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In the context to which it was used; he was referring back to it's non-racial origins 'moral of the story' in the "Uncle Remus" books; that of "the trap you design for others can also ensnare yourself" as in: "a sticky situation", "No matter your choices, they will all result in you getting stuck".
In this context, I believe his intent was non-racial. Those who would think otherwise are, in my opinion only, applying the sensitivity optics a little harshly.
In the context to which it was used; he was referring back to it's non-racial origins 'moral of the story' in the "Uncle Remus" books; that of "the trap you design for others can also ensnare yourself" as in: "a sticky situation", "No matter your choices, they will all result in you getting stuck".
In this context, I believe his intent was non-racial. Those who would think otherwise are, in my opinion only, applying the sensitivity optics a little harshly.
I'll bet you think George Orwell's Animal Farm was just a book about a farm and that the Mother Goose rhymes had nothing what so ever to do with parodying the political events of the times they were written. Uncle Remus books and the movie based on them, Song of the South, were anything but non-racist---unless you believe that the master/slave relationship was an idyllic way of living.
Two local black community leaders immediately condemned the congressman's comments, and said he should know better.
Rosemary Harris Lytle, president of the Colorado Springs chapter of the NAACP, said the connotations of the phrase "tar baby" are too well-known to make Lamborn's use of it excusable.
"The world already views (El Paso County) as ultra conservative, ultra right wing, Tea-Party-loving, gay bashing, an epicenter of hate. With two vitriolic words, our own Congressman again sealed our fate," Harris Lytle said.
I'm sure he has no idea how that term is interpreted in 2011 despite McCain and Romney both being screwed by using the term in recent years.
True feeling always seem to slip out in soundbites.
Based on the explanation given by this guy in the article he's more guilty of being insensitive than racist.
There is a big diffference from being racially insensitive and being an outright racist. There are plenty of people out there that simply don't know any better and will make remarks that others find offensive simply because they are ignorant of how their remarks may be interpreted by other people.
Based on the explanation given by this guy in the article he's more guilty of being insensitive than racist.
There is a big diffference from being racially insensitive and being an outright racist. There are plenty of people out there that simply don't know any better and will make remarks that others find offensive simply because they are ignorant of how their remarks may be interpreted by other people.
He is either a moron, a racist or both, my bet in on the last choice, BOTH.
Casper
How is tar baby racist? Just because its black? Good freaking grief already.
What other analogy would you use for a "sticky situation" that is only aggravated by additional contact?
If others have to explain it to you, then it would pointless to do so.
Casper
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