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
I’m wondering, if instead of a rasta wig he put on a grey old white guys wig and made fun of Bush, would you still call it racist?
I hate racism, too, but I also can’t stand double standards. Being a woman, it gets old.
Depends on the circumstances. By the way, instead of throwing out all these what-if hypothetical scenarios, just go and read a dictionary. Knowing the definitions of words will help you far more.
I happen to be reading “A Gate at the Stairs” by Lorrie Moore, which is set in the fictional city of Troy, WI, but which sounds an awful lot like Madison. The book deals with the adoption of a bi-racial child by a white couple and the covert and overt racism they encounter in their supposedly liberal, tolerant community. It’s an interesting commentary on the differences between what we espouse and how we act.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
African Americans comprise about 13.5% of the American population but account for about 35% of the abortions. RACISM IS ALIVE AND KICKING — HARD.
Jules,
I realize you are done commenting because you think we are getting off topic. However, Penelope’s views on racism and sexism are part of the topics discussed here as is her relationship with the Farmer who she is also quite vocal about.
You find it interesting that I assume you have had an abortion(s) but then you go on to make assumptions about me. You are right on my beliefs about marriage (although I felt the same as you until I graduated from the School of Hard Knocks — child out of wedlock and also divorced). You are wrong about my friendship with Mike — I don’t know him but would ask he add me to his prayers as well if he is still reading this because I need them as much as anyone.
I find it interesting that you don’t confirm or deny whether you have had abortion(s) since you obviously think it is an unselfish choice. The anger you display makes me believe you have not come to grips with some of the choices you have made or that you need to rationalize if you are profiting in any way from the abortion industry.
People also have “psychological scarring” due to many things in life (including having an abortion). I really don’t understand your rational in bringing it up in defense of abortion over adoption any more than I would understand you defending the killing of a disabled person because they may have psychological scarring due to the car accident that caused the disability.
It does not surprise me that adoption rates in countries where abortion is available have declined dramatically. PLEASE THINK REAL HARD ABOUT WHY THIS MIGHT BE. Abuse of women and children has also increased since abortion was legalized but abortion was sold as a way to keep children from being abused — “Every Child Wanted”. If we as a whole become so selfish that we are willing to kill the unborn that don’t fit into our life plans and teach the children that we do have that this is perfectly OK and won’t have severe negative consequences, how can we possibly think more people will be willing to adopt? There is no longer any respect for life. There is a direct correlation between legalized abortion and Selfism (close relative of Materialism) in our country.
Thank you for your apology. It is accepted. I also need to apologize for stating that I would/could never be proud of those who choose/support abortion. I meant I could never be proud of or support their choice to abort/promote abortion because I believe abortion is murder and causes more of the problems it claims to solve. My best friend has had an abortion but has come to grips with the wrongness of her previous choice and is now due to have a child (without the support of her boyfriend or any family members). I am extremely proud of her choice and will do whatever I can to help her.
You believe I am being simple minded in my appraisal of P’s relationship with the Farmer. Have you read P’s comments regarding this relationship? I will state what a counselor told me about the state of a relationship I was in for years — one that I too rationalized was loving and committed — “the rocks in your head, fill the holes in his.” After I distanced myself from this relationship, I could see how right the counselor was.
My sincere best wishes to you.
Hi Barb,
I was not going to say anything more, but since you shared a story about your friend who chose abortion, I thought I would do the same. If we get into the debate about whether or not abortion is murder, we will be here all year so lets just accept that you think it is and I think it is not.
One of my closest friends found herself pregnant. She had taken precautions but the contraception failed (actually, I suspect her then boyfriend who was very abusive was deliberately trying to impregnate her but without getting into the nitty-gritty, she has no positive proof of this).
It was difficult choice for her and a very unpleasant experience, but at the time and since I have told her how brave she was. It gave her the courage she needed to end the relationship and now, a few years later, she says it is the best decision she has ever made. So you see, abortion can be empowering and ultimately positive, it just comes down to the way you view it.
Speaking of being in a committed relationship and having an abortion, my own mother conceived a child with my father before they were married and she aborted it. They went on to marry and have three children, they were not rich and there were certainly hard financial times. When I say ‘means’ I am not only referring to financial means, but emotional and physical means as well. It really does take a village. Neither of them have any regrets about their decision.
My parents are still married to each other almost forty years later and are still passionately in love (take my word for it, it can get almost revolting!).
