mercilessly*

*tickles LG mercilessly*

AHHHH HAHAHAHA!!! Noo!

*drops a candy cane smoke bomb and escapes in the confusion*

There's nothing inherently funny about stereotypes.

It is when it becomes a historical subject, and is discussed/viewed on a private level. Have you read the ED race articles?

Am I the only one who finds it pathetic that that one picture is considered worse than starting an illegal war, trampling the constitution, and condoning torture?

Or the socialist angle and take eggs away from the kids with the most and give them to the kids with the least. ;)

if I was bringing politics into it I would of gone the angle of him looking for stimulus money under sofa cushions.

I would thus win the economic conservative vote and if I needed to go the offensive route I would do something with him selling the cotton in staffs belly buttons (I should so make a webcomic)

Am I the only one who finds it pathetic that that one picture is considered worse than starting an illegal war, trampling the constitution, and condoning torture?

damn that Mayor is a dick, do you think anyone voted for him repeatedly with all the checks and balances failing?

Then why do Irish-Americans get called "plastic paddys"?
Because it seems that those folks still in Ireland want to completely divorce themselves from any idea that people in America recognize any roots in Ireland.

Oh those wacky stereotypes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_St%C3%BCrmer). So much wholesome jocularity, such zany silliness!
Indeed.

Am I the only one who finds it pathetic that that one picture is considered worse than starting an illegal war, trampling the constitution, and condoning torture?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/Katganistan/NS%20forum%20macros/Strawman.jpg

It's not WORSE. No one (but you) is arguing that it is. But that doesn't make it right, does it?

Way to completely misinterpret my point, Kat. No, it does not suddenly make it right (although they're certainly blowing it out of proportion), but the question remains: Why the hell should this one picture force a mayor to resign when a world leader who committed war crimes gets away scot-free?

What about white people that like fried chicken, mentholated cigarettes, Kool-Aid and watermelon? If they ever served those at the White House, I'd vote for that candidate forever.

What about white people that like fried chicken, mentholated cigarettes, Kool-Aid and watermelon?


Race traitor.

Way to completely misinterpret my point, Kat. No, it does not suddenly make it right (although they're certainly blowing it out of proportion), but the question remains: Why the hell should this one picture force a mayor to resign when a world leader who committed war crimes gets away scot-free?

The two issues are completely unrelated, other than the fact that there's a US politician involved in each.

The mayor wasn't "forced to resign," either - he chose to. Well, Bush didn't choose to resign, so that's why he never did.

The two issues are completely unrelated, other than the fact that there's a US politician involved in each.

The mayor wasn't "forced to resign," either - he chose to. Well, Bush didn't choose to resign, so that's why he never did.

I personally am getting really sick of every US politician's actions being compared to Bush. Its becoming sort of a Godwin.

What about white people that like fried chicken, mentholated cigarettes, Kool-Aid and watermelon? If they ever served those at the White House, I'd vote for that candidate forever.

thats going too far not even Ethiopians would touch that

thats going too far not even Ethiopians would touch that

Have you ever had a Salem? Those things...they made me give up quitting smoking.

Have you ever had a Salem? Those things...they made me give up quitting smoking.

if I want an after dinner mint I will buy polos.

I personally am getting really sick of every US politician's actions being compared to Bush. Its becoming sort of a Godwin.

That sounds like the kind of thing Karl Rove would say.

Also, I agree with the person who said he's too stupid to hold public office.

Haha.

Have you ever had a Salem? Those things...they made me give up quitting smoking.

I smoke Smooths. :)

Way to completely misinterpret my point, Kat. No, it does not suddenly make it right (although they're certainly blowing it out of proportion), but the question remains: Why the hell should this one picture force a mayor to resign when a world leader who committed war crimes gets away scot-free?
I didn't misinterpret anything. The two obviously are not equivalent, and have nothing to do with each other. I didn't miss the point. Rather than talk about racism, you're deflecting it by alluding to George Bush, whom we're all well rid of.

