Legal Commentary

Racism as a Family Value

By TChris

Two conservatives from Tennessee went to the Values Voter Summit, sponsored by the Family Research Council, to sell boxes of waffle mix. The two dunces probably thought they were clever to market their Obama Waffles at a family values forum. Their attempt at political satire was a hit with the right wing, at least until this morning, when summit organizers decided that overtly racist satire might not reflect conservative values in exactly the way the summit intended.

While Obama Waffles takes aim at Obama's politics by poking fun at his public remarks and positions on issues, it also plays off the image of the classic pancake-mix icon Aunt Jemima, which has been widely criticized as a demeaning stereotype. Obama is portrayed with popping eyes and big, thick lips as he stares at a plate of waffles and smiles broadly.

The top of the box shows Obama wearing an "Arab-like headdress" while on the back [more ...]

Obama is depicted in stereotypical Mexican dress, including a sombrero, above a recipe for "Open Border Fiesta Waffles" that says it can serve "4 or more illegal aliens." The recipe includes a tip: "While waiting for these zesty treats to invade your home, why not learn a foreign language?"

One of the sellers, Mark Whitlock, when asked whether the pictures on the box promote racial stereotypes, answered "We had some people mention that to us" before likening the product to Newman's Own. Here's a hint, Mr. Whitlock: Paul Newman's picture is actually a picture of Paul Newman, not one that's been morphed into a racial stereotype.

Here's another hint: racial and ethnic intolerance is not an American value. Once again, the "family values" promoted by the right are shown to be of no value at all.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 13, 2008 (boomark / email).