NBC Explains The Monkey Ad They Ran Right After Gabby Douglas’ Win, But Doesn’t Apologize
by Dr Boyce Watkins, KultureKritic.com
NBC has issued an excuse and explanation for their recent ad with a monkey doing gymnastics that was shown right after a Bob Costas tribute to gold medal winner Gabby Douglas. The ad set off a firestorm of controversy, as the timing of the ad was incredibly poor and highly offensive to millions of Americans. The ad featured a “monkey with an Olympic dream” lifting himself up on still rings, with flashing cameras in the background. I don’t need to tell you about the flaws of mixing the imagery of black people and monkeys.
NBC came forth with their explanation for what happened shortly afterward:
“Gabby Douglas’ gold medal performance last night was an historic and inspiring achievement,” NBC Universal spokeswoman Liz Fischer said. “The spot promoting `Animal Practice,’ which has run three times previously, is one in a series with an Olympic theme, which have been scheduled for maximum exposure. Certainly no offense was intended.”
I refer to the statement an “explanation” and an “excuse” because it clearly was not an apology. I find it interesting that NBC would go out of their way to tell us that they didn’t intend to offend us. Did anyone think that they offended us deliberately? What the network needs to understand is that most offensive organizations are not deliberately ignorant, and even in the case where you accidentally offend or insult another party, an apology is more meaningful than simply thinking that your lack of intent lets you off the hook.
The tone of the NBC excuse is consistent with the manner by which many organizations clean up after offending the black community (there isn’t much of a penalty for offending black folks). In situations where a sincere apology seeking humility and understanding is called for, we instead get the insinuation that we are simply being too sensitive and that the lack of intent should exonerate the offender from what they’ve done. That’s like my saying “I don’t have to apologize for running you over with my car because it’s clear that I didn’t see you in the street. Therefore, you have no reason to be angry with me. ”
Perhaps NBC should consider an alternative statement that goes something like this:
“Gabby Douglas’ gold medal performance last night was an historic and inspiring achievement. It has been brought to our attention that the spot promoting `Animal Practice’ was offensive to some, who see the ad as a reminder of America’s painful racial history. To those who were offended by the ad, we sincerely apologize. Certainly no offense was intended.”
Do you see how easy that was? You see, a person who refuses to apologize for a wrong they’ve committed against another person is actually committing a second offense by turning the blame for the turmoil onto the injured party. When I say, “Oh, I wasn’t trying to offend you with the monkey ad that came on right after your African American hero,” I am effectively saying that it is your perception of the situation that is flawed, not my actions.
Let’s be clear: What NBC did was horrible and humiliating for everyone. A simple apology was all that the situation called for, not a tongue-twisting explanation for all the reasons that it wasn’t your fault. All throughout our history in this country, African Americans are consistently told that slavery wasn’t a big deal, that we get offended too easily and that racial bias is the social boogeyman only seen by those who are determined to harbor delusional conspiracy theories. But the truth is that the rest of world can clearly see (as the United Nations has cited our country for blatant human rights violations in our education, economic and criminal justice systems) that the most delusional among us are those who somehow believe that American racism is a thing of the past.
The first step toward racial healing is accountability. We’re tired of being manipulated.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
They NEVER apologize. They continue to think the Jhedi mind trick are and still work. They really think we are ignorant to their voces and will ever challenge their actions. I BEG TO DIFFER. It was in poor judgement and taste. No matter how intelligent we are, how athletic we are or how morally intact we are….to them we are and remain, just another N-word….
NBC, and other networks can protect itself from these types of mistakes by hiring more Black Americans in upper and middle management and giving them the internal support they will need have their views heard and respected.
That won’t help Leslie, the NBC white racist are just being themselves. What young Ms Gabby did was nullify again the lies that whites tell their kids about us. As in our jobs, we come to work to focus on our jobs, and they come to work to focus on us. You go Gabby, pull them out of their closets so they can tell the world what they really think of us.
You mean the same “white racists” that go out of their way to skew the news in Obama’s favor? Get a grip on reality, the ad was simply in rotation, and it just so happened that its turn came up after Gabby’s performance. I could just as well have come up after a 200-meter race, with a no-doubt black winner.
I have noticed one consistency among the overly-sensitive “every white guy is a racist” black folks out there — not one of them cares that NBC routinely and deliberately manipulates its news reporting to favor the “black agenda,” such as the notorious editing of George Zimmerman’s 911 call. And compare how NBC hounded George Bush while he was in office to how NBC goes after — or rather, doesn’t go after — Barack Obama. The NBC (and ABC and CBS) bias favoring Obama in this campaign cycle is also becoming apparent.
Yes, there are moments in time when racism actually does rear its ugly head. The rotation of an advertisement with a monkey (or ape, chimp, or gorilla) isn’t one of them. I have not seen the ad, which I understand to be a promo for a new NBC television show? Are you over-sensitive black folks out there going to boycott NBC for having show with a monkey on it? And heaven forbid that the show come on right after a rerun of The Jeffersons or Good Times.
Sorry that you feel so offended by people actually feeling offended after racist whites have called blacks monkeys for centuries. When its you that has to endure racism on a regular basis,be it subliminal or overtly,then you tell me how you feel about it. It exists everyday , I see it and experience it. When its not happening to you,it doesn’t exist. To blame the person or people who experience it almost daily is extra offensive and insensitive. Nobody is making this up. It exists and unfortunately, amongst our own kind.
Not this time idiot… No getting of a grip other than the realization that America has created her own mess and because of the constant and historic lack of sensitivity there remains a residual effect. I hate NBC… I hate the way they have managed this Olympic coverage and how they have all but relegated the events I am interested in to pay TV. I am sick of swimming, water polo and all field hockey and the like.
I don’t expect anything else from these people. They are void of sensitivity except when their circumstances are involved. Everyone else has to “just get over it!” White America will have the tables turned on them soon enough… Watch! And then they will be moaning about every injustice and lack of proper judgement. I expect nothing more than what you said in your post!!
Just curious. Reading between the lines, do I read that you wish to inflict injustice on others, solely because of their skin color? And you just can’t wait for the opportunity to do so?
As for the coverage of the Olympics, I agree that it isn’t the best. I will suggest that some of the selections of coverage (gymnastics, water polo, swimming, and other things you noted) get that attention because they frankly get little attention outside of the olympics. Other sports, like basketball, get tons of TV time every year. Not trying to disagree with you on this matter, just giving a possible reason it is the way it is. As for me, I like the bobsled and ski jump in the winter olympics, neither of which I have ever tried and neither of which I see outside of the every 4 years of the winter olympics.
I will agree that if you truly are offended, that not watching NBC would work well. I believe that boycotts that people actually follow through wtih are very effective. So often though, people just gripe about it, but keep watching. Sort of like people say we ought to buy stuff make in the USA, yet 98% of the stuff in their house was made in a China or some other foreign country.
There r endless examples of the president & his family being portrayed as apes, gorillas, etc.! Coincidental? I don’t f*ckin think so! IT IS U WHO NEEDS TO “GET A GRIP ON REALITY”! Portraying blks n this manner has always been a media mainstay n this racist white supremacist culture. The use of harmful media images like these r subliminal, INTENTIONAL & is a persuasive frequently used means of convincing others that the blk race is subhuman. THESE ADS R NOT COINCIDENTAL! Hitler used this same kind of negative imagery n n**i Germany against the Jews to great effect. Do u remember The Holocaust? I am sure that there were many whites & Jews alike who were dismissive of this kind of imagery then also. Although many Jews did not survive to talk about it! When whites have been subjected to over 400+ yrs of brutality, oppression, & nonstop harmful imagery at the hands of blks, then u can talk to me about being “over-sensitive”! Lastly, if NBC favors the president as u allege, then FOX most certainly favors every right wing conservative & murderer George Zimmerman.
Keep Telling it like it is…it counterbalances the (pre)-programmed thoughts of others.
When someone takes exception to an action or comment of another person,group or entity they’re not ‘overly sensitive’ as you like to refer to it, the appropriate term is OFFENDED. If someone is offended by something you did and brings it to your attention, if you respect the person, then you APOLOGIZE for the offense. It’s that simple. Making excuses and trying to justify your action(s) is not an apology. What NBC and those who tell the offended party ‘to get over it’ is essentially saying, ‘I/we don’t give an EF about how you feel’.
