Bananas now used as a racist tool!!!

[Mraughh]

Just another reason we need to bring this "I'm offended" campaign to a screeching halt.


Sorry about the snacks




Just think of all the ways a man might use a banana to offend a woman.

Then you may imagine why some people leaped to the wrong conclusion when a woman complained about a Columbus police officer eating a banana at the Civic Center as people gathered for a Jan. 15 civil rights march.

The woman was deeply offended, she told police. The police were deeply bewildered.

The offense was not what you might imagine it to be. I imagined the officer shoving the banana into his pants pocket to make others point at it and say, "Hey, is that a banana in your pocket or are you just glad to be here getting paid overtime?"

But that was not what offended the woman, who hung up on people who couldn't figure it out.

Then she called Mayor Bob Poydasheff. He said she just started berating him about the police. He told her he'd heard only compliments about how officers handled the weekend march in which the Rev. Jesse Jackson and other longtime civil rights activists led 8,000 people from the Civic Center to the Government Center.

"She said, 'No no no no, when the buses pulled into the Civic Center, I saw a policeman eating a banana.' And I didn't know what to say," Poydasheff recalled. "I was stunned. I said, 'What's wrong with that? Police were on their feet for eight hours. They had to get potassium in their system.'"

He said the woman told him the banana "was an affront to me and to others, including a former state senator." She wouldn't name the senator.

Why was she offended?

Well, it seems that in the context of the march, she took the officer's banana eating to imply an analogous racial slur relating black people to apes.

Such a comparison would not be uncommon in the parlance of racist propaganda, particularly in the old days. But these days that kind of talk is pretty rare -- and pretty obvious, too, when someone really means it.

So as racial slurs go, simply eating a banana now has to be considered rather subtle, for this particular area.

The mayor told the woman he'd check it out. And he did, and he learned that while police were working security at the march, the department sent around a snack van to give officers something to eat, and in fact bananas were among the snacks offered, and some officers did eat bananas.

So he called the woman back and explained all this, and added an apology. "I'm sorry you were offended, and let me apologize to you personally," he told her.

"Well, send it in writing," she told him.

So he did. Call it "The Banana Apology."

Dated Jan. 22, it says: "As I said in our telephone conversation, I am sorry you found Columbus police officers eating bananas on the street when you arrived in Columbus for the protest. Let me assure you there was no intent to offend. The officers needed some nutrition after standing long hours on the street and they particularly needed the potassium available in bananas and some other fruits."

Later the mayor writes: "There was no thought of insulting or offending anyone and perhaps this was thoughtless on our part. In any case, let me offer my sincere apology for anything our officers may have done that gave offense to you or anyone else."

Did this satisfy the woman?

"I haven't heard from her," Poydasheff said Thursday. "And quite candidly, I don't care. Our officers did no wrong."

The woman may never have seen the letter, because the address apparently is wrong. The address on the letter is for "Towers Ferry Road" in Marietta, with a 30039 ZIP code. That code is for Snellville.

I found a business on Powers Ferry Road in Atlanta that otherwise matched the address, with a 30339 ZIP. I called that company, and a worker told me a woman with the name to which the letter's addressed does work there. But that woman never called me back, and I don't want to publish the name if I can't confirm it.

If the correct woman does get The Banana Apology, she'll see the mayor writes: "I want to assure you, as I did in our telephone conversation, that any offense was entirely unintentional and I guarantee you it won't happen again."

Or maybe it will. Does the city plan to deny officers bananas during public events?

"Absolutely not," the mayor said. "They can eat all the bananas they want."

No doubt some hard-core racists still would use a fruit or a cracker to offend someone, if they got the chance.

But sometimes a banana is only a banana.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Welpe]

The next time I see somebody eating a burrito....THAT'S IT MAN I'M GONNA SNAP! :confused:

[7mmMag]

Perhaps i'm just too young, but i've never heard of bananas associated with racism towards african americans.

