February 25, 2009

More Racism from Republican Leaders -- This Time it is 'Watermelons on the White House Lawn'

Why do Republican politicians insist on insulting our nation's president with racist rants and images under the guise of ignorance or humor. Did you see where southern California Mayor Dean Grose sent out an e-mail this past weekend depicting the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Mayor Grose was outed by a local businesswoman, Keyanus Price, who said,
"I have had plenty of my share of chicken and watermelon and all those kinds of jokes. I honestly don't even understand where he was coming from, sending this to me. As a Black person receiving something like this from the city-freakin'-mayor - come on."
Grose was re-elected to the Los Alamitos City Council in 2006 with the backing of Congressman Ed Royce, Senator Tom Harman and then County Supervisor Jim Silva. The “Orange County Republican Leadership Voter Guide” claimed that Grose was part of the “Orange County Republican Team” and announced that Grose was endorsed by the Orange County Republican Party. Los Alamitos is a 2 1/4-square-mile Orange County city of around 12,000 people. The mayor is elected by fellow members of the five-seat City Council.

Grose responded that he didn't mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that Black people like watermelons.

"Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn't see this in the same light that she did. I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally - or anyone - from the standpoint of the African American race."
I hope that Grose is removed as mayor of his town for being a fool ... and for lying to us as if we were fools. Does any villager think that Grose didn't know that watermelons are part of a racist stereotype that Black people have endured for many years? Didn't he learn anything from similiar situation last year at the California State Fair?

I wonder if Michael Steele, the new RNC Chair, will have anything to say on this about this racist rant from one of his GOP leaders?

5 comments:

msladyDeborah said...

Hotep Villager!

I have made this comment on several other blogs regarding the GOP. I honestly believe that we are on the brink of Civil War once again with this political party.

This is the latest volley from their nasty racist arsenal.

I hope Michael Steele received this e-mail as well! But then and again, it might not be offensive to him.

It's past due time to put them on the run. I am pro-Obama but, enough is enough and too much is just outright nasty!

PurpleZoe said...

Disgusting.

Unknown said...

Lady D - I hope you are wrong about the civil war future. At this point, it appears that the GOP is not united enough within itself to cause harm outside of its own group. However, we should never take anything for granted. We need to watch them closely and shine the light on their roach-like behavior whenever necessary.

PurpleZoe - Yes, I agree...

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hi there!

When the Princeton Seminary students decided to insult a black scholar using the "we were just joking defense" we mounted a protest and at least ONE student was expelled from seminary because of the incident...

We have to start confronting this "hipster racism" sternly and swiftly EVERY TIME it rears its head...

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

Unknown said...

Lisa - I pledge to use my blog to bring these issues to light whenever possible. Thank you for the brief update on the Princeton Seminary situation. I wasn't aware of how that story ended...