…I don’t buy it.
I am a Africam American as i was thinking lets give more attention 2 Ms. Gabby and her SUCESS and let that be that Mr. Boykin u seem 2 be upset about alot of things and my opinion 2 u is sit ur a*s DOWN ur really getting on my nerves with ur rants although some r good but if we as blacks keep giving white ppl who have a problem with blacks that much attention then we will never grow IT IS WHAT IT IS… A BIG SHOUT OUT 2 GABBY U GO GIRL…PS Doc. y haven’t u said anythang about our OWN COLOR making fun of Gabby’s hair seeing how that ur so mad with the network and a monkey
Your wrong on both accounts take black history to learn what should be watched out for! and he did cover the hair issue! Have you seen how they treat the first family! We must get out more and take those blinders off!
My bad Mr. Watkins typo on ur name
I watch NBC all the time and cannot believe they did that. I hope the people working for NBC will have the guts to speak up and find this offensive and the need for an apology is only right. We must speak up all the time when white people insults us because they always think its ok.
js
Of course NBC meant to do it. Nothing is put on television without a plan.
This is the on-going SMEAR campaign against Black women by the traditional media and the Internet.
The intent is to instill these negative images of Black women into the public conscience. Once they put the image out there, the job is done. It doesn’t matter whether they apologize because the did what they wanted to do. We should start considering Class Action lawsuits.
The other “not so covert” SMEAR that was done was with this Black women are ugly campaign; hiding behind a surrogate to print the so called facts.
The “black women are ugly” campaign has gone on since slavery. My elders said this was done to try and stop the l**t that white men had for their slave women. So white women began to plant the seed that black women were not as beautiful as white women.
And in a way, those Southern folks theory makes sense, when u really begin to think deeply about it.
WE need to boycott NBC there have complaints about NBC
not covering the story of Gabby as we know.
WE need to call on Rev Jessie Jackson Sr he is the man for
this job.He have been fighting the big Corporations for
year. and he is still doing it. The media don’t want us to know
this but we need to read media that keep us as African Americans
informed. Dr Boyce Watkins do an excellent job in doing that.
I spend hours literally speaking reading all the post on his blog.
and i read the comments.
Thank u DR. Watkins and other that write. !!! this is our new
BET for our Black World. Please keep your blog going /DR Watkins !!! BRAVO to You and other !!!
How can we as a country fight for people in other countries for their freedom when right here in the US people of color are being treated and talked about in the most demeaning way.
Hater still exist.
Please excuse all typos …one correction there have been complaints. Again please excuse all typos
As stated yesterday, exclusivity is Dangerous when One Network demands and pays to be ONLY the one showing an event seen every four years. You can demand an apology, but if you don’t get it just put a DENT in THEIR NIELSEN RATINGS…..STOP WATCHING NBC, and at that point, they will re-evaluate their BEHAVIOR!!!! You have to protest, if not in the streets, then use your TV…Just turn the channel. It takes a village, and the Black Community is a LARGE VILLAGE.
My first observation is that you apologize to those whose feelings you care about. So I feel that the lack of an apology shows that NBC doesn’t care much about it’s African American customer base. But African American’s weren’t the only ones who saw the timing of this ad as offensive.
@Amazing Grace you are on point! Boycott NBC! These mega networks think they have no accountability to anyone, especially African Americans. The same would not have happened to someone of Jewish descent and if so the uproar that would ensue . . .!
Thank you Dr. Watkins for keeping us informed!
“of Jewish descent” Aren’t NBC, ABC, CBS, and the Spanish Network owned by Jews? Not FOX though.
DIABOLICAL!!
My second observation is that someone, or several individuals, made the decision to air the ad right after Gabby’s tribute very recently. Gabby just won, so the tribute had to be added. So in re-arranging ads, someone made that call to air the ad after the tribute, and it got approved. And someone at NBC is laughing at their attempt at a joke that many don’t find funny.
“Suck it up haters.” You just can’t stand it when we WIN!!
Would NBC have shown the “same ad” had Gabby not won?
I have my doubts.
All networks need the H— sued out of them, and get their attention on doing wrong things to Black Folks !!!!Amen
NBC owes Gabby Douglas and all Americans an apology, “We’re sorry.” Don’t qualify the apology; just apologize for the insensitive incident.
Since what we saw in Prime Time was a tape of the live event, NBS controllers knew exactly what they were doing. They just don’t have any perspective but a white one. The entire gymnastics coverage was about the white girls and their disappointment in not performing well. They failed on the world stage, while 16-year old Gabby Douglas maintained her poise and performed like a champ. Even as NBC “celebrated” Gabby gold medal, they still showed shots of the defeated white gymnasts. They could not give Gabby and her Asian American coach their due and America’s full attention.
The following night they aired a nostalgic look back at when American gymnastic champs were white. It was outrageous. I thought it akin to running a retrospective on the 42 previous US Presidents on the night after America elected Barack Obama, our first black President. “When whites ruled the world;” those were the days! Bah!
WHEN BLACKS STOP SELF-LOATHING …
Monkey images will no longer be offensive.
Amen!
And what should NBC apologize for? Promoting a tv show ? To get ratings and make money?
Whatever. Boycott! Who cares? I’m not.
Well put Rex. A freaking monkey is a freaking monkey.
The self worth of a black person cannot be based on what any hate monger believes, but should be based on the recognizance that all human beings are born worthy in God’s eyes. Period.
The commercial, regardless of the true intent, was not offensive.
God bless Gabby!
It is sad yet evident that the shackles that were once on our bodies, r now on r brains! “The commercial, regardless of the true intent, was not offensive”. its clear that u have very little “self worth”when u defend an ad that refers to African Americans as monkeys. Too many of us have such low insult levels that if it weren’t so pathetic it would b laughable, & is one of the many reasons why we r the laughingstock of the world. Through their actions they keep showing us how much they hate us & despise us. Through our acceptance of their insults / actions we show that we hate ourselves even more.
Ream yourself – RexKKK!
Excuse you? When haters stop comparing the President and First Lady to monkies maybe then we can get over it.
I agree, the President and his family are called monkey’s on a daily by bloggers and they do it because they hear adoult Politicans say it.
But we need to let NBC and Youtube also know that Blacks American’s doesn’t like to be called monkey’s.
THANK YOU, REX!
REX go kill yourself And take these ignorant Negroes that agreed with you as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excuse me, but the negative imagery is a big part of why many blks self loath. Most don’t have a clue as to how the nonstop harmful depictions shown n media effect the psyche. Tv is none other than a means of mind control / brainwashing. When you see & hear 24/7 everything on tv n newspapers & mags that is white praised & glorified & everything blk criminalized & marginalized it perpetuates self hatred & also leads to negative defeatist behaviour. Especially n those who have no knowledge of their history. That is why we r so seldom portrayed positively, because it is too empowering. N this so called post racial environment where the prez & his family r attacked constantly & called the most horrific names, Im totally @ a loss when blks r so dismissive of what is right before their own eyes. I wonder what it will take before u & many others actually get it. Hanging us fr trees again perhaps?
NBC did infact apologize on HUFF POST. However: As a very successful Black woman I would like to say every intension imaginable was intended and personally THE REVOLUTION WOULD BE TELEVISED …APOLGY IS NOT ACCEPTED! . I realize you’re SORRY! ” Tell me something I don’t know. With money comes Responsibility Not Power. Wisdom is POWER and it’s obvious you have neither . The CEO of NBC authorized this commercial and I’d like nothing better than to put my foot in Comcast & GE AZZ ..Oh Did I say that???? I meant their POCKET. Let’s see! with Comcast owning 51% and GE owning 49% that pretty much says it all huh??? Well count yourselves LUCKY! This is one BLACK WOMAN you don’t want to see on your BEST DAY…Aside from your DO NOT PASS GO…( GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD) it has been revoked and you my friends would be screwed. I’ve ran with the BEST and you fellows don’t want it with me. DON”T add that notch to your belt just yet I have yet the opportunity to talk to Ms Douglas
Thumbs up!!
