Martin Luther King Day Special: Racism is alive and kicking. (Hello, McDonald’s)
The All-Star Rodeo Challenge came to Madison, WI last weekend, and the farmer took me and my kids. I was not thrilled about going, but I try to be open-minded when it comes to stuff that is new to me that I am not ever wishing I will get a chance to experience.
I asked the farmer if rodeos are bad for the animals.
He said, “City people probably think so. But most farmers don’t.”
He told me that if I really hated it, we could leave.
I really hated it before there were any animals. Before there were animals there was the flag, rising above the dirt ring, and the announcer saying everyone should sing the Star Spangled Banner to honor “the flag that protects our troops, and our churches and our great country.”
I looked over at the farmer for churches, and before I could roll my eyes, the announcer said, “Everyone please rise in the name of Jesus and sing the Star Spangled Banner.”
I told my kids to stay seated.
The farmer stayed seated out of solidarity even though he hates standing out. It was a great moment of compromise for us.
We watched the rodeo. There was a clown. The kids did not quite know what was going on and they wanted to know why the cowboys had weird clothes. But then Ronald McDonald came out — right into the bull ring. The kids recognized him immediately, and then they realized the clown was not a cowboy; with Ronald McDonald present, the world seemed to fall into place.
Then out came the animals.
In between cowboys falling violently to the ground, the announcer would say jokes like, “My girlfriend says she wants to get married. I told her I hope she finds someone nice.”
The theme of the evening, in general, was “real men get thrown off bulls and treat women like crap.”
Until the women came out. They were acrobats on fast running horses. Sort of like the clowns, only dressed like Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. The most special time, I think, was when two girls did tricks on one horse. The girls did not share a horse because the tricks are more difficult that way, it was more like the girls shared a horse to make you think they’d be available for a threesome after the show.
Luckily, this was lost on my sons. And the farmer acknowledged that this was not a family values kind of thing.
Okay. So we stayed. And then, the clown started talking about doctors. He said there are 120,000 doctors in the US and there are 70,000 accidental deaths a year. And there are 80 million gun owners in the US, and there are 12,000 accidental deaths a year. Then he shouted out, “So doctors are more dangerous than guns! So Washington, keep your hands off our guns and our health care!”
I looked at the kids. They were concentrating on their popcorn.
Then, out of nowhere, the clown brought out a wig, that had dreadlocks, and he put on a Rastafarian hat, and he started pretending that he was Barack Obama. He said, “I feel so presidential.” And he made jokes about whether Obama is a US citizen.
Why am I telling you this?
First of all, it made me feel lonely. I have heard the doctor/gun owner argument before, but not in a stadium, in Madison, WI, which is one of the most left-leaning cities in the country. And I know there is racism in this country. But I can’t believe that not a single person in that stadium yelled out anything after a racist joke. I would expect, actually, that people would boo and hiss and throw things into the ring. But no one said a word.
I felt lonely that I live in a city where this could happen. I wish I could find a place where I feel like I fit in. I think I find it, and then I don’t. And really, how could I even think that I’d fit in at a rodeo? But I kind of thought the place would be full of people like me and the farmer. Now I think I don’t even know what that means.
Another reason the rodeo makes me sad is that McDonald’s sponsors it. My ticket stub says “All-Star Rodeo Challenge. Pre-show: McDonald’s Cowboys 4 Kids”. Somehow the whole thing is more upsetting because it’s sanctioned by McDonald’s. And they know better.
My company, Brazen Careerist, just launched a company section in our social network. The reason we did that is because according to Cone, 50% of generation Y communicate with companies through social media. And Jeremy Owyang, from Forrester Research reports that, “In approximately two years social networks will be more powerful than corporate web sites. Brands will serve community interests and grow based on community advocacy.”
Today, young people see corporate brands as an extension of their identity. This is why Facebook has been so successful with corporate fan pages — young people want to express themselves by linking themselves to corporate brands they like.
And, people who manage their careers well end up paying more attention to a company’s reputation for caring about people and community than what any given job description is. After all, a job description can change the day you walk in the door, but how a company participates in the world around it is not likely to change quickly.
Okay. So. I confess to being relatively close to the McDonald’s brand. I didn’t use to be. I never ate at McDonald’s in my life until I moved to Madison. But in Madison, it’s a long, cold winter, and McDonald’s has great indoor playgrounds, all over the Madison area. And each is different and fun in it’s own way. So we tour them all winter.
Also, now that I understand the beef industry a little better, I understand that McDonald’s single-handedly cornered the beef industry, yes, but also listened to consumer outcry over animal conditions, and meat quality, and improved both (by hiring Temple Grandin.)
So I like McDonald’s. But today, I can tell you that if I had a job at McDonald’s, I’d be lonely. Because they sponsored an event that teaches kids prejudice and hate and racism. And if companies want to attract good employees, they need to be good corporate citizens. Those are the type of companies we want to work for.
One of the most important changes in work life is that we do not define our career by working for one company—we change jobs too frequently. Today, we define ourselves by the integrity with which we manage our career. That requires working with companies we respect. The integrity of individual companies matters more today than it used to—it affects the bottom line for those companies on both the consumer side and the employee side. We watch corporate brands closely, to see how we will use them to extend our own brand.
Finally, since it’s Martin Luther King Day, and since Psychology Today just published a study that says people feel better if they do an act of activism, I have a proposal:
We should each twitter today:
@McDonalds Racism is not okay and neither is hate. Please stop your support of the All-Star Rodeo. http://bit.ly/4AiXT1
UPDATE! Here’s a response from McDonald’s:
Hi Penelope,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. This appears to be a local pre-show program in support of a local Ronald McDonald House Charities fundraiser. Rest assured, McDonald’s does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We are currently looking into this matter.
Jessica Thompson
Manager, U.S. Communications
McDonald’s USA
You’re the absolute best!
