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2016/11/15 18:02:53
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
The Facebook post from a West Virginia official was shared hundreds of times before it was deleted.
An official from West Virginia has reportedly lost her job after posting a racist comment about Michelle Obama on Facebook. After Donald Trump won the US presidential election, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, from the Clay Development Corporation, posted: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing an Ape in heels."
Clay's mayor, Beverly Whaling, responded: "Just made my day Pam."
The post, which was initially reported by WSAZ-TV, was shared hundreds of times before it was deleted.
An online petition was subsequently launched, calling for the sacking of both women. Owens Brown, from the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People's West Virginia chapter, was among those calling for the removal of the women.
Mr Brown said: "I feel it's so unfortunate that people still have these racist undertones.
"Unfortunately, this is a reality that we are dealing with in America today. There's no place for these types of attitudes in our state."
State Democratic Party chairwoman Belinda Biafore apologised to Mrs Obama, writing in an email: "On behalf of my fellow Mountaineers I would like extend my sincerest apologies to First Lady Michelle Obama. West Virginia truly is better than this. These radical, hateful, and racist ideals are exactly what we at the West Virginia Democratic Party will continue to fight against. These words and actions do not represent West Virginia values. We will continue to fight for a West Virginia that is inclusive, not divisive and a home for all to feel safe, welcome, and protected. In a time when we are at a crossroads and many fear the future we must stand together against hate of all forms."
A local councillor stressed the Clay Development Corporation was not connected with the city of Clay itself.
African-Americans make up about 4% of West Virginia's 1.8 million residents, according to the US census.
Mr Trump was supported by about 77% of Clay County residents in the 8 November election.
I have a couple of thoughts on this story...
The first being, LOL at former sex worker (allegedly) , and speech stealer: Melania Trump, being more "classy" and dignified than Michelle Obama.
Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur. I have a feeling that if someone referred to Donald Trump as "an ape", no one would assume that it came from a position of racial bigotry. So part of me feels that in order to arrive at that conclusion so quickly, is itself a little bit racist. Especially, given that it's a taxologically correct term (Michelle Obama is quite literally an ape, as is every other human).
Lastly, whilst reading about this, I came across another news story, about a tumbler group that actively tries to hunt down and expose people who post racist comments online, with the sole purpose of getting them fired. One such recipient was Chris Rincon, who is not a public figure, but worked in a car wash. He was fired for something he posted on facbook. While he admits that he said a bad word, he also pointed out that he has a three year old son to support, and has now lost his job. He said "They're basing (their views of) a person off of one post instead of actually knowing the person". Which I suppose, raises some interesting questions about justice and free speech.
Smacks wrote: The first being, LOL at former sex worker (allegedly) , and speech stealer: Melania Trump, being more "classy" and dignified than Michelle Obama.
While not a fan this part seems unnecessarily incendiary.
Smacks wrote: Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur.
One would have to be willfully ignorant and/or incredibly stupid not to understand why it is problematic in the USA to refer to a black woman as an ape, especially in comparison to a woman of European descent.
Amidst the mists and coldest frosts he thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts.
2016/11/15 18:10:14
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur. I have a feeling that if someone referred to Donald Trump as "an ape", no one would assume that it came from a position of racial bigotry. So part of me feels that in order to arrive at that conclusion so quickly, is itself a little bit racist. Especially, given that it's a taxologically correct term (Michelle Obama is quite literally an ape, as is every other human).
Comparing blacks to monkeys/apes has been around for a long time, and does have inherently racist meanings.
Lastly, whilst reading about this, I came across another news story, about a tumbler group that actively tries to hunt down and expose people who post racist comments online, with the sole purpose of getting them fired. One such recipient was Chris Rincon, who is not a public figure, but worked in a car wash. He was fired for something he posted on facbook. While he admits that he said a bad word, he also pointed out that he has a three year old son to support, and has now lost his job. He said "They're basing (their views of) a person off of one post instead of actually knowing the person". Which I suppose, raises some interesting questions about justice and free speech.
The legality and ethicality of what these people are doing is certainly questionable, but can any really argue that the person they are when they post of social media is any different from the person they are in real life? And ultimately, the decision lies with the employer - if they felt as though Mr. Rincon's behavior was a one-off and tolerable instance, then he wouldn't have been fired.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/11/15 18:13:21
Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur.
Ape and monkey are both very common terms used by racist people. In the context provided, I can't possibly take it any way but racist.
DA:70S+G+M+B++I++Pw40k08+D++A++/fWD-R+T(M)DM+
2016/11/15 18:34:14
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur.
Ape and monkey are both very common terms used by racist people. In the context provided, I can't possibly take it any way but racist.
I agree Kronk. With that said though, the replacement first lady is a hell of a lot more attractive
I am reasonably sure Michelle Obama could jump right into a career in MMA
You're only allowed to refer to someone as resembling an animal if that person is white. eg. Referring to a white skinned footballer as a gorilla - fine. Referring to a black skinned footballer as an ape - prepare to be a pariah. Saying a white woman looks like a pig - fine. Referring to a black woman as an ape - lose your job.
It's kind of a weird situation where because of racism you can't make certain comments of people of certain races but you can make the same comments about white people..... which in itself sounds horribly racist.
Don't get me wrong, I understand why it's the case... it's just one of those things where if you were on the outside looking in, it'd seem absurd.
Over here we had a case of an aboriginal Aussie rules footballer being called an ape by a 13yo girl and there was an outcry, yet fully grown adults on national TV constantly referring to a white footballer as being a gorilla and it's totally fine.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/11/15 18:44:18
2016/11/15 18:43:56
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Smacks wrote: The first being, LOL at former sex worker (allegedly) , and speech stealer: Melania Trump, being more "classy" and dignified than Michelle Obama.