Also, my sincerest apology to anyone who may be older who might have been offended by me describing myself as being, "just too young." No offense was intended. :rolleyes:

[Mraughh]

I never heard of it either. Apparently the woman wouldnt tell anyone what made them offensive to her. Don't think I've ever been offended by watching a woman eating a banana. I'd probably be offended watching George Micheals eat one though. :D

[sawyerrt10]

And the bad thing is the idea about the banana being a racial slur probably never entered her mind until she watched "Remember the Titans" (Which is an absolutely awesome movie)

[tk0727]

And the bad thing is the idea about the banana being a racial slur probably never entered her mind until she watched "Remember the Titans" (Which is an absolutely awesome movie)
Wonderful movie!
I really don't wanna touch the whole 'racial' thing, though....

[SWATcop]

Perhaps i'm just too young, but i've never heard of bananas associated with racism towards african americans.
OK, I'll be blunt - monkeys eat bananas, right? I think your imagination can fill in the rest. ***NOTE - I am NOT a racist, just answering a question that was asked.***

[retired]

OK, I'll be blunt - monkeys eat bananas, right? I think your imagination can fill in the rest. ***NOTE - I am NOT a racist, just answering a question that was asked.***

Your answer is quite accurate, but you didn't need to tell me that you weren't a racist. :) You have never said anything on this board to make anyone think otherwise. :)

[SWATcop]

Your answer is quite accurate, but you didn't need to tell me that you weren't a racist. :) You have never said anything on this board to make anyone think otherwise. :)
Well, not everyone on this board has common sense, and I could just sense one or two of "them" that would love to jump all over that "monkey" thing.

[padowan]

This is too stupid to be real. Tell the truth, was this from TheOnion.com?? or something similar?

[P_B_J]

The point that escapes me is why in the world would the mayor even entertain her demand for an apology. This is beyond ridiculous.

One of the problems we face in this profession is the lack of leaders that are capable of telling citizens like it is. His (the mayor's) final sentiment was that he didn't care if she got her apology or not. But that should have been his FIRST response. "Ma'am, I'm sorry that you were offended. However I have the utmost confidence in the fine police officers this city employs and refuse to entertain the thought that the officer's eating a banana was in any way illustrative of a racial slur." :cool:

I feel sad for the complaining woman. That she sees the Boogie Man in every innocent act taken in public must make her life a living hell.

[Quopper]

I agree P_B_J - her life must be hell! I cannot for the life of me imagine this happening - has it been confirmed - did this REALLY happen?

SWAT - I agree with Retired - only an idiot on this board would think you are racist.

[Delta784]

OK, I'll be blunt - monkeys eat bananas, right? I think your imagination can fill in the rest. ***NOTE - I am NOT a racist, just answering a question that was asked.***

The woman who complained is apparently the only one who made the connection about monkeys and bananas. That says a whole lot more about her mindset than it does about anyone else's.

You want offensive? Imagine Michael Moore eating one of these;

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/041116/041116_monsterTB.hmedium.jpg

[SWATcop]

I agree P_B_J - her life must be hell! I cannot for the life of me imagine this happening - has it been confirmed - did this REALLY happen?

SWAT - I agree with Retired - only an idiot on this board would think you are racist.
Believe it or not, I grew up in a racist home. Dad didn't like black people because he grew up in a bad part of town in Roanoke Virginia and fought with them everyday just to keep his lunch money. The Marines cured me of that - when you're in an infantry unit and you learn to count on the man next to you, regardless of whether he's white, black, or purple, it makes all the difference in the world.

[SWATcop]

The woman who complained is apparently the only one who made the connection about monkeys and bananas. That says a whole lot more about her mindset than it does about anyone else's.

You want offensive? Imagine Michael Moore eating one of these;

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/041116/041116_monsterTB.hmedium.jpg
Delta, you NEVER fail to make me laugh at least once a day. Thanks, bro.