Princess Gabby was the epitome of perfection throughout her Olympic performances, nothing NBC or anybody else who try to do to belittle her and our race can take away from the grace, professionalism, and above all the victories she exhibited and accomplished!
However, it is important for organizations and people to express displeasure with pitiful, asinine, insecure and ignorant bigots who represent their devilish composition! Throughout history insecure despots, tyrants and their followers have tried to undermine the accomplishments of people of color in sports as well as other career fields, This is done by them because they feel insecure and jealous. Many of them who in their own minds feel worthless and inferior can only feel important when they abuse someone else! It’s a sickness, a mental illness and requires treatment from mental health professionals. The irony is that the best treatment for their mental disease comes from the very people whom they try to put down when those people rear up in protest and put mirrors in front of them!
I had to make a correction recently on another article where they referred to Princess Gabby as the “Flying Squirrel”. That monica is no longer acceptable, for young Gabby at 16 years of age has approached young adulthood! No man wants to hear his beautiful daughter referred to as a ‘Flying Squirrel’for the rest of her life nor compare her talented gift as a gymnast to some animal rather than the graceful human being she is, with talent and hard work used by her to be victorious over other competitors!
If you want to honor our young Princess, do so by starting the trend of referring to Miss Douglas as Princess Gabby! Psychology is like a pendulum, it swings both ways! You feel me!
So Rex, have you stopped beating your wife yet?
First of all, I don’t agree with what NBC did. What bothers me the most is how we publicly denounce each other. My people, if we hate on each other, how do we expect to get respect from others outside our race. I am STILL outraged about the tweets regarding Gabby’s hair, which is beautiful, of course. Do you have any idea how damaging that can be to that child? The tweets were done by her own constituents. Yesterday, I had to tell a few people off because they started with the comments regarding her hair. With this being said, let’s work on ourselves first before we start chastising others and let’s be consistent in a positive way when it comes to us. Let’s stop the “Willie Lynch” mentality for once.
@Wanda–you are 100% right!!! But its always easier to continue to blame White people for our twisted views about ourselves, rather than looking inward. I wish there was this much outrage when we are putting each other down. Some of us get upset over a Monkey ad, but stay silent when rappers talk about BW or other BW talk about Gabby’s hair. Self-hate is the new normal, but we are supposed to be boycotting when a White network offends the BC? What exactly should come first, the chicken or the egg? We should stop pointing fingers at White people and heal ourselves.
Those tweeters didn’t have to necessarily been BW. They may have been AA pictures, but you don’t know who’s behind them.
I actually heard that people were learning spanish and other languages and then going into chatrooms and message boards of those language speakers and promoting hate. Can’t believe it? Yeah, people. It’s real! Ever heard of Rosetta Stone? It’s very popular theses days.
NBC did infact apologize on HUFF POST. However: As a very successful Black woman I would like to say every intension imaginable was intended and personally THE REVOLUTION WOULD BE TELEVISED …APOLGY IS NOT ACCEPTED! . I realize you’re SORRY! ” Tell me something I don’t know. With money comes Responsibility Not Power. Wisdom and Knowledge is POWER and it’s obvious you have neither . The CEO of NBC authorized this commercial and I’d like nothing better than to put my foot in Comcast & GE AZZ ..Oh Did I say that???? I meant their POCKET. Let’s see! with Comcast owning 51% and GE owning 49% that pretty much says it all huh??? Well count yourselves LUCKY! This is one BLACK WOMAN you don’t want to see on your BEST DAY…Aside from your DO NOT PASS GO…
( GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD) it has been revoked and you my friends would be screwed. I’ve ran with the BEST and you fellows don’t want it with me. DON”T add that notch to your belt just yet I have yet the opportunity to talk to Ms Douglas….
Sheswealthy
Except for Rex, I agree with Dr.Boyce and the rest of the comments are on point with this takes and disgustingly racist incident and coverage of Gabby’s historic gold medal win. I’m going to boycott NBC. there are a couple of shows I enjoy on the network, but I’ll just wait until they hit netflix. The network knew what they did and their unapologetic statement proves their real intent.
NBC should be made accountable for their actions. No commercial is aired without thought and preparation.They knew exactly what they were doing.We should send THEM some sort of message in response to their NO APOLOGY.We have a tendency to FORGIVE and FORGET.Not this time WHITE FOLKS!!!!
Right on Dr Boyce!!!!!!!!
This is what this country does, perpetrates hate and on-going, multi-millenium spewing of disrespect and in-bred contempt for the people who keep this country in the tenuous position of global leadership which the skin privileged enjoy in this bastion of racial and class insanity.
However, the masses of blacks who have allowed themselves to subconsciously buy into the imposed self hate that this democracy — oops demonic oligarchial plutocracy has incalcated and ingrained in our psyche for hundreds of years, we must also take responsibility for being so lost as to criticize this beautiful young lady’s hair, versus praising her for exemplifying the goodness and gifts we have brought to the table, as a people, for this thankless country for centuries while continuing to be denounced, destroyed, and devastated by the on-going trauma of jealously, envy, greed and contempt that the racist plutocrats continue to have as part and parcel of this American culture.
Start loving yourself, your history, your Ancestors and your HAIR versus seeking the approval of those who suppress and are obsessing with demeaning you and your people, who built and continue to rescue, bless and uplift this evil empire, and you won’t need the approval of these mad, mad oligarchial plutocrats who feed off of your ignorance and self hate.
LOVE YOU. LOVE YOUR HAIR. LOVE AND RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU HAVE BROUGHT AND CONTINUE TO BRING TO THE TABLE IN AMERICA. THERE WOULD BE NO EXTOLLED AMERICA WERE IT NOT FOR WHAT AMERICA’S POSTE AND MODERN SLAVES HAVE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE.
WAKE UP! COMMAND YOUR RESPECT AND STOP LOOKING FOR APPROVAL OF YOUR MELANIN, YOUR HAIR, YOUR UNIQUENESS. OWN IT AND BE PROUD AND STOP TRYING TO APE AND SEEK THE APPROVAL OF THOSE WHO HATE YOU!
Think about what? Are you saying institutional racism makes sense or is this an opportunity to further an ideology you reverently believe. If so, this is not the forum for that. As a middle-age African American man I can truthfully state that there is nothing attractive about white woman to me, and after growing up in Boston and riding public transportation with whites during times when the weather is humid or cold, well the stench that whites exude is appalling to my sense of smell. It actually reminds me of a dog kennel. Nothing superior there when comparing gorgeous black women to white woman. In my opinion, I’d rather a women whose smell gets sweeter when she sweats rather than the smell of a dog. I don’t think you promoting institutional racism, but stating the rationale that some aspects of racism makes sense is absolutely and incredibly ignorant.
@montely The smell is worse on the Red Line. The Green Line is horrible too. The smell is at its worse when it rains and they get wet and get on the train/trolley. Smelled it a day ago when it rained in Boson.
Having worked in TV, I certainly don’t believe this was intended. Yet, many things unintentional do offend people. The type of explanation or apology offered depends on who writes it and how they percieve or understand the offense was understood by the offended party.
You see, when a sadistic abuser violates and tortures its victim, and that masochistic victim grovels at his feet even more, and pleads for the love of that s****t more, that s****t hates that m*******t even more, and brutalizes that victim even more. Both are sick.
Get it?????
Jealous of her and our beautiful race…I served in the Marines with them; There is a deeply rooted seed of Jealousy within these people on all kind of levels..As we do know the old saying about jealousy; It’s like a disease that can KILL…
Really people, I knew when I saw the ad, one of us was going to be offended. Not me, I know who I am. Black, beautiful, woman, Gods daughter and so on.
If they meant it, so what? does it change Gabby, does it change anything? Grow up people,
Accidents happen and so does stupidity.
Let them be either or and celebrate Gabby!
All thus bull is overshadowing her win!
I agree with everybody’s sentiments. NBC’s wack explanation was tasteless. I will be boycotting them and won’t be watching NBC programming any longer.
I also want to add, however, that we as a people continue to show disdain and self-hatred towards one another. So until we’re able to figure out how to solve our internal problems without outside influence, we won’t have a leg to stand on when attempting to rise up against injustices such as this.