There are direct and living examples in my life of women who have terminated pregnancies and have gone on to live happy and fulfilled lives. I often think that for every bad and negative story we hear about abortion, there are probably twenty or thirty women who would tell you it was right for them and they have no regrets, but they are shamed by society into thinking they should stay silent.
I have not had an abortion, but I would have one if I felt it was the right choice. I am a married woman and am currently trying to decide if I want children. I love and adore my husband and I fully intend to be with him until my dying breath, and it will be a continuing, committed and positive experience of love whether or not I wind up having them.
I have read P’s comments about her relationship with the Farmer, but ultimately it is up to her to make that assessment, not for the rest of us to judge based on his or her actions or feelings. It is certainly wrong to advocate domestic violence (not saying you were, just referring to the context in which she made her original comment about them being committed to each other).
Best wishes to you too.
Hi Jules,
Your right, there is no argument if you truly don’t believe life begins at conception. However, please note your words, “my own mother conceived a child with my father before they were married and she aborted it.”
Your statement reminds me of a counselor who asked me if my father was an alcoholic when I was growing up and I responded, “I don’t know, he’s been sober for ten years.” The counselor said, “You just used the word ‘sober’. You wouldn’t use this word if he wouldn’t have been drunk.” One of the many Reality Checks in my life.
How did your mother conceive a child if life doesn’t begin at conception? It can’t be a child if it is not a Life. You don’t notice reality when you are so far in denial. The fact your mother aborted a sibling of yours, in my mind, helps explain your defensiveness of and support of abortion. I’m not saying your parents are bad or not in love, I’m saying they did what society told them was OK and what they thought was best for everyone at the time. Instead of supporting unwed, pregnant couples, society shamed them into believing they were terrible people.
I wonder if you would be pro-life had your parents had the baby that was conceived out of wedlock and went on to become advocates for unwed parents. However, had your mom had your sibling, you may not be here. I am a firm believer that good comes out of not-so-good and you are definitely a good addition to our world. I probably would support legalized abortion had my mom not been pro-life. Our society has gone from shaming unwed parents to spiraling down into it isn’t the “right time” to be a parent and “it doesn’t work for me”, we don’t have enough money, etc., etc. This was predicted by wise men and women before abortion was legalized. This “me” mentality has definitely had an effect on what we as a whole think about the children that are born.
I truly do believe life begins at conception since I cannot figure out where another start point can possibly be. Therefore, I am not just obligated to do whatever I can to help stop the oppression of women (and other oppressed groups), I am also obligated to speak out against what I believe is the murder of innocent humans. Just as I would have been obligated to fight against slavery and the killing of Jews had I lived during those times. They were not considered human either and I probably wouldn’t have been strong enough to voice my beliefs since my life would have been in danger. I believe many people rationalize life doesn’t begin at conception in order to deal with the realities of their choices (the same way slave owners and Nazis could rationalize their choices with the strong support of society).
After studying what led up to the legalization of abortion, I believe oppression of women was the main factor in it’s legalization in the first place. I believe abortion further oppresses women and many, many people have been deceived that abortion can be enpowering. Stats say that 1/3 pregnancies end in abortion. Was this the case before the legalization of abortion? Violence begets violence and abortion is a violent act.
I know all about domestic abuse/violence. The man who abused me also tried to push me into aborting our child. We shared custody (I fought for full) and he has actually told our son that I wanted to abort him. Our son is pro-life. I don’t for a minute believe that the world is not a better place for him being allowed to be born even though our lives have been less than easy. I do agree with P’s views at times but see her as very hypocritical at other times. Examples: seeing sexist comments and behaviors in others but not acknowledging her own, talking about her committed relationship when in the very recent past she talked about the Farmer breaking up with her 5X in 5 months. I just don’t see this as a solid commitment but more of a co-dependent relationship — not saying that she/he don’t feel committed to each other but they both seem to be very confused. I also believe she has not had it easy either and does the best she knows how with the tools she’s been given.
I agree that many women say that abortion was right for them — the only other thing to say is that it was a terribly wrong decision and most of us have a hard time admitting we might just be wrong. More and more people are talking about the negative effects of abortion on self and others. There are reasons that abortion is so controversal, not just society shaming women(this goes both ways — read your previous comments to me). People try to shame me about being pro-life all the time but there is no one on this earth who can shame me for standing up for the most vulnerable among us.
If/when you ever become pregnant please remember that there is Love and Truth in our world. But many times we have to look for it. I believe one person can make a positive difference and this is what I am trying to do. Not because I am better in any way, because I’m not, but because I truly care about people and the unborn are part of those I care about.