Penelope – Thanks for posting this article. Just something else to justify my not going to McDonalds OR rodeos. I imagine there are a number of other indoor play areas around the Madison area that social justice and equality. You should look into it.
Well based on the observations by other attendees, my suspicions were correct. This is yet another drive traffic by any means post – no matter what the facts are. Sad – really Sad. Any shred of righteousness you had on the racism angle is overwhelmed by your lies and hatred.
To the girls who were maligned by Ms. Trunk – don’t worry, this is what happens when an over the hill, divorcee is threatened and insecure.
Speaking of shreds of righteousness, that’s “over-the-hill divorcee.”
I think you’re mistaken righteousness and pedantic, but thank you for the clarification.
McDonalds Proximity:
http://www.weathersealed.com/2009/09/22/where-the-buffalo-roamed/
I am appalled that McDonald’s actually dumped this whole situation on the shoulders of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Madison. Obviously the remarks made by the RODEO announcer are his own opinions and thus the blame should be on this announcer and the rodeo that has entrusted him to give a PC show for the people of Madison. RMHC in Madison is there to help sick children and their families, regardless of race or religious beliefs. I hope that this stupid man that made this mess does not cause trouble RMHC’s, that would truly be a shame.
As someone who has lived in Madison for the last 22 years, I have finally come to realize there is some sort of weird, almost hypocritical disconnect between our left-leaning politics and everyday life here. Madisonians support progressive leaders like Russ Feingold but are blatantly uncomfortable with people who don’t go to church on Sunday (and attend services at that other most holy of shrines, Lambeau Field).
That we are a blue state seems to be a given every time we hold a national election, and yet I know few people who don’t think our concealed carry gun laws are too conservative. We take multiple referenda over many, many years (and a sizable donation from a private party) to put in a public pool. We have one of the highest property tax rates in the country, but our streets, sanitation, police, and schools departments have no money (kinda negates the “spend” part of “tax-and-spend Democrats”). We have an alarming lack of good public transportation and a civic plan that revolves around a circuitous highway connecting two poles on opposite sides of the city. It is not impossible, but extremely difficult to live here without a car. Our lakes are often so choked with algae from construction runoff and lawn pesticides that we can’t even swim in them for most of the summer. When you figure out how we continue to be so blue, do let me know. I just don’t get the dichotomy.
I think there IS an educated, leftist population here that would have been appalled at the rodeo antics, but they are all too busy running people over with their Priuses in the Whole Foods parking lot and eradicating garlic mustard from the bike trail green spaces, because we all know what a danger THAT is.
I was dragged here against my better judgment by my now ex-husband. I have been here for more than two decades, and still don’t fit in. I’m anathema to the early-to-bed-early-to-rise church goin’ folks and too grounded in reality for the entitled, black-socks-with-sandals wearing, lefty misfits. I’m living proof that you can put kittens in the oven, but you can’t call ’em biscuits. I feel your pain. Bitter? Nah, just sick of it all. OK, maybe a little bitter. The house is on the market. Time to go.
P.S. Good for you for making your kids sit during the National Anthem. To think we have separation of church and state in this country, in practice at least, is absurd.
Small issue – separation of church and state won’t impact a private event like the rodeo.
The mixing of church and state at the rodeo, small private event though it may be, is important because it is a symptom of a larger problem in our country. By telling her children to remain seated at this function, Penelope is setting a precedent for not tolerating this overlap in other, potentially larger and more public settings. Hopefully, she will have opportunities to discuss this with her kids, to the degree they can understand the concept at their young ages. I find it ironic, in a post about Martin Luther King Day, that we are so quick to forget that Rosa Parks was just one woman on a bus. Are we only to take a stand against things we think are wrong when we can do it as a group in a large municipal venue? You have to start somewhere, or you will quickly find yourself on a very slippery slope watching your neighbors get loaded into boxcars.
1. Want racist, go to Montgomery, AL where their MLKJ day is actually Lee-King day. Scary, isn’t it.
2. Why don’t you go ahead and move on from this farmer dude already. It is never going to last, you know that and are not being honest with yourself.
3. Why do you live in Madison, WI anyways? You seem like an NYC type of girl.
WOW, I have never been to a Rodeo myself and after reading that I do not plan to. I would have felt just as uncomfortable with all of that and even second hand it is all very upsetting. I go to “events” for entertainment value and this sounds like someones platform to spread “group think” ideology.
The flag stands for protecting our troops and everything in our great country. This includes churches. And synagogues. And mosques. The inclusion of one doesn’t mean the exclusion of everyone else. He didn’t say “protecting only christians” or “only white people.” Stand out of respect for the country and what it means to you. Please don’t teach your children to be offended by everything that’s not specifically taylored to you.
I do agree that the flag doesn’t stand for Jesus, and that racist parody is inappropriate.
Since this did not happen as stated you do not have to agree with Penelope on any level. The announcer did the invocation which ended the Quote in HIS name we pray Amen. No Jesus… And then asked for fans to join him in standing for the National Anthem.
Remember only two defining Forces have ever offered to die for you………Jesus Christ and the American Soldier………………
Both in my opinion DESERVE RESPECT!!!!!
To clarify, I am a soldier, and a Christian. The flag stands for freadom for all, not just Jesus-but JESUS INCLUDED. Therefore- black, white, Christian or Jewish, STAND UP and show some respect. REAL RODEO FAN said it best.
I think it’s great that you wrote this, Penelope. Too often white people don’t or won’t acknowledge racism if it is an “joking” contest. And I like how you said it made you feel lonely -it’s a great description for when we witness something we know is wrong, but feel powerless in the moment to stop it.
Abigail and Susie,
Thanks for speaking out against the pravalent sexism in our area. It’s bad enough when we hear men talking this way about females but I agree it is very disheartening when females continue it and do it to each other, especially women who loudly claim to want what’s best for women. Penelope had just commented on the announcer’s joke but then goes on with her nasty comments about females. If your not part of the solution, your part of the problem.