I say protest NBC and its sponsors to show how power monkey money has.
I SEE THAT I AM GOING TO BE IN THE MINORITY WITH THIS,BUT SO WHAT!I DID NOT EVOLVE FROM A d**n MONKEY!I AM A DESCENDANT OF ADAM WHO WAS CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF THE I AM THAT I AM GOD HIMSELF!I FOUND THE COMMERCIAL FUNNY AS HECK,AND I LAUGHED.IT PROMOTED AN UPCOMING COMEDY AND MORE THAN LIKELY SET TO RUN REGARDLESS TO WHO WON THE GOLD.I AM SO SICK OF EVERYTHING BEING RELEGATED TO “RACISM”!IT IS TIME TO GROW UP AND LET ALL OF THE NONSENSE GO.GET OVER YOURSELVES PEOPLE AND CHAMPION A MORE WORTHY CAUSE LIKE OUR YOUTH LOSING THEIR d**n MINDS,AND KILLING ONE ANOTHER LIKE IT’S AN OLYMPIC SPORT!
If you watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games you would have saw the same thing happen when a young Black man from England performed with a White girl from England. They showed flashes of various couples kissing. One of the flashes was was a monkey kissing a White Girl. This is not only NBC, but this is White Supremacy is general.
“How, let me ask, would you look upon me, were I, some dark night, in company with a band of hardened villains, to enter the precincts of your elegant dwelling and seize the person of your own lovely daughter Amanda, and carry her off from your family, friends and all the loved ones of her youth—make her my slave—compel her to work, and I take her wages—place her name on my ledger as property—disregard her personal rights—fetter the powers of her immortal soul by denying her the right and privilege of learning to read and write—feed her coarsely—clothe her scantily, and whip her on the naked back occasionally; more and still more horrible, leave her unprotected—a degraded victim to the brutal l**t of fiendish overseers, who would pollute, blight, and blast her fair soul—rob her of all dignity—destroy her virtue, and annihilate all in her person the graces that adorn the character of virtuous womanhood? I ask how would you regard me, if such were my conduct? I am your fellowman, not your slave (anymore)”
- Fredrick Douglas (in a letter to his former slavemaster who was still holding his four siblings captive in 1848.
The truth of the matter is that to apologize would be tantamount to admitting that racism is willfully and deeply embedded in American society.
Colorado theatre shooter James Holmes would have stood a better chance of acquittal if the victims were all Black and he claimed he was just ‘standing his ground’! The more serious issues of gun control and equal justice have traditionally been swept under the carpet where the perpetrators were Caucasian and until we have a serious dialogue which accepts and admits that these people have a greater preponderance towards violence unlike what the media spews out, there will be no light at the end of the tunnel of decadent and deviant morass ill-fittingly called democracy. This nation can never be considered a true democracy our melting pot until we stop making excuses for these kinds of monsters regardless of color.
James Holmes (2012 Aurora, Colorado Theatre Dark knight massacres-12 dead), Seung-Hui Cho (2007 Virginia Tech shooting), Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris (1999 Columbine High School, Colorado massacre-13 murdered), Timothy McVeigh (1995 Oklahoma Alfred Murrah Federal Building bomber-168 murdered), One L. Goh (2012 Oikos University, Oakland shooting-7 murdered), Andrew Kehoe (1927 Bath School, Michigan massacres-45 murdered), Charles Joseph Whitman (1966 University of Texas, Austin massacre-14 murdered), Gian Luigi Ferri (101, California Street, SF massacres in 1993-9 dead), Jeff Weise (2005 Red Lake High School, Minnesota killings-7 dead), Ted ‘Unabomber’ Kaczynski (Harvard-3 dead), George Jo Hennard (1991 Killeen, Texas massacre-22 dead), Kyle Aaron Huff (2006 Seattle, Washington killings-6 dead), Malik Nadal Hassan (2009 Fort Hood, Texas shootings- 13 dead), Jared Lee Loughner (2011 Tucson, Arizona shootings-6 dead). Charles Manson, Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer and hundreds of other White deviants have exhibited a murderous pattern which often included cannibalism and torture. The really amazing part is that most Americans can’t even remember these names or what their offenses were. This is the power of selective, deliberate racial profiling. Their actions are always excused as the result of ‘medication’, ‘a temporary break with reality’, ‘stress’, ‘accidental discharges’, ‘amnesia’, ‘mental illness’, and a host of other lame excuses which strive unsuccessfully to convince the rest of the nation that whites are not dangerous and their actions always have a reason. The maxim- ‘innocent before proven guilty’- is always applied to the max in these cases and for each one who was eventually convicted and sent away, there are hundreds of thousands who got off scot-free. On the converse, everybody remembers OJ Simpson….oh yeah, he’s black, that’s right…of course they remember him. They live to justify their revulsion and hatred of minorities by such isolated incidents. Don’t even get me started on the Trail of Tears or the Middle Passages (Slave Trade).
Ever since May 27, 1637 when English settlers under Captain John Mason and Narragansett and Mohegan allies set fire to a fortified Pequot village near the Mystic River in Connecticut killing 700 innocent Native-Americans, mayhem and murder have been the order of the day in the United States of America, with white maniacs running amok, unchecked, their actions uncontrollable. The amazing part of this is that despite all the adversity faced by slaves and their descendants, not one of these mass murderers are African-American, yet American society has been systematically brainwashed and mentally coerced to despise, fear and hate the Black man, blissfully ignorant as to why they feel so much revulsion for a race of people that built America and has done them no harm, yet the white racist serial-killing monsters in our midst remain anonymous and their actions continue unabated, supported by the NRA under the guise of the ‘right to bear arms’, the political and social system under ‘the stand your ground law’ and numerous other racist, prejudiced and oppressive laws which are designed to maintain the status quo….
NBC does NOT need to APOLOGIZE. As an African American I was not offended. Regardless of the past historical racist intent that SOME white people projected through the imagery association of monkeys with black people, such past attempts reflected the blatant dysfunction of those with ill intent. Monkeys or animals in general have always been used in commercial media imagery and advertising. This offense that SOME black people have toward monkeys is SUPERSTITIOUS and irrationationally egotistic. It reflects more the insecurity and unresolved self inflicted trauma that SOME black people remained attached. Even if it was intended, No one is offended, your inner peace and self confidence and pride can not be disturbed unless you give your permission. Furthermore, it can be argued that those who are quick to give their PERMIISION TO BE OFFENDED are seeking a VALIDATION of their VALUE that is not neccessary or warranted. There is clearly a BLATANT LACK of evidence to support the belief of ill intent by NBC and thus NO APOLOGY is neccessary nor needed. Gabby’s Clear success supercedes any need to be ever be offended. It warrants a pride that is both individual for herself and collectively for both African Americans and the United States of America that she represents.
What is very disturbing here is that everyone is arguing about a well known fact that has been in place for decades. The white media has and always will demean the Afro-American race. It is now even more prevalent than before the white media dehumanizes us, we are the first to begin to knock each other down, like crabs in a barrel. In order to not be offended with what the white media broadcasts, my advice is to turn off the television and open a book. Stop patronizing the oppressors by turning on that television station and complaining about the injustices our race has to endure with the white media. Furthermore, STOP internalizing every “supposed” derogatory remark. We are not monkeys, and we are not the only race that consumes fried chicken and watermelon. Every time you take ownership of these remarks, you are allowing them to own you. Congrats Gabby on your well deserved win! You have great accomplishments in your young life, and you have made your parents very proud! Do not let this win define who you are as a person because you are more than just an Olympian…
Let me tell the truth. I am very proud of Gabby accomplishments as a black youth. We want our black children to see what they can be if they try hard. It’s self-determination and upbringing that matters to succeed in life whether you’re Black, White, Asian or Mexican. Environment plays almost 99.99% of your success in life. I want Gabby to go and talk to Chicago Black neighborhood children. This will inspire children in the neighborhood to see things differently than hatred and violence. Gabby was powerful. Gabby is our heroine.