Wow, I’m not surprised though. How sad we still live in a country that supports this type of ignorance.
Dear U.H.
I’m wondering if you are part of the U.H. website. This site is a great example of everything that is right with our country. Wow.
I’ll make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charity so you can have a guilt-free soy latte and have your hair done this week :)
I wasn’t there, but from your post it sounds like racism isn’t the problem, but condescension and on your part.
Ok, so the jokester referenced Obama’s skin color, so what? Are blacks to be treated differently than blondes? Redheads? Middle-class, white males?
Television is rife with examples of various types of people being used for our entertainment.
Sheldon, from “The Big Bang Theory” subtly represents a comical variant of someone with Asperger’s (though not specifically stated as such).
Stan, from “American Dad” represents a middle-class, white male husband and father (the most often stereotype seen).
All ridicule, and all utulizing inherent traits. However, according to Merriam-Webster, what you describe doesn’t even fit racism by definition (or does so, but not without a bit of a stretch). Mocking one for an inherent quality (race) IS equal treatment; however not necessarily indicative of perceptions of inferiority on the basis of race (racism defined).
Our country must get beyond the notion that mockery of race automatically reflects racism–particularly when the mocker is white (the typical setting for the charge).
Our country must also realize that equal treatment includes equality in mockery–what I would say is the truest measure of equality in any society.
From my Facebook on MLK Jr Day:
“Jocularity may, in fact, be the truest measure of equality in a society. The permissiveness for any given person to playfully mock another, for any given reason, reflects confidence, in both persons, at its highest levels.”
– DL Cummings
great post. how do I rate posts on your site? I see the star rankings in the email version but don’t see where that feature lives on the site.
Jill,
Make sure you type out disagreements with future hubby so later he can look back and defend himself when you accuse him of misunderstanding what you say, point out your calling him stupid and ending a disagreement on the mature note of ‘whatever’.
You might think about a Communication Class because you seem to have a hard time saying what you mean and meaning what you say.
Stupid is as Stupid does :)
Jill,
Forgot to mention another one of your last comments that you might want to reflect on: “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.”
Most people DO NOT CHOOSE to live in poverty.
Do you own a mirror?
So here’s my favorite part:
“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.”
Yeah, including the author. Funny how she can point the finger and still get caught in groupthink. Why does she know that no one else was offended or didn’t pen a letter to McDonald’s? Because they don’t blog about it? What’s the keyboard symbol for eye rolling?
My second favorite part: “I told my kids to stay seated.”
But then she goes on to say how the kids were oblivious to much of the activity. My guess is that the kids didn’t need to be told to do anything but when Penelope couldn’t control the actions of the crowd so she took control of the one thing she felt she could; her kids. After all, she couldn’t be the only one to take a stand against the crowd (again), right?
The pen is not always mightier than the sword, Penelope. Time for a gut check.
Actually Im surprised that Mc Donalds did answer at all but have you received any other updates on that matter? If so, please let us know if you dont mind.
The Star Spangled Banner has nothing to do with Jesus. STAND UP.
A lot of comments make judgements on small-town people, calling them “racists” and “rednecks.” What is the difference between this and what happened at the rodeo? There is no difference. If you are so opened minded, then why not respect everyone’s views, even if you morally object to them?
Hurrah, Penelope!!!
I had a similarly disturbing experience this summer at a rodeo in North Dakota, and I can’t tell you how much I relate to your post. I went with a friend who saw the State Fair and rodeo as a must-have “cultural experience” (we are from an urban centre in Canada). I’ve never seen so many glittery crosses on cowboys in all my life. But when they dragged out the “Somalian scarecrow” and used him as a punching bag/ racist joke for the rest of the show, I was truly appalled. I could not BELIEVE noone else was shocked or offended. Definitely not the cultural experience I was looking to have. And yet, my friend wanted to stay. And I – who so often feels like a wet blanket in these situations, and dammit, just wanted to have a fun holiday for once – obliged.
So, thank you. You’ve just restored my faith in our neighbours to the South. :)
I’m so depressed. The level of intelligence in the country just seems to continue to fall at an exponential rate. I think we are fooling ourselves if we think we are an enlightened nation. And the conservatives and their self-centered self-righteous meanness just continues to build. I don’t know how they can call themselves Christians.
I’m glad I don’t base my opinion of all liberals and Jews on the actions and statements of one of them.