While not a fan this part seems unnecessarily incendiary.
Smacks wrote: Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur.
One would have to be willfully ignorant and/or incredibly stupid not to understand why it is problematic in the USA to refer to a black woman as an ape, especially in comparison to a woman of European descent.
AHtman posts wisdom.
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2016/11/15 18:46:58
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
AllSeeingSkink wrote: Don't get me wrong, I understand why it's the case... it's just one of those things where if you were on the outside looking in, it'd seem absurd.
That is because racism is prima facie absurd, but it doesn't keep people from racism.
Amidst the mists and coldest frosts he thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts.
2016/11/15 18:48:41
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Smacks wrote: The first being, LOL at former sex worker (allegedly) , and speech stealer: Melania Trump, being more "classy" and dignified than Michelle Obama.
While not a fan this part seems unnecessarily incendiary.
Smacks wrote: Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur.
One would have to be willfully ignorant and/or incredibly stupid not to understand why it is problematic in the USA to refer to a black woman as an ape, especially in comparison to a woman of European descent.
Being a "sex worker" doesn't preclude somebody from being classy. It doesn't necessarily make somebody classy but it doesn't preclude it either. Plagiarism is a bad look on anyone that's true.
I don't have an issue with people being fired over social media remarks when we're dealing with at will employment. If you bring embarrassment or otherwise negatively impact your employer you can be fired. I think it has less to do with the remarks themselves and more to do with putting them in a format that is accessible to the public. If these two people said these same remarks in person or over the phone then nobody else would know or care. These people are the same people they weee before the Facebook comments they aren't suddenly more racist, they were just better at hiding it before.
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur
2016/11/15 18:52:24
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Secondly, however, I thought it was quite interesting how quickly everyone assumed the official was being racist. While it might be naive to think that she wasn't being racist, the word "ape" isn't inherently a racial slur.
Ape and monkey are both very common terms used by racist people. In the context provided, I can't possibly take it any way but racist.
Yeah, but we're talking about West Virginia, so...
...oh yeah, right. That actually strengthens the case for stupid and racist.
AllSeeingSkink wrote: You're only allowed to refer to someone as resembling an animal if that person is white. eg. Referring to a white skinned footballer as a gorilla - fine. Referring to a black skinned footballer as an ape - prepare to be a pariah. Saying a white woman looks like a pig - fine. Referring to a black woman as an ape - lose your job.
It's kind of a weird situation where because of racism you can't make certain comments of people of certain races but you can make the same comments about white people..... which in itself sounds horribly racist.
Don't get me wrong, I understand why it's the case... it's just one of those things where if you were on the outside looking in, it'd seem absurd.
Yeah, don't get me wrong either, I certainly wasn't trying to defend the woman's comment, I'd bet money that she was absolutely being racist. But I still can't help thinking how unfortunate it would be, if she were (hypothetically) just calling Michelle Obama an ape, because of her gait, or some other characteristic which had nothing to do with race. Hypothetically, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/11/15 19:20:55
2016/11/15 19:01:16
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
AllSeeingSkink wrote: You're only allowed to refer to someone as resembling an animal if that person is white. eg. Referring to a white skinned footballer as a gorilla - fine. Referring to a black skinned footballer as an ape - prepare to be a pariah. Saying a white woman looks like a pig - fine. Referring to a black woman as an ape - lose your job.
It's kind of a weird situation where because of racism you can't make certain comments of people of certain races but you can make the same comments about white people..... which in itself sounds horribly racist.
Don't get me wrong, I understand why it's the case... it's just one of those things where if you were on the outside looking in, it'd seem absurd.
Yeah, don't get me wrong either, I certainly wasn't trying to defend the woman's comment, I'd bet money that she was absolutely being racist. But I still can't help thinking how unfortunate it would be, if she were (hypothetically) just calling Michelle Obama and ape, because of her gait, or some other characteristic which had nothing to do with race. Hypothetically, you wouldn't able to tell the difference.
Yeah I can see how it could have been a mistake on her part rather than intentionally racist, and I wouldn't be one calling for her to be fired unless it was part of a longer history of apparent racism from her, but it is the world we live in.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day be able to sit around jokingly insulting each other and their insults would not be judged by the colour of the skin of the person they were directed at but by the content of their joke.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/11/15 19:01:49
2016/11/15 19:02:28
Subject: Re:West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Prestor Jon wrote: Being a "sex worker" doesn't preclude somebody from being classy. It doesn't necessarily make somebody classy but it doesn't preclude it either. Plagiarism is a bad look on anyone that's true.
Perhaps, but it's not just about being classy, it's about being more classy and dignified than the first lady: the woman who said "When they go low, we go high". If taking your clothes off for a living is more dignified than that, then I fail to see how the word can retain any meaning.
It must really take a special kind of blindness to compare those two women, and arrive at the conclusion that Melania Trump is more classy.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/11/15 19:18:09
2016/11/15 19:13:57
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
Prestor Jon wrote: Being a "sex worker" doesn't preclude somebody from being classy. It doesn't necessarily make somebody classy but it doesn't preclude it either. Plagiarism is a bad look on anyone that's true.
Perhaps, it's not just about being classy, it's about being more classy and dignified than the first lady: the woman who said "When they go low, we go high". If taking your clothes off for a living is more dignified than that, then I fail to see how the word can retain any meaning.
It must really take a special kind of blindness to compare those two women, and arrive at the conclusion that Melania Trump is more classy.
Here's an idea, lets leave the first ladies out of it.
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
2016/11/15 19:24:23
Subject: West Virginia official, fired for racist Obama comment
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