[tbl141]

boy it is a sad day when we have to even justify ourselves to people like that

[Quopper]

You want offensive? Imagine Michael Moore eating one of these;

DELTA - I must concur with SWAT - I laugh over your posts all the time!

THANKS - for making some boring days have a little life to 'em!

[TXLady]

Perhaps i'm just too young, but i've never heard of bananas associated with racism towards african americans.

Also, my sincerest apology to anyone who may be older who might have been offended by me describing myself as being, "just too young." No offense was intended. :rolleyes:

I'm glad you apologized, because I was in the middle of writing a letter of complaint to officer.com. :D

[Styx]

Imagine the uproar if the officer showed up in this....

[Bklngirl]

Oh give me a break,Everyone is so sensitive!The next time I see someone eating a bagel,I'm going to go balistic!

[Bklngirl]

Styx,so funny! I,m in my office laughing.I'm having my office hour.None of my students are visiting me today.

[Bklngirl]

Styx,so funny! I,m in my office laughing.I'm having my office hour.None of my students are visiting me today.I feel like the Maytag repairman,the lonliest girl in town.

[Mraughh]

This is too stupid to be real. Tell the truth, was this from TheOnion.com?? or something similar?

LOL I wish, but I heard about this on the news radio show I listen too and pulled this article from one of the papers down around atlanta. It's quite real.

[Photogrrlz]

Dang they had meals brought to then.... I am offended we don't get anything like that around these here parts.... :D

[Delta784]

Delta, you NEVER fail to make me laugh at least once a day. Thanks, bro.

Hehe....no problem. :D

BTW, that's a Hardee's "Monster Thickburger", only 1400 calories. :eek:

[TXLady]

Hehe....no problem. :D

BTW, that's a Hardee's "Monster Thickburger", only 1400 calories. :eek:


1400 calories! No wonder it looks so good. I saw that picture at lunchtime today. I was so tempted to go get a big old cheeseburger. I was good, though. Got a salad instead. :rolleyes:

[Delta784]

1400 calories! No wonder it looks so good. I saw that picture at lunchtime today. I was so tempted to go get a big old cheeseburger. I was good, though. Got a salad instead. :rolleyes:

I actually want to try one of those, just to say that I did it. I'll go straight from the Hardees to the nearest hospital for the quadruple bypass, just to save time. :eek:

Unfortunately, there are no Hardees around me. :mad:

[TXLady]

I actually want to try one of those, just to say that I did it. I'll go straight from the Hardees to the nearest hospital for the quadruple bypass, just to save time. :eek:

Unfortunately, there are no Hardees around me. :mad:

LoL. I would just apply it directly to my hips. :)

[Welpe]

BTW, that's a Hardee's "Monster Thickburger", only 1400 calories.

Thanks Delta, I think I got fatter just looking at it. :eek:

[sawyerrt10]

I actually want to try one of those, just to say that I did it. I'll go straight from the Hardees to the nearest hospital for the quadruple bypass, just to save time. :eek:

Unfortunately, there are no Hardees around me. :mad:


Hey Delta,

Want me to send you one?

[Groundhog]

Yeah Delta, we've got Hardee's on every corner down South........I can FedEx you one if you like. :)

[SWATcop]

Yeah Delta, we've got Hardee's on every corner down South........I can FedEx you one if you like. :)
Not in west central Florida we don't. I WISH we had Hardees around here. I wanted to guy buy one of those burgers just looking at that picture. Although, I must say that the Hooters in my jurisdiction is the largest one in the US (as far as I know). Seats over 400 people with inside or outside seating right on the Gulf of Mexico. Open pit fireplace, the whole 9 yards. Not too shabby.

[tk0727]

Yeah Delta, we've got Hardee's on every corner down South........I can FedEx you one if you like. :)


Seems like we have Hardees everywhere. But it's been about 2 years since I've even stopped at one..Don't have a reason, because I like the curly fries, just usually give the kids a choice. Guess what that means? McDonalds..