Why does everything have to come down to racism? It was an ad! and it just so happened a black girl won the event. Good for her. And big deal about the ad. If people would stop seeing something wrong and bad in everything this world would be a happier place. Who cares what colour anyone’s skin is or what religion or s****l orientation? Why can’t we just all accept each other as equal human beings? Enjoy the Olympics, enjoy the winners, enjoy the medals, enjoy the ads. Just act like human beings.
What gets me is people like Dr. Luv, who has probably been in no confrontation with racism, and sees nor color is very out of touch with reality. Some of us Blacks thinks it is alright for other non Blacks to downgrade us. We’ll say stupid remarks like, “just as long as i get mine! They can talk all they want, because I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.” You are nothing put a piece of trash, and disgrace to your people. Four hundred years ago we would have not said anything just on the facts alone, you were trying to protect someone to get to safety.
WaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaWaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
My God you ppl are NUTS!! What a bunch of drama queens !!
You think there was one iota of INTENT to OFFEND ??
Grow the f up you little babys.
Get over yourselves.
I dont think that we r manipulated and we certainly r not Ignorant, but we r clearly tired of a group of people thinkin that we r .
we dont like the things that america does to us but what do we do about it, instead of just being angry about it or making a fuss about it . we nee to b heard and take a stand because we r clearly not respected,and in that case we have to demand our respect.
on another note. at this point Ms gabby Douglas should b telling them they can kiss her a** .she did what she came to do and they can show all the monkey adds they want to ,while she is getting paid and doing her promotional adds . this was an historical moment for all to c . people of color have come such along way and to those folks who still wont recognize that we r better and or more powerful then they r is their way of being scared so this is what they do and will continue to do because they really cant do nothing else , but b child like . thats on them and they should b scared because what goes around comes around………
I agree with Michelle. Dr. Watkins you are very special you continue to prey on the negatives becacuae it is part of your media you play the same racist game of Black and white so what is new. Perhaps if we stop playing the color scheme game and be who we were 400 years ago African people Racist folk White or Black. If you want to do something progressive why don’t you take on the definition of Black and White in Webster’s Dictionary.
Black is always inferior and White is always superior. We tell children Black is Beautiful but the Bible (The Lexicon) does not give the correct analogy or analysis. We know that all colors are beautiful. But as long as Webster defines Black as inferior it will never be beautiful in the mind of a child. Think about for a moment Every one has a nationality except The American (Negro) ( Colored) ( or Dark skin person that was brought here as a slave . Alex Haley was trying to tell us something with ROOTS,but we fell right into the trap of White power Racism. Then Black Power. Still and yet White is superior in the very English Lexicon but no one see’s that. It is so wrong to classify people by color. Dark skin people from India are not classified as Black or any one else that comes from a foreign country Only 2 countries both USA,that is Union of South Africa and the United States of America ( Apartheid ) and bigoted,discriminatory practice by a color code system by the Caucasian European,Anglo who run the system of the very school from which you got your Ph.D Puppet and the puppeteer. House,yard and field caught up in the same revolving door of despair. I am A African man from West Africa I am dark Brown,how dark is Brown before you are Black and the most asinine thing a very fair or light skin person of African heritage or ancestry saying he or she is Black when in fact many look very; as you say white in complexion. If you don’t know what tribe our country you come from in Africa because your identity was taken away at least you should know that they came from Africa originally. A Chinese person not matter how long he has been in the USA is still Chinese they don’t classify them by a color,A person Gambia ,or Senegal or Ghana, Angola is still known by the name of the country they come from,unless they are stupid to play the racist color code game of the racist.
Search The name Salah Mateus and get some enlightenment. Last word up as long as you play the color game you are still a Big (N—–)Wake up. Think for your self and stop regurgitating the zombie mode they got you in with your Ph.D.
It was interesting as I watched the world record being broken by one of our American swimmers and within minutes a Commerical Ad came on tv displaying this awesome accomplishment. My wife and I both were amazed at the swiftness of the running of this Ad with the exact time of the new record. This says to me that the Network has the ability to format whatever they desire to be shown to its viewing public. Apology or no apology; Explanation or no explanation something is terribly wrong with how we the American people overlook how easily we are being manipulated to continue to be divided.
Americans are quick to offend and then say “SORRY”. Keep your fake apology, Gabby is Golden.
OK, First I must say that I love the Olympics and I always Cheer for the USA, However the point that NBC ran that Ad after Gabby won was to make Us feel that She is not of any important’s, But if it wasn’t for Gabby the United States would not have the Glory to celebrate…I was also very upset to why they constantly talked about Aly and not Gabby as if she (Aly) was the only one who won the gold as the Fab – Five, but the true really is that Gabby was the winner because she also bet Aly in the individual…NBC still need to apology for their Ignorant to Gabby because She worked just as hard as the rest of Her team…Black Women and BlackPeople are Beautiful People…
Privatization works for the elite! Companies like NBC are part of a conglomerate which is owned by the wealthiest (and most racist) families in the world! They champion privatization because it means that they can takeover businesses which were built by tax-payer dollars! With the help of their political, and ‘other’ “government surrogates” the pillage the equity, while decreasing the income and benefits of the low-level employees etc.
The ‘airwaves’ that these conglomerates use at taxpayer’s expense makes these wealthy (greedy) sociopathic individuals and their flunkies, ever wealthier and powerful! Our very psychosocial consciousnesses are manipulated, distorted and warped by these terrifying people! It is not by mistake, but by design, that most of us are thinking and acting in insanely helter-skelter scatterbrained fashion!
So not only do these tyrants have their hands in our pockets, but they’ve infected our mindsets according to our separate and intricate social foundations. What is worse they have planned their actions and safety features, decades ahead of us and the of who are aware can never remove them or change their solid well thought-out and designed ‘cons’. They have literally positioned themselves safely “above the law”!
People,
There is one thing in the United States of America that is consistent: Racism.
The very foundation of this country is racist. Why are we shocked when those in control show there true heart.
This is my country but we got some REAL problems and hate covered racism is the main sickness and Evil in this United States of America.
The unseen force is defeated, lets remind ourselves of this Truth.
Good cannot be defeated. We won, we win and we forgive them for they know not what they do.
CDWimberly
Tulsa, Oklahoma
When we (as a people) stop seeking white approval and acceptances their actions will be less painful. Wake UP, the act was an intentionally coded message sent subliminally to whites only.
d**n Boy, you preaching now! ( I am in the choir but you are speaking under the anointing of 20 million African slaves buried in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dr. Akbar.
I think we are all too sensitive to these kinds of coincidental events. Does being a man or woman of color automatically mean we must take offense about anything even remotely suggestive of racisim? We will not move forward with attitudes that further aleinate us from the rest of the world. I sit through comedy club routiens that are ten times worse and everbody laughs and leaves the theater high. I for one don’t want to be a hyopcrite all miy life.
Peace, love, blessings, admiration and the utmost respect to Gabby Douglas. Few are chosen to receive the heart of a champion. You are a star in spite of all haters.
Obviously NBC and its proponents to this commercial do not have a heart. NBC’s lack of dignity for all mankind and organizational sense of disrespect is now transparent to all the world. Rather than raise the human spirit, NBC has demonstrated, as a media conglomerate, that it is more concerned with debasing it.
Gabby Douglas has lifted a host of countries, nations, communities, people and kindred spirits in a way that NBC is now unable to rival.
Sad to say, we turn on each other at the drop of a hat as usual. Gabby made history and we’re “stuck on stupid” talking about her hair all the while wondering why we don’t get respect.
Great comment, i agree with you 100%, Blacks need to stop being so jealous of each and congratulate each other.
I see black mens who are so jealous of President Obama to point that they have joined the Republicans’ in bad-mouthing the first black President of the united State’s. How sad we are as blacks and i don’t understand why we are like that.
The only thing NBC is sorry about is the fact that they can’t blame it on the Tea Party or Fox news.
Gabby is a beautiful little girl. When I heard that people were talking about her hair it stunned me. Why would anyone criticize her for anything. These are people who are jealous of another person’s success. No matter what color they are. But then appearance is all the Hollywood celebs think about. Gabby will rise above all this. And for NBC to run that ad is at the least stupid and at the most intentional. But NBC is usually busy calling other people racists. Is the President addressing this? I would like to hear his take on this.