OMG I don't know why we're saying he was wrong for sending a racist joke to a businesswoman who got offended and called him on it when we prosecute rapists when we catch them!

"Grose says he accepts that the e-mail was in poor taste and has affected his ability to lead the city."

"Poor taste", yeah. "Affected his ability to lead the city", I don't know. Also, you don't send stuff like that to people you work with from your work e-mail, that's just common sense. I also don't think a big public deal needed to be made

Or when Southerners are shown as shotgun-toting, two-toothed rednecks in overalls who married their sister?

I own overalls, and I do have shotguns. I have more than two teeth(despite being hit in the face alot), but I know a guy who married his first cousin

"Grose says he accepts that the e-mail was in poor taste and has affected his ability to lead the city."

"Poor taste", yeah. "Affected his ability to lead the city", I don't know. Also, you don't send stuff like that to people you work with from your work e-mail, that's just common sense. I also don't think a big public deal needed to be made



I own overalls, and I do have shotguns. I have more than two teeth(despite being hit in the face alot), but I know a guy who married his first cousin
Ah but you don't fit the stereotype, Heinleinites. Neither does my future father-in-law.
And even us Yankees up here know that marrying cousins and marrying sisters are two different things... unless she's your sister and cousin at the same time :eek:.

unless she's your sister and cousin at the same time :eek:. ...Hapsburgs (Or Habsburgs, whichever you prefer.), anyone?

It's true, though, until people started using the word "racist" to cover a collection of anti-social behaviors based upon perceptions of others social worth, such behaviors weren't "racist."

Because they're not "authentic" enough for the "real" Irish who were born in Ireland.
I find debates about authenticity to be entirely asinine, but for some people it is very important that no one gets into their club house without having been born into it.

I'd say its more that it's actually a mixture of bemusement about why so many Americans claim to be Irish and the number of tourists who come to the country and don't know anything about the modern day situation.

"Affected his ability to lead the city", I don't know.
But HE does know.

I'd equate it with "pull my finger" except farts ARE inherently funny.
they're not when you've got a bad case of the runs, are far from a commode, and can feel one coming on.

But HE does know.

Good thing you pointed that out. Any other completely obvious points you like to make? Maybe clue us into the sky being blue?

...Hapsburgs (Or Habsburgs, whichever you prefer.), anyone?

Everyone knows the Habsburgs preferred Habsburgs. Ah, history jokes+inbreeding, yay!

Everyone knows the Habsburgs preferred Habsburgs. Ah, history jokes+inbreeding, yay!To your first point... :upyours: Hapsburgs! All the more reason to call them Hapsburgs.

To your second, yes. :D

*sigh*

Randal Graves: Since when did porch monkey suddenly become a racial slur?

Dante Hicks: When ignorant racists started saying it a hundred years ago!

Randal Graves: Oh, bullshit! My grandmother used to call me a porch monkey all the time when I was a kid because I'd sit on the porch and stare at my neighbors!

Dante Hicks: Despite the fact that your grandmother might've used it as a term of endearment for you, it's still a racial slur! It'd be like your grandmother calling you a little kike!

Randal Graves: Oh, it is not. Plus, my grandmother had nothing but the utmost respect for the Jewish community. When I was a kid she told me to always treat the Jewish kids well, or they'd put the sheeny curse on me.

Dante Hicks: What the fuck, man?

Randal Graves: What?

Dante Hicks: Sheeny's a racial slur, too!

Randal Graves: Oh, it is not.

Dante Hicks: Yes, it is!

Randal Graves: She never called any Jews 'sheeny', she just used to say sheeny curse a lot. It was cute!

Dante Hicks: It wasn't cute! It was racist!

Randal Graves: I disagree, man, she was just an old timer, that's the way people talked back then! Didn't mean they were racist... But my grandmother did refer to a broken beer bottle once as a ****** knife... You know, come to think of it, my grandmother was kind of a racist.

