...sent me an email today that included:
``JungleMonkey's username and Bob's remark are parallel situations. JM is using a derogatory name for a black person as a reference instead to the coliseum being the jungle (or at least that's what I want to think). Bob used Jap to describe a sneak attack. If people commenting on the blog are going to give Bob hell for that, then they need to do the same to one of their own.
``Cries of "Racist!" have been thrown about so often in our society that the term has lost some of its meaning and potency. Racism is an attitude and a mindset. Using a racially charged term once does not necessarily make someone a racist any more than eating a garden salad makes someone a vegetarian.
``I can see how it could have happened: Bob served in World War II, Pearl Harbor Day was coming up and a lot of history was being brought back up in his mind. That doesn't excuse what he said, but it may shed some light into why the term might be fresh in his mind. Then the question becomes did the terms from a bygone era get the better of him or is he truly racist?
``Was the term insensitive? Yes. Were there better ways to describe a sneak attack, especially for a hockey game? Of course. But does Bob have a history of using racially insensitive terms? If he does, then the outcry is justified. If he does not, then people should not be so quick to brand him a racist for what could be a genuine mistake. Now a mountain has been made of what could have been a molehill, and all sides share in the fault.''
Back to me now: Is there any doubt that the term JungleMonkey is extremely offensive to many people? Is JungleMonkey a racist? Am I a racist for allowing him to post here using that name? Am I a racist whenever I type JungleMonkey to refer to him? By the reasoning expressed by many here, you must answer yes to all four questions.
JungleMonkey is absolutely NOT a racist, at least by anything I've ever seen, and I would defend him equally as tenaciously as I have Bob. I do not believe by any stretch JungleMonkey intended to be a racist by using that name.
Well, neither did Bob.
But they both should be tarred with the same brush, right? There's no choice, no leeway in the matter because the terms are absolutely racist, right?
Are they?
Comments
Wow not much hockey talk in Komet land today.
I don't think he had a case, but this
Frowdawg.....How are things in Rushland? What are you expecting to see from your team this weekend?
Jack... we hope to see a 2 game sweep. I see that some of the walking wounded are starting to come off the IR today,so that will help.I am hoping that we can get back on track this weekend and make a push for a playoff matchup with the K's.
Frowdawg....Likewise. I do enjoy the games with the Rush and especially enjoy the passion that both fans & players bring to those games we play. I would like nothing more than to see the Rush in the playoffs.
I had read some comments (by Rush Fans)on another site that they are concerned about your attendance at times this year. Do you see it as real concern? Or is it simply the time of year or perhaps just some frustrated fans venting over a tough stretch for the team?
JM, the person you are assuming sent me that email is incorrect. For one, he's not that smart. The email also came from a female who is obviously smarter than all of us. C'mon, we all know the women on here are smarter than us anyway because they don't get bogged down with all the other, um, crap.
I didn't assume the he is question sent it. I did state that I believe he's still contributing to this blog, but I really don't care. If he were responsible he'd just have another childish fit on twitter.
In all honesty I called them a phantom because I questioned if you yourself were trying to make a point and rather than seem rash or argumentative, it was easier to attribute your thoughts to an anonymous email.
Its foolish to argue the point. People are dug into their trenches and have become closed-minded on both sides.
After all, it IS a minor league hockey blog. People SHOULD be this passionate about it. (Note sarcastic undertone.)
Let Bob call his games, let me be less racist with my new screenname, tell your kids you love them, and by all means don't let this blog give any of you a heart attack.
JungleMo.....err.. Primeval Forest Primate.. Out!
PFP.. formerly known as JM .. (do you feel like prince? ) lol.. very very funny.. got a good laugh from me on that one.
I believe I've proven above and beyond all doubt on this blog many times that I'm not nearly that smart. Otherwise, what reason would I have to overthink and over-analyze things to death?
And once again, the point I tried to make was that I have not and did not assume for a second that you are a racist in any way. I was actually defending your use of the name, but I do appreciate and respect you for changing it. Yes, I have received two emails over the years about the name, but I explained to them what it was actually about and it died there.
Sometimes its easier to be above it and move on with a simple apology. That was my point with Bob's comments from the beginning. If I had rationalized it and demonized my "accuser" and made a bigger deal out of it, then I'd be a hypocrite.
Sometimes. But sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe is right, too, like me smacking down all you blasted Colts fans! LOL.
I am offended that Blake called me stupid.
You ignorant idiot! I did not call you stupid!
SoKomets, you have echoed my thoughts. I believe Cohn took advantage of this situation. It reminds me of when Hearst was doing 'yellow journalism' back in the day.
JR would it make any difference to you to know that Bob is Jewish so i think he would be more sensitive than others about this type of thing.
For the record Okikibi did contact the Komets, Wowo, and Cohn. I think one problem I have is the crap being thrown at Okibiki. Everyone is defending Bob for standing up for what he believes in. What the hell do think Okikibi is doing? He was standing up for his family and what he believes was wrong. Maybe is was being thin skined but he was watching the game at his home in Japan with his Japenese son when they heard that. Wouldn't you be upset if you were with your son and a deragatory word came out of the radio that your culture knows is a deragatory term about you and your family? The backlash at Justin is just as silly. Someone gave him a story and he contacted Bob if he would like to comment. Bob did but now Justin is the bad guy for asking a question. If it was a backhand by Justin why did Blake even reference the story? If it wasn't noteworthy then why are there 2 or more threads on here about it?
Jack...I think it's mostly frustrated fans. We have been averaging about 4600,so things may be down a little bit but the house is usally staying pretty full.I myself am a little disapointed that we don't play again this regular season. Those games are always entertaining.
Kometswin, NO....
Kometswin and everyone else.... I am not discussing Bob Chase the person or his integrity, I am discussing what I believe to be an inappropriate comment made by a person and another families right to be offended by what they believe to be a derogatory term... Nothing else. I think some are very quick to assume that this is an attack on Bob when it is in actuality a disagreement with the word/phrase he used and how it is not appropriate in today's day and age....
What would make a ton of difference to me is if someone could answer the question I have asked several times now with no response... When has this word ever been used in a positive way?
Tongue planted firmly in cheek, Blake? Just trying to make a point. Can't believe you thought I was serious. Too funny.
However, Blake, you did call me an idiot. I am offended again. Ha Ha