Penelope does not seem to understand her own contributions to the further denigration of herself and the rest of us women.
God Bless America.
So the rodeo has opinions that you and others disagree with. And your blog doesn’t? I doubt your kids will become racists over the clown, but they may become hypocrites because of you. Get over yourself.
Thanks, Penelope, for calling McDonalds on racism at an event they sponsor.
Dear Penelope,
I too was at the Madison Rodeo. The “in the NAME OF JESUS” comment that you reference left out the AMEN which was clearly the closing to the announcers prayer not the opening to the invitation to stand for the Anthem which EVEN OBAMA himself WILL DO. I also heard the comments made by the clown who was not being racial but simply stating facts. The great thing about our COUNTRY is that everyone whether you have a microphone or a website such as yours has the right to voice your opinion no matter how many might disagree. As for the girls on the horses, in the RODEO world they have a name called Trick Riders. The tight clothing that they wear is because they are jumping on and off of a running horse and they can not risk getting the lose clothing hung on something. I am guessing that your opinion of their tricks is probably coming from a person that is not even sure how to get on a horse let alone hang safely off the side of one. Athough you clearly do not understand how hard it is to train a horse to let one person ride it let alone two people doing two seperate tricks at a full run. If you did then you would see the tricks for the skill that the girls have and get your AMAZING mind out of the GUTTER and more focused perhaps on the ANTHEM. I have also taken the time to send my opinion to McDonald’s and maybe if your child had an illness that benefited from the money raised at numerous rodeo fundraisers you too would think twice about pulling that money away from the children to back your PERSONAL view points. I hope that you understand that I am just sharing my opinion as you did. I will be in prayer for you all and this hatred that you have for God and Country.
God Bless!
There really isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said already. Straight up HORRIFYING!!!
Penelope,
You are a perfect example of a bad reporter who does not do her research before she prints a story. Did you speak to the girls(Cowgirl Chicks) before you judged them? It is amazing that you have made a career out of Reporting. I also have a daughter on this team that you basically referred to as whores… And I won’t make the mistake of prejudging you as you have done to these girls that are a part of this team. It is ok to not like the rodeo… As a matter of fact, I know a lot of people do not like this sport. I have also met people that dislike baseball, football, soccer, cheerleading, basketball, etc… They are entitled to their opinion. But, when you prejudge someone’s ethics, values, and beliefs just by looking at them, you are a simpleminded human being in my opinion. If you knew these girls and you had any clue on who they were or what they stood for you would issue an apology immediately. There has been a great number of people who have been affected in a positive way because of these girls but you would know that if you did your homework. You might just look in the mirror and do a little self analyzation…
I would love to introduce my daughter to you and your kids… You and your kids might learn the meaning of respect, sense of self, confidence, politeness, and class among other great attributes that my daughter has just by meeting her. That goes for the rest of the girls as well. Good luck to you, and may God bless you and your family.
Thank you Jonathan and the other parents who have made comments. My daughter too is on this team. I have been struggling to find the words to write about the comments that have been made in reference to this team. To my friends and about my friends and their children. I can not imagine anyone saying such a thing about their daughter.
If Ms Trunk had taken the time to really met the girls on the team, she would see a group of young women who have dedicated themselves to a lost and dying art. To a lifestyle. To caring for horses that no one wanted. Castaways that someone said were worth nothing except dog food. I own a few of those horses. You may not agree with the lifestyle but you have no right to degrade it.
One question, Ms. Trunk, what makes you any better than the rodeo clown that is a “supposed” racist when you are attacking children and young women and stereotyping them?
Good luck and God Bless.
Has anyone noticed that a lot of the comments that agree with Penelope are not even from this COUNTRY……. Where are the GOD fearing Veterans that have fought for this Country, Flag and Anthem. I am sure if they knew about this site they would love to comment on Penelope’s disrespect to the Anthem and the flag but her shear enjoyment of using her free speech that they fought for her to have.
@Real Rodeo Fan Since is American citizenship required in order to have an understanding and opinion of racism? It’s a universal problem.
And by the way, my country is an ally and plenty of my fellow Australians have died fighting alongside your countrymen and women over the past century.
Penelope,
First off I am one of the girls that you commented on at the rodeo in Madison Wisconsin. I do not appreciate anything that you have said about the sport of rodeo that I love and that my family has been a part of for many years. I am a 17 year old daughter of some wonderful loving parents who do whatever it takes to teach me how to be respectful of others as well as 12 other girls on the team. It is disappointing to me that the world we are growing up in have people like you who bring negativity into everything. I believe in freedom of speech….BUT DO NOT BELIEVE IN FALSE PRETENSES ON PEOPLE OR SITUATIONS WHICH I KNOW NOT OF OR ABOUT!!!! Reading this blog has disgusted me with your comment. I have worked VERY hard to perform in the arena, as well as the other girls on the team. For you to run us down without even knowing what you are talking about OR WHOM makes me realize that the world we live in today does not respect ourselves or anyone around us. The All American Cowgirl Chicks is a group who perform for our country…people who have been stricken with cancer…and people who are looking for a better life. I am a Christian, and I am praying for you and your family. I do know that out of respect for our country, that flag represents the protection of all of us…INCLUDING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! I want to thank you for bringing to my attention of how not to act or to be judgmental as you so blatantly have.
“It is better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
“Be careful what you think….your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your character, and your character is everything!”
Proud All American Cowgirl Chick,
Sadie Lynn
Hi, Sadie. Thank you for your comment. I think you misunderstand my commentary on the rodeo.
I do not think that you actually are responsible for figuring out what to have in the show and what not to have in the show. I think you are a performer, and someone else is the marketer.
My commentary is what the performance LOOKS LIKE, not what your intentions are.
I would be very surprised to hear that you do not understand that the women are dressed in much more tight-fitting clothes than the men are. I would also be very surprised to hear that you do not understand that when men see two women, in tight fitting clothes, in acrobatic positions with their legs open, that men think about sex.