When I watched Gabby, all I could think was how great she is. I prayed for her to have a perfect performance. She is thrilling to watch. And also beautiful.
Why are some of us so sensitive? I do not have a degree in psychology. Maybe some of you who do can answer that question. The rage is so thick on this site, that I feel I can cut it with a knife.
Malcolm X said it best: america is always confusing” The victim” with “the criminal” We (Africans/ Native Americans) of Three Hundred Years of Murder,rape,robbery etc. The RACIST” are the CRIMINAL! They still project the same ideas and images.Frederick Douglas said we have been victims to the worst savage treatment known to the world.”Fool me once………..
When Carter G Woodson, in his book, “The Mis-education of the Negro” stated,: “there are two types of education. One that is given to you and one that you teach yourself. He went on to state: “what you teach yourself is more enlightening”. That is sure prophecy as pertains to this article and what I have learned on my own. For example; In the book “The Iceman’s Inheritence” I found on page 105: “Both Asheley Montagu and Ivan T.. Sanderson haave observed that Caucasoids, far brom being the most refined race are aactually the most primitive.
Montaug says; “If racists would take the trouble to visit their local zoo [OR NBC] and take a dispassionat look at one ot the apes [chimps or monkeys], they would find the hair of these creatures lank, that their lips are thin, and that their bodies are profusely covered with hair. In these characters, the White man stands nearer the apes. Knowledge like this is like “TEFLON” to my feelings when what I was taught a very long time ago is “role displacement” prevents my feelings from ever being hurt.
My favorite philosopher Manly P. Hall, in his very famous work “The Secret Teachings of All Ages { pg LVI] really puts light to truth when he states: The human raace is exceedingly old. Modern science counts its age in tens of thousands of years; occultism in tens of millions. There is an old saying that “Mother Earth has shaken many civilizations from her back,” and it is not beyond reason that the principles of astrology and astronomy were evolved millions of years before the first white man appeared”. Again: Carter G. Woodson, to me is more prophet than author.
Thanks, Dr Boyce Wakins;
Yesterday post regarding this ad i couldn’t believe that NBC could stooped so low, but after you article i know its about money, no people.
I was also upset with Youtube because they didn’t have to show the Ad to the world, they would have look much better to me.
Youtube is a part of the problem, not a part of the sultion, they could have given up the wrong for the RIGHT by not posting that ad on Youtube.
Black American’s who access YOUTUBE should no longer signed in to Youtube web site. I stop a long time ago.
Devils don’t have any shame about what they do or say,they
are in the positions that they are in to cause as much trouble
as they can in society to divide the races, and stop the races
from coming together in peace and love for humanity.
Television runs by schedules. There is no ad libbing when it comes to commercials. Too many people have made some pretty dumb assumptions on this thread. The anger and rage is obvious. As long as we act out, speak out, or sell out, in anger, we lose.
“there isn’t much a penalty for offending black folk”, a testimony of the “self-loathe” even by an educated black man! Or, is it a testimony to a fact that “we” don’t work together to ‘punish’ those who offend us or our community? There is no way that any person(s), entity, etc. could have said or done something that was anti-semitic without the full consequence of the jewish community, institutions, businesses, etc. They have ‘put into place’ mechanisms that respond quickly and effectively to squash that kind of negative behavior towards their community. Instead of us just talking about how insulted we are, or, begging for an apology, we should be developing and instilling into our mental psyche a “zero tolerance” and “immediate reprecussions” (financial mostly) towards any person(s), institutions, businesses (NBC) or groups (ethnic) that portrays us in a negative light. We don’t need any more Jesse Jacksons or Al Sharptons, etc., we need individuals with a “black consciousnss” to instruct and train our youth and our community the value of self-respect, integrity, honesty, courage, vision and intolerance to anything that endangers our right to exist in a civil society or, that threatens our young. Either sh*t or get off the stool!
I think this matter is way overblown. Milk Chocolate got it right, the air schedule is the run. No matter who had won, that spot would have run, because it provided maximum exposure for the campaign. Geeez, how hard is it to get that?
Also, we gotta stop being so “slight sensitive” about everything. Things like this so-called incident are not always cause to propagate public outcry. We would get more respect by privately demanding more access to the upper ranks by corporate Black power brokers (Dr. Watkins).
This just feels so 60′s and smells like old school shake-down tactics. #I’mjustsayin’
The media has been up to these tricks for as long as I can remember – both newspapers and tv. They’ve also been making excuses and denying what they do for as long as I can remember.
That’s why I come to Dr Watkins’ site for news (and I’m white).
If it helps at all, remember, they have lots to be jealous about. Lots and lots.
Thank You NBC For Exposing Yourself. Tell Murdock That We Do Not Mean To Offen, However, He Just Lost 60 Million Viewers.
Although I didn’t see the commercial,I do not I would have been offended. I did see Gabby do her thang,and it was beautiful. I know Iam not a monkey and I know Gabby certainly isn’t a monkey so why incite this any more than it should be. If it was intentional then we are giving it fuel. It is what it is. A devil is a devil. What different will it make if they did apologize. Will we really feel any different? Do you feel like a monkey? I dont, nor does my family. Come on people,so giving others power over us. Be comfortable in your own skin.
YOU KNOW “THOSE OF YOU WHO SAY U R AFRICAN AMERICAN AND U WERE NOT OFFENDED” R THE TYPE OF PEOPLE THAT THEY RELY ON TO SUPPORT ALL OF THEIR HIDDEN AND INDIRECT REFERENCES AND THEN SAY I AM SORRY. WE DO NOT NEED YOU TO TELL US HOW TO FEEL AND IT IS GREAT THAT YOU HAVE COME SO FAR. THAT IS JUST HOW WE REACTED TO CIVIL RIGHTS BEING PASSED AND LOOK WHAT HAS HAPPEN IN THE LAST YEARS. ALL IS NEEDED FOR US TO GET PUSHED FARTHER BACK IS FOR YOU TO BE MORE TOLERANCE OF THINGS THAT ARE BEING DONE. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER IT WAS INTENDED AS RACIST OR NOT, IT WAS HIGHLY OFFENSIVE, ILL TIMED AND VERY INSENSITIVE. IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO THINK, THINK AND THEN SPEAK…TOO MANY OFFENSIVE THINGS ARE BEING RELEASED INTO THE AIR TO BE ABSORBED INTO OUR CONSCIENCENESS AND LATER THERE IS AN A FEEBLE ATTEMPT TO NEGATE WHAT HAS BEEN SAID OR DONE-TOO F@#$% LATE-DONT SAY OR DO IT-OH EXCUSE ME YOU MAY HAVE SOME URGENCY AND SOME TYPE OF HIDDEN AGENDA-I MAY BE SPEAKING TOO SOON AND OUT OF TURN. HOWEVER MY EARS DO NOT ALLOW ME TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING AND MY EYES DO NOT ALLOW ME TO HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. SO YOU MUST BE TRYING TO INJECT NOTHINGNESS INTO THE NEVERENDING STORY. GOOD NIGHT !!!
I guess now everytime I see a story about someone black and then there’s a commercial right after with a monkey, ape or baboon, I’ll fly right off the handle…smdh
WE HAVE NOT ARRIVED; WE ARE ON A JOURNEY. I AM AMAZED AT THE OLD THINGS THAT ARE BEING PRESENTED AS NEW AND DIFFERENT. MAYBE WE HAVE NEW AND DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW OR WHO DO NOT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE OLD THINGS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE. THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE HARM THAT THE OLD LIGHTNING, AND THUNDER STORMS CAN DO TO DAMAGE OUR
CURRENT ENDEAVORS TO REMAIN TRUE TO THE JOURNEY AND THE IMPORTANCE IT PLAYS IN OUR ARRIVING AT SOME UNKNOW DESTINATION. IT AINT OVER AND IT WILL NEVER BE OVER, IT IS A NEVERENDING JOURNEY-hmmm JUST LIKE THE NEVERENDING STORY…..
It’s obvious there was no harm meant by this at all. The commercial has been playing non stop since the Olympics started. NBC should have never apologized for this. There was nothing to apologize for.