So here’s my favorite part:
Penelope is offended by the jokes she sees as sexist at the rodeo. A young trick rider states she is offended by the comments Penelope makes about her and her team members. Penelope replies back with the following:
“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 you WOULD do a threesome. I’m saying that men are THINKING threesome.”
If a man had made the above exact statement, how would Penelope’s Sheeple respond???!!!!
Penelope, don’t believe everything you think.
“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 …”
A question came to mind: In light of your criticism, Penelope, can you say you understand rodeos and their participants in the same manner you do the beef industry–particularly given you semi-praise in the very same post?
Honestly, I would be hard-pressed to believe you could say you are since you started the post by noting that this type of event was, for you, “stuff that is new.”
As for those sycophants who cheer Penelope’s post on; I should hope that you do not engage in any form of comedy where the punchline revolves around an immutable and inherent quality. It would be sad to find yourself worthy of the title, “hypocrite.”
Why is it that if it is YOUR opinion, it is superior to all other thinking and culture, but if it is not or you disagree with it, then it is bordering on criminal? Ever occur to you that people in this country want a president who tells the truth, value their God given rights and have respect for all the flag of the United States stands for? It is represents your right to free speech, which you seem to overuse in my opinion. Ever occur to you that maybe you ARE alone because of your very unrealistic utopian ideals, snobbish persona and bitter energy you give off? Your kids and “the farmer” should be ashamed of you, as you are an embarrassment, not only to them, but the people of Wisconsin and the United States of America. You sound bitter and angry, so maybe you should go to Cuba or somewhere that really cares about people and see if they will treat you better. Poor mistreated thing, you.
PS The farmer should take them out of your purse and be a man for a change and stand up for his children, but he’s probably too “metro” or henpecked for that.
Sorry friend – you are alone in your opinion…but I respect your right to have it and vocalize it…
Well, sorry, but I’m not. Don’t kid yourself that there are a few who might come to your little blog and stroke your poor little ego, constitute anything resembling a majority. I’m not alone, as I can imagine you were the only one at the rodeo that night with your little opinions, so try again punkin, you missed on that one. Besides, if I were alone, then more would sit for the National Anthem than stand, more would boycott McDonalds than do and rodeo would no longer be a sport much less growing in popularity. You live in a world that you think revolves around you and I choose reality, there’s a difference.
Todd, you DO realize that wasn’t Penelope that replied to you, right?
I was a foreign, blue-collar-origins Swiss student in the USA between 1980 and 1985. I arrived just in time to witness the election of Ronald Reagan, then the rise of the religious right, the beginnings of the deregulation of finance, “greed is good”, yuppies, etc. After a couple of years, I became convinced that the next fascist country would be the USA.
This theory seems to be doing rather well if one respects Noam Chomsky, who compared the US national mood today to the one in Weimar Germany (ignorant readers, read “pre-nazi”) in this video (ADD or hurried types can skip the beginning and start at 04:00).
The blog post about the rodeo reminded me of that danger. It made me sad too, but it also spooked me. Joblessness, economic distress, widespread anger, ignorance, bad faith, hurt pride, feelings of helplessness: these are just some of the ingredients that lead Hitler to power. Add to it the American-style greed, individualism, the sense of entitlement, the disappearing lifestyles, and the lack of a sense of abnegation and individual responsibility, and you’ve got a truly scary picture. The biggest terror might not have awakened yet.
Nice article, thanks for the information.
I would have felt extremely uncomfortable in this situation. I am Jewish, just like Penelope, and live a life that balances the secular world with my religious views. However, to subject an individual who is not Christian in this position is wrong and extremely disrespectful.
Many years ago, my brother was in a similar situation while attending high school. The school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter hosted a staged a mock car crash the week before prom to show students the dangers of drinking and driving.
While the event was powerful and impacted many of the students’ perceptions, a chaplain who spoke about the effects of drinking and driving for families asked the students and faculty members to bow their heads in the name of Jesus as he prayed for hope. My brother stayed and felt quite awkward, but many of his friends left because they felt very disrespected.
The administration acknowledged their mistake of not having a PC speaker at the event and took steps to correct the issue. The following year, faculty members attended many workshops focusing on teaching students with different religious backgrounds and how to accommodate their needs.
Would be an interesting read when Penelope will publish any further Mail contact. Im still interested what Mc Donalds has pulled of in this case.
Interesting read and got me thinking. Wow and all these comments too. Penelope is clearly a good writer and very vocal about her thoughts and opinions — a thinker — I like that.
Her article and the comments section reminded me that I may just be looking at the opinions of America. It also reminded me of why I think we’re so lonely and isolated as a culture.