I’m not saying that it’s your fault that men think about sex. You are just doing your job, doing what is fun for you and what you’re good at. I understand that what you did on the horses is difficult to do.
I also see that how sexualized women are depends a lot on context. For example, there were lots of mysongenist jokes at the Rodeo, which may or may not have been lost on you. In that context your performance is more sexualized. Your perfomance would be in a less sexualizing context, if, for example, you went to Wellesley, and all-girls college, and did the tricks wearing tight-fitting jeans and a t-shirt.
Another thing: We cannot control what people think. We can only verbalize it and have a genuine conversation about what is really happening. So, I’m not saying that you WOULD do a threesome. I’m saying that men are THINKING threesome. You are not responsible for men thinking that, and I am not responsible for men thinking that, either.
Penelope
Actually, you wrote
“….it was more like the girls shared a horse TO MAKE YOU THINK they’d be available for a threesome after the show.”
Those words are insinuating that the intention was for people to think these girls are available for a threesome.
That bluff about tight clothing and context is bs: you were censoring a female performer who owned her sexuality.
I expected more open-mindness from this blog.
Wow, What a bunch of BS trying to justify the whole twisted untrue post. Your projecting your beliefs and thoughts onto the entire crowd. And now you can even think for and understand the minds and thoughts of men.
What a joke.
How about ” I apologize and was having a bad day. Please disregard this entire post as a figment of my twisted imagination”
Later
It appears the whole post was made up and everything was taken out of context. Yet 70% still agree with it and are defending a “Mom” who admits to screaming about “Fucking snow pants.”
Most of the big city comments are gloating about how they are not “Hicks from the Sticks”.
I think you might be in a rude surprise some day when the “Hicks” decide they can do just fine without the superior city folks. How long does a city last without others constantly sending them supplies? Think Haiti and New Orleans Superdome.
Later
I wasn’t aware that country folk are sending supplies as charity to the city. How would the country folk get along without those city folk to *buy* the supplies? I think the cities subsidize the rural areas to a great degree now.
The last few comments don’t show up for some reason – I see the commenters names but not their actual comments. I wonder if it’s just me?
But. The post. Wow. Some rodeo, huh? :)
Also, it’s cool that McDonalds got back to you, but I don’t think they can micromanage the rodeos.
Penelope,
You brought up some great points. Madison is incredibly liberal. I am all about it. Remember that there is Madison and there is the rest of the state of Wisconsin. You were surrounded by “the rest of Wisconsin” at the rodeo. Just avoid those things and you won’t feel so lonely.
I’m not sure where to start! But to make the assumptions that you did about the performers at the rodeo sickens me! You know nothing of them yet you judged them, what does that say about you. Would you want someone to speak of your daughter the way you did of the trick riders and other performers.
I have met the trick riders that you spoke of and they deserve better than your comments!!!!!!!!
I can’t believe how you have twisted the rodeo event into a debate on racism! Every performer from the clown at the circus or the late night talk show people make fun of people and their lives, that is all it is a performance! I know the clown/barrelman would never promote racism!!!! It amazes me how you can think this, the reason no one in the stands was offended was because they knew is was all in fun and not meant to harm.
Don’t even get me started about our flag, again you don’t deserve to be living in our country if you don’t believe in the freedom that our flag symbolizes for you and your family.
I would love to write more, but I was taught that if you can’t say anything nice don’t say it at all!
Maybe you should do the same!!!!!!!
Now just curious Penelope, Do you have enough courage to actually address the truth that has come out of your own blog? Im curious about those of you who follow her blog with so much intensity, do you hold her to the same accountability and standards you have attempted to hold perfect strangers and a rodeo you never even attended??? Hmmmm????
Penelope, just an honest moment between two moms…. What would you say to that amazing 17 yr old that you judged so severly? Bloggers, Im guessing Penelope wont respond!!! But surely most of you who allowed her to portray, with no consequences, two talented young women as something different than they are… surely you will atleast give a voice of reason & love. Call this a challenge to humanity!!!
This is what Generation Y has become. God help this country when Someone takes an evening full of fun and enjoyment and analyzes it to the point of making up crap about what they “think” the announcer means or what is perceived as fun is taken as something else. Penelope, Get your dead ass out of the seat when the flag and National Anthem is playing. I have been known to yank piss ants out of their seats when they don’t stand for the Flag.
P.S. I hope that farmer kicks the shit out of you the next time you two are alone.
Finally, Another dose of reality. Right on Jim.
You hope he kicks the shit out of her? Are you kidding me?
So, not rising for a country’s anthem “in the name of Jesus” = NOT OK, but brutal domestic violence = OK?
Sit down, you’re making yourself and your brethren look stupid.
I was thinking of deleting this comment (above) from James Calisco. Instead, I’m going to point out that this person is actually advocating physical abuse from someone I’m in a committed relationship with.
My blog is a magnet for angry, argumentative comment from people who think I’m an idiot. But this is actually one of the most shocking comments I have ever received on the blog. So I’m leaving it here, as a record.
Penelope
I would guess Jim’s point would be that the Farmer invited you to an event he enjoyed. You appear to have ruined the event for everyone. Misquoted everything, took everything personal, rolled your eyes at him so he couldn’t stand for the Anthem, etc.
You also misrepresented the entire CowChicks thing.
So yeah, you acted like a selfish spoiled Brat, and if the Farmer still talks to you he should probably put you over his knee.
Actually it appears your blog is mostly followed by Sheeple that approve and cheer everything you do.
In my visits to your blog you have stalked and threatened someone who responded to one of your tweets, had your power shut off, flown to California for those fabulous salons, went postal on your Kids about F*cking Snow pants. Now you went to a Rodeo determined not to enjoy it, acted like a 6 year old and threw a Tantrum.
There is much evidence on this blog that most of what you accused the Rodeo of was a Lie.
You have some good posts but mostly it is like watching a slow motion accident. You can see the end result but can’t stop it.