Congratulations to Gabby and her family!!! On WVON 1690 (Black Talk Radio) today this guy/host from Chicago Housing Authority CHA Chat stated that people are being too sensitive when claiming the “Flying Squirrel” tag given to Gabby was insulting. One caller even suggested she be referred to as “Princess Gabby”. When another person called in and brought up the “Monkey Ad” the host got really excited and said to the caller they were really going too far now to take that as a racial slur! What is our insult level?
Congratulations to Gabby and her family!!! On WVON 1690 (Black Talk Radio) today this guy/host from Chicago Housing Authority CHA Chat stated that people are being too sensitive when claiming the “Flying Squirrel” tag given to Gabby was insulting. One caller even suggested she be referred to as “Princess Gabby”. When another person called in and brought up the “Monkey Ad” the host got really excited and said to the caller they were really going too far now to take that as a racial slur! What is our insult level?
You know; No I guess you don’t know that the networks bid for and pay for the spots nearly a year before the games. They also decide in advance just what will air in what spot.
I can only surmise someone forgot to tell them ahead of time, Gabby was going to win! They should have known so they could stop this particular commercial so as not to offend those blacks who cry racism at every turn. Everyone is a racist except them! They think with their heart rather than their head!
If it happens that the President does not win in November, then the cry’s will go out again, he lost because he is black and the racist just can not stand having a black man in power.
That’s the heart again, it was not black people who put him in office in the first place! It couldn’t possible be his policies, it can’t possible be his economic strategy’s, it can’t be because he has spent nearly 6 Trillion dollars in 3.5 years, or that we, America now have to borrow .40% of every 1 dollar we spend. It could be hope and change never came to pass.
But I digress, NBC had no need to apologize, it didn’t do a bit of good. Because most blacks again think with the heart not the mind! Oh yea, O J was innocent right!
Lots To Learn
REALITY: Ads that run during networks’ major events are NOT decided at the last minute; those ads are planned, in most cases, weeks and months ahead of any program’s airing. But who would win–Miss Gabby “You Are So Fabby” Douglas–was not decided until the event(s). Soooo, don’t think some White, ad madman, manipulator in the control room suddenly said, “Gabby, chimp, let’s go with that. …” It could not have happened that way.
Nevertheless, the ad’s sadly timed airing could have been averted through corporate oversight with cultural forethought.
But, that said, Dr. Boyce wrote it well: the NBC response was a misstep, overly cautious and culturally curt in not accepting any liability for its failure to recognize a risk and adjust when there was certainly time to do so. And, it was not even a proper response for PR’s sake. (Anyone in Public Relations:201 would have known better).
U.S. PROBLEM: At a time when images of scratching apes, monkeys and chimps are being circulated to issue insults toward the highest-ranking man in the USA–President Obama–it goes to prove that many, not most, but a whole lot of White people are going out of their ever-loving-bigotry brains!
GUILTY: Old NBC was at fault for ( 1 ) not recognizing this present-day monkey mess engineered by White hatred and overt racism-gone-wild in America–still, and ( 2 ) its own lack of corporate marketing responsibility to be mindful in all ways–at all times–no excuses.
REMEDY: This flub illustrates why it is crucial to have a well-diversified management team (not just a few Blacks, Asians, Native Americans or Hispanics, scattered in miscellaneous positions in your huge organization). Someone Black or otherwise Black-aware would have suggested to you DAYS or WEEKS ahead of time that if Gabby, in particular, wins, don’t use that version of the campaign ad series; consider the misunderstandings and misgivings that would likely result from the personification of a cute chimp “gymnast” ad shown in proximity to a graceful, beautiful, Black, gymnastic medalist’s Gold victory–especially in the, ooops, same air space. In fact, why not nix the chimp and hire a Koala bear. A sweet, Calico kitty should have been booked maybe; they hang on to things, too : ) So sorry, little chimpanzee actor : (
STUDY CASE: Recently, the “Neighborhood Watch” movie comedy was slated for release, and the teaser posters were already going up in theaters; just then, George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin. Can you say, “PR nightmare!?” That corporation chose to lose mega-million$ to change things fast: the movie was renamed “The Watch,” the marketing campaign rewritten, and its release delayed until months later out of respect for the whole tragic matter and an awareness of Black, White, Hispanic and community sensibilities.
Was that smart business? Yes. Incredibly expensive? Oh, heck yes. Self-preserving? Maybe. Good PR move? Bravo, my Kudos. Necessary? You be the judges.
MORAL OF STORY: Stay abreast of and responsive to intercultural current affairs. The best decision-making comes from better cognizance and responsiveness. Hire more non-White/Euro-centric folks for top-level jobs. Know the marketplace in terms of culture/ethnicity/customs/language.
Recall, please, one more distant, relevant, study case: the Chevy NOVA automobile fiasco in Mexico. If they had a Spanish-speaking exec’s input, they would have known that in espanol no va (Nova) means, loosely, ‘it ain’t going’ or ‘won’t go.’ Nova car, no go, no good sales to a Hispanic market. History teaches, so learn.
DEAR NBC: You must promise to use the wise commentary of Dr. Boyce as a boardroom training tool among your apparently non-culturally-sensitive, ignorant-of-current affairs marketing, admin and production leaders. Also, achieve greater racial, ethnic and overall diversity in upper management to help guide your team to better decisions. It’s good for busine$$. Watch yourself, NBC. (You made some other strategic errors, by the way. Oh, and hire a more skillful PR spokesperson.)
AND FOR THE REST OF US: Let’s not react with the maximum, DEFCON-1, level of outrage to things we don’t like; try to modulate, temper and weigh the facts before verbally rioting and boycotting (a powerful weapon). Let’s not so quickly get peeved and go off at every offense. We humans screw up—- lots. Pick the best battles to war against, and let some skirmishes go. Yes, I understand it: ’cause Black people are truly sooo sick and tired of having to train White people to treat Blackness with more respect and thoughtfulness–still–here in 2012, not 1912. Obviously, we’ll all have to keep trying for better, together : /
Lessons learned all around, hopefully. Thanks for the opportunity to add my commentary, and best regards to all. And, oh, LOVE YOU, GABBY!!!! You are a beautiful, young, pioneer, Little Nubian Sister
Boyce,
I read your articles on the regular, and they are usually a good read. This time, however, I think you are reaching a bit much, and turning a coincidence into a conspiracy. It seems you are searching ways to be offended. Of all the societal ills in the world that need addressing, you want to talk about a commercial. Get serious!
Whites are resentful that they cannot display the same athletic prowess on a regular basis.
I so wanted to watch track and field, but I don’t feel I can do so in. good consiousness.
It’s time that those who were offended by the ad boycott the network. WIth all of the other networks on tv, certainly we can be satisfied with watching abc, cbs and other cable networks and stir clear of nbc. How easy is that? It’s all about the money…….so let’s***t them where it hurts, “in the pocket”. What you say…..
Where, why, and how do you think that this degrading term of using the monkey to describe blacks was inserted into people’s mindset? You can read all about the animal monkey was depicted as being a black person. Read all about it inside of the scrolls of REGULATE! The Manual. Go to http://www.regulatethemanual.com. You are in here!
Dr. Watkins you nailed it! Sad but true. I agree wholeheartedly with your insightful analysis.
WUA (Wake Up Africa). WAKE UP AFRICA in those of us who are African American. For those who are upset with NBC, will you continue to watch comedy shows and programs on NBC and other networks that promote use of the N-Word and other subtle disaparaging monikers for any people of color whether rapper or otherwise. When will we stop drinking the kool-aid of those who use color and imagery to classify us for purposes of degradation and to divide and conquer? We are all created in His image and likeness. If God be for us, who can be against us? For those who be against the African American and others of color, to h**l with with you.
Gabby Douglas, you are beautiful in body and spirit beyond measure. From the shores of Africa to Fredrick Douglas and now to you Gabby Douglas, Africa still cries out, “I Am Africa.”
I AM AFRICA
I Am Africa.
I lie at the feet of the Ancient of days.
I am the pillar of foundation in all the earth.
I am where all creation began.
I Am Africa.
I am the center of the world.
I am the jewel that houses the Nile,
The longest river in all the lands.
I Am Africa.
Color does not define me.