Call it baggage, but would I want to have a conversation with someone who's not standing for the national anthem? Probably not. In that moment my brain would be sending warning signals "stay way! No eye contact please – BIG opinions waiting to happen and be made known – " Personally, I find the anthem a way of being thankful for the country I'm in – regardless of other opinions however thoughtfully portrayed in this article and blog. Additionally, if Madison were of Jewish or other religious decent I would have personally interpreted that culture at the arena as being generally proud to be American too. I don't really think it was an alter call to worship Jesus or bow down to the golden calf. And yes, it does ring of racism with a clown dressed up with dreadlocks and calling himself Obama, but what if Bush were still in office and the clown dressed himself up like a goofy oil tycoon holding cartoon machine guns? I'm not sure it's racism if he were to have made fun of all the presidents. Additionally, watching the Colbert Report for only 10 seconds ever might lead you to conclude that he's a racist too – lol (but if it is racism, go get em Mc Donald's). We Americans – me included – have so many things it seems that others have to agree with to feel we can relate to each other. And we always have to be so right about everything. That said, good article, great writing, gives me food for thought, but I'd rather not sit next a "Penelope" at the rodeo. Or maybe the rodeo is OK, but just not marriage (ok just my dry sense of humor). And hi there America – hope we aren't running out of common ground and ways to relate. If I didn't know better I'd say there's a chasm developing fueled by baby boomer individuality. But I guess if we're not being invaded by a foreign country, we can afford a wide variety of disagreements at no cost to our personal dogma. On that note, maybe it's time to live it up – we may never have another opportunity like this again.
p.s. But if you simply wrote about how you enjoyed the rodeo with your kids and made friends with the locals, it would have made for a terrible read .
Penelope a good writer; you betcha!
Penelope a “thinker”? Nah, not that much.
Wow, Penelope.
These comments are proving your point. I started out feeling interested in what discussion would be generated here, but the racist comments are too disturbing for words. I’m glad you’re moderating them, but they’re still being delivered to my email. So – here’s me, opting out of receiving updates to this thread. Yikes. Best of luck to you, and to the United States of America.
This blog post sounds so needlessly whiny. I don’t see what was so racist about any of this. Are you referring to the Rastafarian wig? I admit that was tacky, but I wouldn’t go as far as racist. News flash from someone currently living as diverse a country/city as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: not everything in the United States revolves around the skin color of “wronged” minorities. And where exactly was the “hate?” Please define.
I think it’s more accurate to say that the rodeo had a conservative slant. So what? You act as if mentioning Jesus, churches, patriotism, gun ownership, and lack of support for Obama’s health care plan is as bad as asking that everyone pledge allegiance to a serial killer or rapist. People possess varying opinions, and those opinions are often expressed in public arenas. I don’t know when legally they aren’t or are “allowed” to do so, but we all know it happens. Would you have complained about the rodeo if it had glorified leftist causes and ideas?
The question of whether or not Obama was born in the U.S. is legitimate. I expect a president to follow guidelines in a transparent fashion, just as I expect an accountant to conduct an audit without stashing away some cash off the books. This is the presidential office, not some rinky-dink 3rd grade contest for class president! It is not only totally fishy, but also TOTALLY unacceptable that Obama sealed off his birth certificate. I don’t know why leftists still feel the question of Obama’s birthplace warrants a bitchily indignant cry of “unfair!” The only answer I can think of is that leftists are always looking for a reason to live in perpetual entitlement and victimhood.
On second thought, I guess this entire posts seems like one big pouting, foot-stamping, indignant tantrum-cry of “unfair!” The real tragedy is that McDonald's was badgered in to responding to this non-issue by someone as intolerant of other viewpoints as you.
I love to read interesting, insightful blogs. However, this was NOT one of them. You did not prove anything with your silly little “I am assuming supposed to be funny” work, except that you are more narrow minded than those YOU claim are racist. And for those of you who do not believe in Jesus, or the Anthem, or anything else, it is perfectly fine to hold those beliefs..But how about shutting up so the rest of us can believe the way we want to as well.
Belonging occurs partially become of objectiveness for differences…YOU WILL NEVER BELONG!
Aryan man-
You nailed it! They care not a bit if they offend someone else, but if they are offended, then that is unacceptable. The lack of tolerance by those who label themselves tolerant is laughable if not pathetic. they do not care about anything or anyone if it does not affect them, and this hypocritical stance is simply too much for them to understand.