Don’t you have anyone in your life that will tell you the truth about your bizare behavior and actions?
Alas, when you are gay or lesbian, even in an area that’s very liberal (like the SF Bay Area), that sense of “otherness” (which you identified as “lonley”) is pretty much standard. And where you would expect folks to boo and hiss, well, they typically laugh along with the crowd. Sorry you had to experience that.
I generally can’t wait to read what kind of outragous take on life you will share. Today, you really upset me with your general disrespect of our nation’s colors (and passing along that behavior as ok to your children)and the sacrifice that my friends and I have made the last 8.5 years to keep you safe.
Sadly this happens in a lot of institutes and places. Will it ever stop? I dont think that. Sad but probably true.
It is evident the writer of this blog didn’t want to be at this event in the first place. and was most assuredly looking for something too protest about.. While the humor the entertainer showed my have had racial undertones… It is not much different then televised minority comedians who make incrediably racist statements and are never called to the carpet..Is the writer gong to contact the companies that sponsor those programs as well..? Or are these minorities given rights that others are not allowed?
Typical left wing double standards if you ask me!!
Have comments been removed from this string or is there a second page?
Never mind – I was looking at the wrong string! Duh!
Well.. where to begin, i have read all 200+ comments, and i have to say that I am Saddened first of all. Not because miss penelope seemed to be offended, (at everything) but that a person could be so full of hatred and negativity, and it seems that she has a lot of fans that are full of the same.. You see, I believe that is the Least i can do to show respect to the Many Soldiers that fight to protect my right, so you see, As an American I am not offended to Stand during the National anthem and while saluting OUR Flag, I realize that because we live in a Free nation, one of the rights that our Flag represents is that you can sit, and wallow in your self pity. Just the same that you can Write such a negative column and sound so un-educated. Those women are awesome athletes, who devote 100’s of hours into training. It’s Sick that someone like yourself would even consider it a sexual act, I wonder, do you look at other women athletes in the same manner?? the Rodeo Clown is a Comedian, and just like other professional comedians they take turns making fun of our Presidents.. Black/White, democrat/republican.. this is yet another one of our Rights. No i doubt he was being racist as I know the Rodeo clown you are talking about and he has many friends that are African American.
I pray for your Soul Penelope, it sounds to me that you need to meet My Jesus!!! I’m praying that someone will come into your life today that will introduce you to him, Because, you seem to have no peace, no joy.. you must know JESUS to Know peace, and to Know Joy!! God Bless You and Your family!
Fellow American,
I think that you missed the message of this post, as you chose to push your religion at the end of your comment. It is ignorant to feel you need to pray for someone who is stating an opinion. Some people view faith differently than you, and pushing your religious agenda on others isn’t going to make anyone think more positively of your personal views. Maybe instead of praying for P’s soul for stating her opinion (which she has a right to do, as it is her blog), you should pray for people who need it more, like those who are struggling in Haiti or others in our own country who face homelessness, hunger, and abuse.
I am so happy to live in Canada right now, where no one ever questions my right to sit down during the anthem if I want to…
(but then, no one here ever pronounces our song to be in the name of Jesus, so I never HAVE to sit it out, either.)
It sounds like I would be very lonely in America.
You all miss the whole point. This is full of lies and exaggerations. She does not tell the truth, she tells a story. He did not pronounce our song in the name of Jesus. He ended the prayer in HIS name. PLEASE INSIST ON THE TRUTH. DO ANY OF YOU CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH. SHE HAS DRUG MCDONALDS, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITY AND A LOT OF GOOD PEOPLE THROUGH A LOT OF DISTURBING STUFF BASED ON LIES AND EXAGGERATION. PLEASE INSIST ON THE TRUTH.
Um… I think your caps lock key is on…
Even if there was only a prayer, why are you praying at a public event? That’s just weird.
Jill,
I am a sports fan in general. I have went to many College Football games, NBA games, Hockey and many other sporting events around the world. A prayer was said at ALL of them. Rodeo is a sporting event why does it have to be any different??
I can imagine it wasn’t the best experience for you, but I think that’s because you care. There are so many people out there who don’t and I think sometimes that’s why some things still happen even when they shouldn’t.
Oh, and I stay seated during the anthem too.
Penelope, you really rose to the occasion! Kudos to you again!
Sounds like the U.S. is really not one single country at all.
To people who think that Jewish people should raise in the name of Jesus: you are on crack.
Putting on a Rasta wig and clowing around has strong connotations to “black face”. It is racist.
agree with the brand as an extension of identity. Cheesy ads aren’t enough to turn me off about when a company seems to go against ideologies I staunchly support, well they are pretty much dead to me – Yahoo is one example of a company I will try and avoid from now on following the Hack Day stripper ridiculousness.
http://simonwillison.net/2009/Oct/19/hackday/
Sadly, after reading this post, nothing surprised me. Living in Oklahoma all my life, this kind of racism and hate resontate throughout all of the state. I always picture left-leaning states as having people full of hope & an open mind and I am sad to see it happened in WI. As far as McDonalds is concerned, they seem to be working dilligently on their current reputation and since the horrific Super Size Me film was released. However, I still believe corporations like McDonalds are still okay with promotion their names in negative places just to get their name out there and on those ticket stubs you have. Loved your post. :)
Bravo Penelope! Living in the south, I witness totally illogical things like this happening all the time.
First, thanks for calling out this terrible Rodeo that exemplified so many things that we constantly HOPE are getting better – racism, sexism, religious bullying.
Second, these horrible beliefs exist everywhere – not just in Madison, not just in Wisconsin. I know many many people from rural Wisconsin who would find this completely unbelievable. Rural Wisconsin does have a white conservatism, but much of it leans closer to “Please leave me and my farm alone” than “God and country”. Progressivism runs in the water around here. Some of that has changed to the ridiculous FoxNews brand BS, but a lot of it hasn’t.