I am the noir of black aggregate fruit
To the whitest gypsum of alabaster.
I Am Africa
I am the most multilingual of continents.
I influenced Europe, the Middle East, Asia,
The Americas, Australia and Antarctica too.
I Am Africa
My bloodline runs in all:
The European, the Asian, the American and the Hispanic.
I exist in every hue.
I Am Africa,
Although whips, chains and ignorance of mankind
Have tried to restrict, bind and confine my place.
In religion, science and history is the majesty of my grace.
I Am Africa.
Who can limit or infinitely define me?
I am King, I am slave, I am scholar, I am athlete.
I am at the heart of all humanity.
I am the mother of all motherlands.
I am the birthplace of ancient knowledge.
I am a mystery to all science and confound the tongue.
I am Africa, God’s gateway to the heavens and beyond.
– Jimmie Williams
I say we Boycott the Ninjas Blackau Camp (NBC). Utterly disgusting. They know what they were doing. Those wicked whites are just what they are – Wickos without a heart or a conscience. Anything to humiliate a black after such a outstanding performance appears to be their Modus Operandi, anything to shed darkness on her basking in her moment of God given glory. They are evil beyond measure!
if it looks like one, fly’s like one then it must be one! negroes don’t be so sensitive
NBC clearly has more African Americans in front of the camera, including Al Sharpton (probably with the exception of the sports networks), than most of the other networks. So, was it shear oversight, which means hardly intentional & why are African Americans allowing themselves or giving someone else the power to wound their sensebilities? Really, none of this makes sense for this network so far & the overreaction should be thought out before anyone further alienates people who have previously demonstrated fairness to the Black community.
Personally I don’t see that much difference in Highly racist faux FOX and NBC.
Jealous, Ignorant, Racist Broke Biggots! Don’t hate the Player,hate the Game.
Dear Dr. Boyce:
It is a mistake for you to teach us to care about apparent, or supposed insults, like the NBC monkey matter.
These matters provide LOTS of information about their perpetrators—but say nothing at all about the targets of these so-called slights.
Please, Sir, let it go. Stop caring. Don’t continue to teach your readers to care. Drop it. Who cares?
Thank you.
Rachel Palmer Mitchell
I have seen that commercial numerous times since the olympics began. I find it and the show it’s advertising quite stupid. I’m an African-American and know that commercial was not shown on purpose due to Gabby’s amazing win. Those commercials are already scheduled. I saw the commercial come on after the win and racism did not cross my mind. My thought was they need to stop showing that stupid commercial. We need to stop hunting for racism in everything. Believe me, there’s enough around, you don’t have to hunt for it where there is none.
So NBC is going to risk a large share of their viewing Public and run this Add for what reason??? Give me a Break.
After reading all these statements what are you going to do about it. We write about our disguss but what we should be doing is calling NBC and demanding an apologize and keep calling until the phone lines crash. Maybe then NBC will get it. Stop with the on line comments and pick up the phone and call!!!
I did.
I wonder how does Oprah’s friend Gayle feel that this is the company that pays for her professional loyalty?
I DON’T WANT AN APOLOGY FROM NBC, AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU. THE TIME HAS COME TO EITHER PUT UP OR SHUT UP. BOYCOTT NBC VERY SIMPLE, JUST DON’T WATCH THAT RACIST STATION AND ANYONE WHO BUYS AD TIME BOYCOTT THEM TOO. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THINGS CHANGE FAST HIT THEM IN THEIR POCKET.
As usual, you’re fishing. If you’d been watching the Olympics you’d know commercials for that lame-looking show had been looping during the broadcasts. As for the “instant” Michael Phelps commercials, Visa produced those commercials and had access to do either instant, prepared edits or already had different versions prepared to air. With NBC having already butchered Olympic presentation and scrambling to keep viewers, why would they bother with commercials that are already scheduled to play, and who had anything inkling to guarantee that Gabby would win gold at that moment? Phelps- a recognized “guarantee” vs a newcomer…yeah no comparison. You obviously had no prior knowledge, nor did complete research before declaring this incident an an outrage and controversy, which is very clear considering you’ve switched the focus of your attack in this article. You’d rather cover up your uninformed quick to judge and incite knee jerk reactions with half-a@$ reporting, rather than find out what’s really going. Quit misleading the uninformed with paranoia and… Please learn WHEN to throw The Race Card!
Advertising on all TV and radio staions is programed weeks ahead of any given show. The information is programed in a computer for the times in which the advertising will run. NBC nor anyone else knew Gabby would win a gold medal. Once she did it was too late to pull or move the advertising. I understand the racial overtones but this time that was not the intention. I have worked in radio sales and spent 20 years doing promotions and marketing for two major record lables, so I am familar with how advertising is handled. NBC has no reason to apologize, they really have not reason to . Let’s move on people there is nothing going on here, let’s focus on the up coming election which is far more important than a 30 or 60 second tv ad!
thank you Dr. Boyce, I read a great deal of yoru posts and I am greatful that we have a man like yourself in the tranches and at teh head of the troops of Black warriors fighting for our dignity as a people
That ad was going to played no matter who won because it was paid to air after a primetime headlining event. At some point like a broken relationship of any kind the Black community has to forgive the white community and move forward.
Do spirit have color? Are there any flesh in Heaven? Are there any flesh in h**l? is this h**l?
My blood is red. my bones will not continue to pull my body up when it is time to go home. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is the flesh Jehovah God. I believe I am destinated for eternal life. I do not believe God is going to ask me what color I am or if my blood is white.
I do not believe that it will matter if my hair is straight or kinky.
But I do believe I must be a forgiving, loving person who isn’t racist or judgmental. Yet I judge, knowing the different in right and wrong. It is wrong to sit back and cut others down because one’s skin is lighter, brighter, one has more money, better homes, cars and jobs. I believe I can do all thigns through Jesus Christ and I know Christ lives in me. I believe a child lives what they learn. This young lady has learned perserverence. Responsiblity comes with this but yet not many of us have learned this and we are older then she is.
I believe that Gabby’s father was chosen to bring her into this world, no matter how down beat the world might see him. God blessed her with his DNA. and gave her a strong mother to love and support her. Just as He did president Obama and me of course. Love you all. Praying for you all, knowing that one day most of us will meet again. Thank you Dr. for always allowing me on your page.
The photo accompanying this article shows a monkey on RINGS
Which is not an item of apparatus in the FEMALE gymnastic competiton. Why, therefore, should it have been assumed to have any connection to Gabby?
Whilst I can appreciate the sensitivity to deliberate racial slurs, I do feel that Dr. Boyce seeks out examples of anything whatsoever which could possibly be attributed to a racist insult, however tenuous the argument used to support that impression.
Is it not about time that African-Americans developed sufficient SELF-ESTEEM to allow such perceived insults to wash over them, and to ignore any REAL racial insults for what they are, the product of a bigoted, uneducated, shallow and closed mind, the outpourings of which do not deserve attention or consideration?
I agree with Mr. McCray. How about we boycott the station and every program and advertiser they use. It worked before and could work again. Do any of you remember Tom Joyner and the boycott of the oil company that discriminated against us? We made Shell Oil recognize the power! Let’s do it again.
I’m just getting around to reading this article and part of the reason is because I just didn’t want to read the negative associated to Gabby for being a young Black child who is extraordinarily gifted; I want to sieze the moment before having my pride shot down a few notches with this silly stupidity in society. Without even reading the article, I sensed that NBC would typically make an excuse that the timing of this negated association to Gabby and all Black people was not their intention. But I don’t buy it. Given the history of this culture – even President Obama and first lady Michelle were depicted as monkey’s and terrorist in the New Yorker. It just doesn’t surprise me whether its NBC or some ignorant hateful KKK racist screaming white power.
People who are upset about this are overly sensitive folks who should really focus their outage at any and all, real racial day to day problems in our country. A monkey, is a monkey is a monkey; every intelligent person realizeas than in 2012 no racial similarity or pun on Blacks is or was the intention of these silly commercials. Dear God, imagine if it had been a Panda platform diving would the Chinese by outraged, because of some imagined racial similarity? I think not. Americans, lets please, please, please put our energy and focus on what really matters.
Can we all just get along?