I wish I could find a place where I feel like I fit in. I think I find it, and then I don't.
Did you try Kenya?
I find it funny that so many people who clearly do not share your ideology (and face it – it doesn’t take hours of reading to know which way you slant) go out of their way to “prove you wrong”. I take issue to those who cried “fowl” when SNL did skit after skit about how dumb Bush jr. was but can stare racism in the face but because the president does not represent their party can laugh it off as a mere joke – clearly you are over reacting. It would seem less stressful to me if those who do not approve of you on a political level simply not read your log – and instead just turn Glen Beck back on…
“I wish I could find a place where I feel like I fit in. I think I find it, and then I don't.”
I know how you feel. I just moved to a smaller community too. In a red-state, churchy area. I don’t feel like I fit in here very well either. In talking to a person who had grown up here, I got a sense that things may not be what they appear on the surface. The person made a comment about how “everyone was afraid to be different in high school”, but that it was much better now as adults. I somehow doubt that.
“The farmer stayed seated out of solidarity even though he hates standing out.”
The social pressure to conform is higher in a smaller community. There’s probably some like-minded people in your town. They just wouldn’t dare show it.
Hi Penelope,
Just an email to say “great posting!” I’ve been reading your blog for the last couple years and I really enjoy reading them. Whether I agree or disagree….you are a brilliant writer and it’s a joy reading your articles. They’re interesting, insightful and humorous.
Kudos for you for writing about your experience at the Rodeo. I would have felt strange and alone too amongst all negativity and intolerance.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Penelope,
I completely agree with you. I can tolerate ignorance on many levels, but racism is not appropriate in any setting! I, like you would have felt terribly uncomfortable to be surrounded by people that thought that it was okay to allow someone to make ugly racist jokes.
Thanks for making people know that this type of behavior is NEVER okay!
Hello Penelope,
I agree with you racism has no place in a public setting. I believe the right side of the isle has no intentions to work with President Obama, not only because he is black but also he is smarter then most of them. President Obama takes is from the right side of the isle and their media associates, but does not seem to retaliate with racism himself. Besides I thought a rodeo was a sporting event, politics do not need to be there.
I always look at people’s comments before I draw my own conclusion or give out my own. I start to hate the topic which includes religion. Not that I don’t want to talk about what I believe or proclaim that Jesus is the Christ but I believe that talking about it with people that of the different belief would only cause more misunderstanding than the former purpose of understanding.
Well I like this simple and brief line. (I always enjoy the little lines that make me think and you’re pretty good at giving them Penelope ;) )
“I think I find it, and then I don't.” A constant yearning for belongingness and perhaps, excellence (if not perfection)
So let me see this, 8 straight years of the left making fun of George Bush calling him a redneck and stupid, and not one peep from you about how ignorant and intolerant they are. 4 straight years of a failed presidency, the worst unemployment since the Great Depression, someone pokes fun at him and they are a racist because he’s black? Give me a f’in break, it’s not like they were doing anything different than the libs did to Bush. Why do you white liberals always think anyone who doesn’t agree with you is racist, like you know the first thing about living in the hood or being black. I guess you married an educated Latino, who couldnt’ stand you, so that makes you an expert, NOT!
Only in Madison, thank God for your Governor Scott Walker.
Thank you so much for posting this, Penelope. I just happened upon your blog today. Very disturbing, and unfortunately not surprising. I agree that it feels lonely to be a white person talking about racism, and I am so grateful that you are doing it. I feel we are the ones who need to be talking it about, and naming it when it happens like you just did, if it is ever going to go away.
Penelope, I like your columns but I’m not sure you drew the right conclusion here.
I do think it’s unprofessional to be making political statements at a nonpolitical event, like a fund-raising rodeo. Having said that, I think the people who made the comments make them out of frustration, not out of racism. America is changing, and not always for the better. I’m sure it’s a no-brainer to some that less guns would be a good thing… just as it’s a no-brainer to some that guns aren’t the problem, it’s people who do bad things with them so less guns won’t make a difference while impacting good people.
The point is, you would have to be a moron to think that most of what politicians, on both sides, propose is a good idea. Instead, it’s an idea to perpetuate their control. One side has kindred spirits that dominate the media; the other side is ridiculed or berated. When you called McDonald’s, you attempted to silence the people you disagreed with. Why not engage them constructively in debate, instead? This goes along with that ‘love means constructive advice’ meme, doesn’t it? After all, an act that causes someone to lose their job isn’t likely to convince them of your correctness, is it?