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