[Groundhog]

Not in west central Florida we don't. I WISH we had Hardees around here. I wanted to guy buy one of those burgers just looking at that picture. Although, I must say that the Hooters in my jurisdiction is the largest one in the US (as far as I know). Seats over 400 people with inside or outside seating right on the Gulf of Mexico. Open pit fireplace, the whole 9 yards. Not too shabby.

That is one big a** Hooters! :D

[tk0727]

:D That is one big a** Hooters! :D


that's just how SWAT likes it! :D

[Quopper]

Although, I must say that the Hooters in my jurisdiction is the largest one in the US (as far as I know). Seats over 400 people with inside or outside seating right on the Gulf of Mexico. Open pit fireplace, the whole 9 yards. Not too shabby.

You can hold on to that title of largest Hooters in the US for a few more months! We are getting one here that they are advertising as the largest ever!! I wonder if they mean the bldg or the :confused: ...oh never mind! :eek:

Delta I gained five pounds just looking at the picture - it is sick and wrong to have food that looks like that!! But - I must say - I don't eat beef - only elk, venison, antelope, etc - all of the GOOD stuff! I am rather spoiled in my little world! :D

[Delta784]

Hey Delta,

Want me to send you one?

I appreciate all the offers to send me one of those culinary disasters, but I'm pretty sure that the only thing more perilous to my health than a Monster Thickburger is a day-old Monster Thickburger. :eek: :D

[usafcop64528]

You can hold on to that title of largest Hooters in the US for a few more months! We are getting one here that they are advertising as the largest ever!! I wonder if they mean the bldg or the :confused: ...oh never mind! :eek:

Delta I gained five pounds just looking at the picture - it is sick and wrong to have food that looks like that!! But - I must say - I don't eat beef - only elk, venison, antelope, etc - all of the GOOD stuff! I am rather spoiled in my little world! :D
I hate to break it to you Quopper, but to gain five pounds, you would need to intake, on top of the calories you burn in a day, an additional 17,500 calories or 12.5 of those burgers. If you want to gain five pounds though, just eat some of the military's MRE's, it would take just between 5.8 and 7 MRE's. :D

[Quopper]

I hate to break it to you Quopper, but to gain five pounds, you would need to intake, on top of the calories you burn in a day, an additional 17,500 calories or 12.5 of those burgers. If you want to gain five pounds though, just eat some of the military's MRE's, it would take just between 5.8 and 7 MRE's. :D

I didn't say I WANTED to gain five pounds!! I just thought the picture made me feel that way! Hell I'm FINALLY down to a good weight :)!! No chance on screwing that up now!!

[usafcop64528]

I didn't say I WANTED to gain five pounds!! I just thought the picture made me feel that way! Hell I'm FINALLY down to a good weight :)!! No chance on screwing that up now!!
Well you never know... :D

[SWATcop]

Well you never know... :D
Hey, how many bananas would she have to eat to gain 5 pounds? :D

[Delta784]

Hey, how many bananas would she have to eat to gain 5 pounds? :D

You just want to watch her eat bananas. :eek: :D

[Freakapino]

You just want to watch her eat bananas. :eek: :D


http://www.efa.org.au/Images/eatme.jpg or
http://www.fastnfab.org/Photos/assorted%20photos/banana.jpg

[usafcop64528]

Hey, how many bananas would she have to eat to gain 5 pounds? :D
Each medium bananna contains approx. 100 calories 17,500/100=175 :D

[Quopper]

Hey, how many bananas would she have to eat to gain 5 pounds? :D

USAF - thanks for the computation - that is sorta scary that you can figure that crap out like that!!! :p

SWAT - keep your mind out of the gutter!! Like Delta said you just wanna watch!! :D

However, if it was a large banana only ONE!! :eek:

[usafcop64528]

USAF - thanks for the computation - that is sorta scary that you can figure that crap out like that!!! :p

SWAT - keep your mind out of the gutter!! Like Delta said you just wanna watch!! :D

However, if it was a large banana only ONE!! :eek:
No problem... :o