Has Justine Landed?

Discussion in 'The Red Room' started by gul, Dec 21, 2013.

  1. gul

    gul Revolting Beer Drinker Administrator Formerly Important

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    This is even better than the Duck Dynasty firestorm. First, some background:

    http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/the...tter-message-about-aids-africa-and-race/?_r=0

    Now, an awesome satire of the whole thing in t-shirt form:

    Hasjustinelanded.png

    My thoughts: Justine Sacco made a somewhat crude joke (that probably makes most of us laugh). Yes, unquestionably racist, but to what extent is it a statement of how she actually feels as opposed to a bit of social commentary? Can the same thing be said about Phil Robertson? Like him, she has been fired. And as Dinner suggested in the Blazing Saddles thread, perhaps that movie could not be made today.
  2. frontline

    frontline Hedonistic Glutton Staff Member Moderator

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    Since it's behind a pay wall, can you give out some more information?
  3. Tuckerfan

    Tuckerfan BMF

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    She tweeted, "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding, I'm white!"
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  4. gul

    gul Revolting Beer Drinker Administrator Formerly Important

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    Sorry about that, looks like Tuckerfan took care of it.
  5. Shirogayne

    Shirogayne Gay™ Formerly Important

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  6. Ancalagon

    Ancalagon Scalawag Administrator Formerly Important

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    Clear your cookies.
  7. 14thDoctor

    14thDoctor Oi

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    Wow.

    First, it's sad because she's unbelievably stupid.

    Second, it's sad because it would have been sooo easy to spin this once she landed. Something like "Sorry, does the higher rate of HIV infection among blacks in Africa compared to whites offend you? Then do something about it instead of complaining about the girl that points it out" would have turned her tweet into the first part of what she could have claimed was a highly effective public service announcement.

    Ah well. :clyde:
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  8. Spaceturkey

    Spaceturkey i can see my house

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    given that she didn't is in itself possibly grounds to sack her as a "communications director".
    I mean, you just did a better job of damage control than anything I've seen so far.
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  9. Bickendan

    Bickendan Custom Title Administrator Faceless Mook Writer

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    14th for WF Public Relations Officer?

    (Sokar's Ghost disagrees!)
  10. gul

    gul Revolting Beer Drinker Administrator Formerly Important

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    And she's apologized!

    http://gma.yahoo.com/justine-sacco-...s-apology-133847425--abc-news-topstories.html

    There's more to her statement, which you can read at the link, but overall, I think it's a pretty strong apology. She explains how and why it was insensitive, identifies corollary issues, and seems to really get it. Contrast that to so many limp wristed apologies that amount to "I'm sorry that I offended you, although I meant what I said, I can see how you might not like it."

    That said, her tweet was really just a joke, wasn't it? Why do people get so upset and angry over an off color joke? Good apology, but bad that she had to give one.
  11. oldfella1962

    oldfella1962 the only real finish line

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    "Black People Meet" dating site? Here's how they did it it old-school before the interwebs!

    visit.jpg
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  12. garamet

    garamet "The whole world is watching."

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    Meh. Look for her on all the talk shows any minute now.
  13. Aurora

    Aurora Vincerò!

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    The dumb bimbo is/was a PR director for a big internet company called InterActiveCorp which (vimeo, match.com etc). It's likely she knows how these things work. Half a brain could tell you not to blurt out such stupidity on Twitter where your whole network of contacts and a few thousand random trolls are following you.

    No company in the world could just let this go from somebody in her position. Web Development Monkey #349? Yes, maybe. A high profile executive, especially one of the PR variety? Never. 14th's idea is a neat one but too transparent if she doesn't have a history 'fighting' the problem from her armchair.
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2013
  14. Ancalagon

    Ancalagon Scalawag Administrator Formerly Important

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  15. Bailey

    Bailey It's always Christmas Eve Super Moderator

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    I don't get this joke, can you explain it?
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  16. Bickendan

    Bickendan Custom Title Administrator Faceless Mook Writer

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    Oh this gonna be good :corn:
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  17. T.R

    T.R Don't Care

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    Wow. I agree but this is certainly not the prevailing attitude among the far left today.
  18. steve2^4

    steve2^4 Aged Meat

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    We cancelled gil gul for wrong think years ago.
    Last edited: May 4, 2021
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  19. Asyncritus

    Asyncritus Expert on everything

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    Why is this still waiting for an answer? Is @oldfella1962 too busy for Wordforge these days? (I can hardly criticize him if he is; I was gone for about 4 days myself because I had too much else on my plate.)

    I really would like to hear the explanation for this joke, because from where I'm sitting, it looks like a blatantly racist derogatory stereotype from someone who is always telling us that he isn't at all racist.
    Last edited: May 8, 2021
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  20. Asyncritus

    Asyncritus Expert on everything

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    Ok, I know @oldfella1962 is around now, because I saw him posting.

    I'd still love to hear an explantion on this. Since you always assure us you aren't racist, I'm sure there is one, but I can't see it myself so I need guidance.
    Last edited: May 8, 2021
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  21. shootER

    shootER Insubordinate...and churlish Administrator

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    I think you've gotten the only answer @oldfella1962 is willing to give. :jayzus:
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  22. Steal Your Face

    Steal Your Face Anti-Federalist

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  23. Ancalagon

    Ancalagon Scalawag Administrator Formerly Important

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    Maybe it isn’t cowardice. Maybe Terminal Staff Sergeant is just too busy to respond.

    Give him more time. He obviously is just a bit slow...
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  24. shootER

    shootER Insubordinate...and churlish Administrator

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    Given the background, it's not surprising he turned out the way he did.
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  25. Ancalagon

    Ancalagon Scalawag Administrator Formerly Important

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    Exactly. But I’m sure at some point @oldfella1962 will find the time to get back on WF and answer this question.

    At some point.
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  26. Steal Your Face

    Steal Your Face Anti-Federalist

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    Candle light vigil for @oldfella1962 ?
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  27. Ancalagon

    Ancalagon Scalawag Administrator Formerly Important

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    :cry:
  28. shootER

    shootER Insubordinate...and churlish Administrator

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    [​IMG]
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  29. Demiurge

    Demiurge Goodbye and Hello, as always.

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    tumbles.gif
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  30. Ten Lubak

    Ten Lubak Salty Dog

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    Here @oldfella1962 how about we repost it for your explanation in case you don't know how to scroll up a page
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