Thirdly, I understand your feeling of loneliness. I seem to feel that way so much more when I hear the news on NPR every morning. It begins to feel like I don’t recognize my country, and start to fear the wackjobs coming out of the woodworks. I don’t think it’s just Madison – I think we would feel this anywhere. It’s a really trying time: one moment you think that we have some hope of seeing change in the way things run, and the next, people who are supposed to be representing us (GOP elected officials) fight every form of progress, as if intent on seeing Obama fail, even if it takes the whole country with him.
And no one seems content to be reasonable about any of it – the timelines, the goals. If things don’t change NOW, their hope is lost. We have become an instant gratification culture. Anyone who really suggests THINKING about things is labeled an elitist liberal. So sad when using your brain makes you an outsider.
It feels like our understanding of our country, its history and its function has become so shallow. For example, those commenting on how you should have stood for the anthem. It really wasn’t that long ago that we were fighting for the right to worship how we wanted, to say what we believed, and to demonstrate our patriotism how we prefer. Truth, Liberty, Justice – these aren’t ideals that demand “going through the motions” BS like posturing about our great country. These are ideals that demand belief, support, and consideration to continually work on keeping our country great and these aspects of that greatness alive.
Your silence will not protect you. Standing for the flag does not keep you free. Singing the anthem does not ensure justice. Relinquishing freedom does not keep the country safe. Believing in the accepted cultural god does not promise truth. Each person is responsible for thinking and deciding and acting on these ideals. Holding their leaders accountable, and making change that benefits not just oneself, but the country as a whole.
This is why I feel lonely too. Because FoxNews or CNN or any media comes on and people stop thinking, stop fighting. Stop evaluating. They accept the dreck being fed to them, and lose grasp of reason.
I see so many people comment on here supporting you. Perhaps we’re not alone. Perhaps we can stop this idiocy and really accomplish something.
Well now, wouldn’t that be something? :)
I am amazed at your ignornance and judgement of rodeo and cowboys and cowgirls. I am a cowgirl who barrel races, I also own beef cattle, as well as an educated woman. My children rodoe as well. I date a professional bareback rider. We are proud of our country and our country was founded on basis of religous freedom. If you live in the USA and enjoy the freedoms that are granted by being a US citizen Then you should stand to honor our flag and the service men and women that provide us the freedoms we have. Most everyone believes in some form of higher power, maybe you don’t believe in Jesus but that should not keep you from honoring our country. If saluting our flag apalles you then find another country to live in. Those of us who are in rodeo are raised to respect each other and to be God Loving God Fearing respectful people and I have never seen racism in a rodeo. I have several friends in rodeo who are minorities and love the sport of rodeo. The contestants as well as the animals are well trained atheletes but I am sure you were too busy judging everyone from your pedastal to see that. You have no idea how much time and work goes into training for those events. Sounds to me like you are insecure and have some serious self image issues for you to judge everyone at that rodeo as harshly as you have. You may think you are better or more refined but I assure you we all fall short of the Glory of God (what ever God you may believe in). By the way if you dont’ believe in a higher power do you assume we evolved from apes – if that is the case why are there still apes? Or are there still people evolving from them? But then again maybe that explains how you got here……
I suppose this might exactly illustrate my point above, unfortunately.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming…
I’m an atheist so where does that leave me?
This is why public events should be INclusive, not EXclusive, of other cultures/belief systems.
Considering how you ended your criticism with the “evolved from Apes” I’m amazed you started it with the work ignorance. If you would go spend even five minutes looking into evolution (apes or otherwise) you might learn something useful.
As for Penelope’s criticism of the event she went to and being uncomfortable at it, your defense of it is weak since the overall message is “If you didn’t like it, too bad.” It’s a weak defense.
With respect to a corporation sponsoring an event that is, in parts at least, poorly run and makes some people uncomfortable (and more than most think is my guess), then they are doing a poor job of managing their brand. I have no idea if this was sponsored by McDonalds Corporate or a local part of McDonalds, but either way it looks like they are making a questionable choice at the very least.
It’s pretty basic, if you manage your brand badly then your brand suffers.
And as for “Always salute the flag no matter how it is presented to you by whoever is presenting it- WRONG!” If the group presenting it is abusing it, I’m not saluting and I’m not standing. It’s my only way (besides not coming to the event again) to say “You’re doing this wrong.”
If you werent going to enjoy something that is enjoyed by anyone else who lives by the right of freedom of speech, why the hell did you go? Stick to watching t.v. where cenorship thrives and people are having clothed sex and snorting chalk dust. The rodeo world has done far more for the McDonalds charities than your finger typing narrow minded butt will ever do. God Bless.
Penelope,
What a thoughtful, intelligent and well-meaning blog entry. It is for that very reason why I keep you in my circle.
– Jeff
I read your blog and follow your comments but I often wonder WHY? It’s often extremely critical of everything and anything but YOU. If the clown had come out in a George Washington wig and said the same thing would it then have been racist? NOT one person would have done anything but laugh at it. So the racist is not the clown or the event but the person(s) who interpret it as racist. If we’re to treat black and white people the same why did you not think and feel the same as if if the clown had chosen a white haired wig? It was you who placed the racism into the event. I thought this was a blog about career stuff not about how messed up you are. If you continue the farmer talk, whatever, but how about leaving your moral and political views to yourself – we don’t give a damn about those! We have kids being sold into sexual slavery, millions of homeless kids right here in our own back yard, breast cancer taking our loved ones and Haiti trying to just catch it’s breath to stay alive and you people are worried about a clown wearing a dreadlocks wig – get a grip, get off your ass and go do something to help others, we’re tried of hearing about how bad your life sucks.
Just because your mind doesn’t *notice* a racist action doesn’t mean it wasn’t a racist action. Are you saying that because Penelope consciously noticed (and then objected to) their racism that Penelope is racist? That doesn’t make sense. It simply tells me that Penelope is more enlightened.