Dante Hicks: You think?

Randal Graves: Well, I-I still don't think porch monkey should be considered a racial term. I mean, I've always used it to describe lazy people, not lazy black people! I think if we really tried, we could re-claim porch monkey, and save it.

Dante Hicks: It can't be saved, Randal! The sole purpose for its creation, the only reason it exists in the first place, is to disparage an entire race! And even if it could be saved, you can't save it because you're not black!

Randal Graves: Well listen to you! Telling me I can't do something because of the color of my skin! You're the racist! I'm taking it back, you watch!

Oh those wacky stereotypes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_St%C3%BCrmer). So much wholesome jocularity, such zany silliness!

One found it to be ah wonderfully truly spiffing piece of satire. Absolutely top hole - I have to say.

I don't know though, while it's easy to say that this has no bearing on his ability to lead, the ease with which he was able to make this mistake coupled with his claim that he didn't know any better makes me think that he isn't able to lead.

Good thing you pointed that out. Any other completely obvious points you like to make? Maybe clue us into the sky being blue?
Well apparently it wasn't obvious to you.

it was common in the past to associate rural blacks with watermelon eating. it was a common motif in racial/racist arts and crafts.

Past?

*sigh*
*snip*...I lol'd. :p

Funny enough, when I was taking a class on multiculturalism in college, we all had to bring a food from "our culture" for the party at the end. My mom and I made flan, and my friend Terrence, who was six foot tall and with a wicked sense of humor, brought in two buckets of KFC and a watermelon because, "Hey, it may be stereotypical, but we DO eat a lot of fried chicken and watermelon -- and none of YOU guys could get away with it!"

That's awesome.

How could he not be aware of the stereotype? Honestly?

I could forgive him if he said the joke was in bad taste, has intended to amuse rather than harm, regretted the unintentional harm he caused and resolved never to do so again.

...or to at least to come up with better material. :p

Indeed.

SOmetimes it's just fun.

*hides rubber mallet*

Indeed. Physical humor, done right, can be funny. Racial stereotype based humor is a lot trickier....

I've always despised the fried chicken, watermelon and collard green remarks when someone is attempting to take a jab at black folk. Those things aren't 'black things' here in the south .. they are just southern. If they want to go the way of naming foods black people are known to eat around here more than white folk.. they should name chitlins or neckbones.

But actually.. that's probably still more of a southern thing.

Absolutely.
"When people ask me about soul food, I tell them that I have been cooking "soul" for over forty years only we did not call it that back home. We just called it real good cooking, southern style. However, if you want to be real technical on the subject, while all soul food is southern food, not all southern food is soul. Soul food cooking is an example of how really good southern Negro cooks cooked with what they had available to them, such as chickens from their own back yard and collard greens they grew themselves, as well as home cured ham, and baking powder biscuits, chitlins, and dubie." Bob Jeffries Culinary Historian, The Soul Food Cookbook 1969
http://soulfoodonline.net/history.php

Now I'm hungry, and the nearest good Southern food is a long, long way away... :(


I think we have a winner....

It does raise an interesting question. Is anyone who holds public office, that thinks sending this would be a good idea, really fit to hold public office?

Exactly.

Well apparently it wasn't obvious to you.

What's not obvious to me is what the hell your problem is. I didn't know I wasn't allowed to answer the question posed by the OP.

I guess what I'm saying is that it's weird that it's considered racist. Jews eating bagels and lox isn't racist, but it's similar insofar as it's a stereotype(and delicious...as is fried chicken; not so much the watermelon, though). Why the one has associated racism and the other doesn't is just odd.

Somewhat off topic, but when my sister first moved to Montreal, she described her apartment to my grandparents as being in the "bagel district". My grandmother, in a rare instance of almost-unveiled anti-Semitism, frowned at my grandfather and muttered "We don't like bagels."

Yes, she's crazy.

But back to my point, other groups certainly are susceptible to food as an instrument of prejudice/stereotyping.