“If you continue the farmer talk, whatever, but how about leaving your moral and political views to yourself”
Penelope does not write this blog for you and can write whatever she wants. I find Penelope’s writing to be intriguing. I enjoy reading about the real situations and the real thoughts in such a fascinating person. That is the reason I read this blog. If you don’t want to read it, stop reading it.
Lastly, I don’t think this is the right place to dictate your ideals on anyone. I help my fellow man where I can but my family is a lot more important to me. In Penelope’s shoes, I would rather shield my kids from racism first.
To Penelope, good on you for voicing your opinion. :)
Are you saying that because Penelope consciously noticed (and then objected to) their racism that Penelope is racist?
No I didn’t say that at all – I said that just because Penelope or Obama or anyone else thinks/perceives it to be racist doesn’t make it racist either. I asked a question that you didn’t seem to answer – why would no one have thought it “racist” if it was a Washington or Bush wig? Everyone would have laughed, including republicans, who don’t seem to get defeated and whining at the least little thing.
and since you brought it up – this blog was suppose to be about a brazen careerist – instead it’s about Old Macdonald had a farm with a bunch of BS here and BS there, everywhere some BS! We’re living in the worst economic times of our lives – yet Healthcare seems to be the only thing the administration is working on – and I’m sire their are a lot of people who chose to follow this blog for career advice instead we get another edition of the Enquirer.
Thanksk for the insight and am glad that you brought this to light!
Thanks for updating us, Penelope. I tweeted too–and am glad to see the McDonald’s is taking this seriously and is looking into it. I hope they update you on anything further.
Penelope —
You are absolutely right. The actions and comments that you describe are abhorrent. However, you would be amazed at how much of “that” there is “out there.” I am a transplant to the South, and you can take what happened in liberal Madison, WI and multiply it by whatever double or triple digit number you choose – and that’s how much of what you describe goes on south of the Ohio River. The tragedy is, and as you describe, most people just sit on there hands and don’t say anything. Kudos to you for not only NOT participating, but in making an issue of this.
A question though, don’t you ask yourself that if this is part of “the farmer’s” M-O, and he is so clueless and does not have your social radar, that perhaps you’re fishing in the wrong pond?
Took me a few days to come up with a comment concise enough:
Misogyny
Sexism
Bigotry
Jingoism
I guess those are American family values these days.
Sad.
yay! I was pretty sure your post would capture McD’s attention!
It’s interesting that the focus is on the charge of racism and whether or not the Obama skit was racist, rather than the charge of sexism and the misogynistic jokes. Race is obviously a hot button issue for Americans and rightly so, but it seems feminism is more relevant than ever.
Your comment to Sadie is patronizing. “I think you misunderstand my commentary on the rodeo. I’m not saying that you WOULD do a threesome. I’m saying that men are THINKING threesome.”
Telling Sadie (who is rightly offended by your comments) that you think she misunderstood your nasty comments is the ultimate example of your inability to admit you are wrong and do what is right by apologizing. This is a tactic many abusive/controlling people use when they are called on the carpet. They project on to others (turning the tables).
Later down you comment about the farmer who “I’m in a committed relationship with.” How committed can your relationship be when you were so excited to have a miscarriage in order that you didn’t have to jump through hoops to abort your/his child? Committed enough to have sex but not committed enough to keep the child. I’m sure Farmer is telling his friends/family the same thing. “Sure am happy she miscarried, saved me spending my abortion fund money and now we can all go to the rodeo! Me and P sure are committed!”
You really need to look at the message your own life is sending before you rip on young ladies and claim to know what all men are thinking.
Barb – I am shocked that you would suggest that people in committed relationships are less committed for having had/thought of having an abortion.
I am with the man I am going to marry, I am doing everything possible to protect myself unagainst unwanted pregnancy, but if I got pregnant right now – yes, I would abort. Does that mean I do not love or am not committed to my future husband? No. It means I’m 23 and I do not want to have a baby right now.
Abortion is not a comment on the relationship that began the pregnancy. It’s a choice, to not be a mother right now (or again). To suggest that women who abort/think of abortion must be in unloving or uncommitted relationships does all women a disservice by stereotyping the kind of person who gets an abortion. The fact is, abortions happen at all walks of life, in people who are married or not, committed or not, already mothers or not.
They also happen for all kinds of reasons, but all those reasons boil down to this: That person did not want to be pregnant anymore. THAT’S the common denominator, NOT their relationship status.
Jill, I am shocked that you would abort the child you made with someone you love. You say, “it means I don’t want to have a baby right now.” Sure sounds like you are ready to commit to marriage because anyone who has been married any length of time will tell you that marriage is so much about what you want “right now.” After 5-10 years of marriage re-read these words and see how much will still be about what you want “right now.” Instant gratification — when both the husband and wife have this mentality, the marriage is usually quite rough and short-lived. Being willing to abort/support the abortion of the child of someone you say you “love” is the most un-loving, uncommitted choice you can make.
There are differences between women who choose to abort and those who would never consider it. There are differences between men who support/pressure women to abort and those who don’t. This is not stereotyping, this is fact.
Good luck to you and your future husband. Penelope, please keep us up to date on how your committed relationship with the farmer is going.
Barb – Yes, clearly the “loving” thing to do would be to give up my career and the next 18+ years of my life, raise my child in near-poverty, and gradually grow to resent my child, my husband and my life. That’s the mature route.
“Marriage is not about what you want ‘right now'”. I agree. The fact is, if I got pregnant right now I would have a kid for the rest of my life, and that is something I am not prepared for. Having a kid is not a ‘right now’ choice – it’s a forever choice. I don’t make forever choices bases on ‘oops!’
I don’t want to have to have an abortion. I practice safe sex. But at this point in OUR lives, my fiance and I agree it would be the right choice for us. Marriage IS about making tough choices, together.
Barb – Now you’re just arguing against something I never even said. The fact is, yes, I do place emphasis on my career at this point in my life because I want certain things out of life. I don’t consider my personal choices a slight on anyone else’s choices – we all want different things.
Not wanting a baby at a young age because I am not financially ready (among many other reasons) does not make me elitist. I am not suggesting people who have babies at my age are bad parents, or undeserving of having children. As far as I’m concerned, if you think you can manage, regardless of your age etc, go for it. It’s none of my business.
Just like my decision to NOT have babies is none of YOURS. Having different priorities in life does not make me a bad person. I don’t judge you for having a child at my age. Why do you judge me for following my own interests? Why are you so defensive of your choices in life, to the point of calling me elitist for not making the same choices? I think you should reflect on that.
You are right Barb, there is a huge difference between women who would consider an abortion and those who wouldn’t. The women who wouldn’t are incredibly selfish individuals who choose to indulge their own emotions and misguided sentimentality instead of facing up to the practicalities of life and what they may not be prepared for, all the while claiming it is the devine plan of their imaginary friend. You are a simple minded idiot if you think a woman can not be in a committed, loving and lasting relationship and terminate a pregnancy, planned or unplanned.
Thanks for agreeing with me Jules and further solidifying my argument about said differences. It makes it so much easier to argue my case. The language you choose (simple minded idiot and imaginary friend) says plenty in itself. Your idea of what makes a committed and loving relationship is different than mine (some terrible relationships, however, can be long-lasting but they have little to do with love and commitment).
In addition,your using the words “incredibly selfish” in reference to people who take responsibility for their actions and for the children they create rather than killing them also speaks volumes. I don’t see my mom as “incredibly selfish” because she choose to raise me rather than kill me. I don’t see people who have given up children for adoption as “incredibly selfish”. I don’t see single low-income parents as “incredibly selfish”. Do you? Who is misguided and indulging in emotions? Reality check.
I am proud of people who know they are not ready for parenthood and look for positive life-affirming solutions. I am proud of people who help others make life-affirming choices. I am proud of mothers/fathers who “do it alone” with little support/money in spite of the huge hardships.
I cannot and will never be proud of those who choose to kill their children because it doesn’t work for them “right now”. If you see me as selfish for standing up for the most vulnerable in our society, so be it. If you see me as selfish for praying to my Imaginary Friend for the unborn and their parents, so be it.
I am proud of my children. If you are proud of your abortion(s) please share that emotion with the rest of us.
Divine* – apologies for the bad spelling, it's the middle of the night here.
Jules,
You are a sinner and you’ll burn in hell for your sins. I’m praying in the name of Jesus for the salvation of your soul.
Interesting that you assume I have had abortions. I simply think it is wrong for people who do not have the means to raise children to bear them, but then unlike yourself, I do not equate sex with marriage or marriage with children. They are not the same committment in the least, in my view.
I think adoption is a very generous act, however due to the physiological bond formed between mother and child, it is often psychologically scarring to both the mother making the sacrifice and the child who eventually harbours feelings of abandonment. Not surprisingly, adoption rates in countries where abortion is available have declined dramatically over the latter half of the 20th century.
I apologise for calling you an idiot, that was low and uncalled for. However, I do think you are being simple minded in your appraisal of P’s relationship with the Farmer. It is a naive and narrow way to view relationships – but I guess that is down to your friend.
This is the last I am going to say on the issue, as we are getting wildly off topic. I just wanted to make my point.
Lookin’ forward to it Mike.
Goodnight.
Jill, I had a baby at your age and have never resented him in the least and I have lived at poverty levels on and off. If you resent a child that you may have to raise at “near poverty”, this says alot about what you think of those at near or below poverty levels. So you are more mature then a low-income woman and will resent any children you may have in the future if your lifestyle ever reaches near poverty levels (to say nothing about below poverty). Should only women in certain wage brackets be allowed to have children? I know many more high income parents that resent their children than vice-versa. The only guarantees are there are no guarantees. Another ‘ism’ for you — elitism. Keep climbing up that career ladder!
Jill,
Your words, “clearly the “loving” thing to do would be to give up my career and the next 18+ years of my life, raise my child in near-poverty, and gradually grow to resent my child, my husband and my life.”
How can you say I’m arguing about something you never even said? These are YOUR words, not mine. You also state, “I don’t consider my personal choices a slight on anyone else’s choices.” Thanks for giving me my Selfism Quote of the Day.
There is no reason for me to reflect on or defend my choice in taking resonsibility for and not killing the child I helped create. Since I believe life begins at conception, I think you’d have to agree I am obligated to speak out against abortion or otherwise I would be a hypocrite and supporter of murder.
If you don’t think life begins at conception, there is no argument at all between us. However, this leaves you, not me, with the obligation of pinpointing exactly what hour Life does begin. Reflect on that.
Barb, I’m not going to argue with you anymore. Clearly you are determined to misunderstand everything I say (or you are very stupid, I’m not sure). This is evidenced by you calling me selfish for saying I don’t judge people based on what choices I would make.
My point was you called me an elitist based on nothing I said. If I don’t choose to raise a child in poverty, that’s my business. If you choose to, more power to you and good luck. Now you miss the point AGAIN by bringing up a different quote from my original comment. Whatever.
I am non white and not from the USA. They were making jokes about wheather Obama was American or not, surely it could have been a lot worse andmuch more explicit. Black folk are American as anyone else having lived there as long as the others.
Is it really that hard to separate the idea of God and country? It’s not the same thing guys! Being true to the ideals of your country does not mean you need to be a christian! It does not mean you need to stand up during the anthem! It means that you should stand up for your, and your fellow citizens, rights when they are challenged! To call yourself a “true american” one second, and in the next turn preach your idea of religion and condemn people for their beliefs, color or orientation is the top of hypocrisy! I would actually love to stand up for your country which I have great faith in, but damn there are some true idiots there too. But don’t take my word for it. I am of course just a foreigner from one of these “socialist-european countries”. Be careful so you don’t catch the disease. You could actually end up with laws against racism!