Drugstores yank Chia Obama over racial issue

[Liberal_in_LA]

Poll question: Drugstores yank Chia Obama over racial issue

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2009/04/06/moos.chia.obama.ban.cnn

Chia Obama Pulled From Shelves
by Mike Krumboltz

April 6, 2009 06:29:29 PM

Over the years, there have been Chia Pets, Trees, and Clowns. The decoration is synonymous with tacky fun. But some folks are wondering if the makers of all things Chia went too far with their latest creation — Chia Obama.

Certain Walgreens stores have pulled the product due to concerns that it may be seen as racist. An article from MyFox Chicago explains that the company went on record as saying it "is not appropriate for the company's corporate image."

http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92440

[Xipe Totec]

1. GMAFB!

Just because it's a stupid idea, it doesn't make it racist.

[Clio the Leo]

2. Well crap!

I haven't had a chance to buy one yet!

[rocktivity]

3. I didn't know that The Onion had a syndication deal with CNN.

I don't look at it as racist or offensive because that gives it too much credit. Appallingly bad taste, then? Bingo! Didn't ANYONE involved in this product's life cycle even CONSIDER that it could POSSIBLY be PERCIEVED as racist or offensive?

Well, at least it's a "green" product...

:rofl:
rocktivty

[sandnsea]

4. As stupid as the other chias

Maybe if somebody explained the appeal of chia, anything, to me - I, too, could sell shit to a pig farm and become obscenely wealthy.

I wouldn't call it outright racist, but definitely slightly racially insensitive.

[Chulanowa]

5. I'm not seeing anything racist or offensive here

It may be one of those cases where it says more about the viewer than the creator.

[nomorenomore08]

6. Probably wasn't meant to offend anyone, but it does suggest Obama with a giant afro.

And yeah, if you look at it that way, it does step more than a little over the line into racial stereotyping.

Just my opinion here, though.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

7. Have there been other Chia presidents?

I did a quick Google and didn't see any Chia Clintons or Chia Bushes. I'm not sure if it's racist, but it is tacky. And why Obama, if no other presidents before him?

[DBoon]

8. I saw an earlier post with a Chia Clinton

it was a really ugly caricature, too:

www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3818229

The chia Obama is much more attractive. I would fit in perfectly with my pink flamingos and lava lights

[WorseBeforeBetter]

11. This is Clinton?

I had to wade into that cesspool known as FR to find this image:



Still looking for Chia *Bush*, mainly out of curiosity.

[Liberal_in_LA]

15. No, that's not Clinton. Just random stupid Chia head

[MrSlayer]

9. Neither racist nor offensive.

Stupid maybe.

[vaberella]

19. Depends. When I was in school I was called a Chia pet because I had an afro...

It was used in a derogatory manner to make me feel like shite. This went on until High School. The name is still significant today if I'm up to day on what a few of my cousins say.

[empyreanisles]

10. C'mon. That's just going overboard.

I wouldn't buy the product, but I don't find it racist at all.

[TheBigotBasher]

12. How is it racist?

Mad.

[EffieBlack]

13. I don't think it's racist, but it is racially insensitive n/t

[Liberal_in_LA]

14. would you display it prominently if your african Amer friends were to visit? or

would you hide it away? Maybe that's the test

[Skittles]

18. yes, all of the presidents have been chia pets

oh wait

[LooseWilly]

16. Not so much racist as likely to offend, I'd say.

Then again, I did a digital chia project with myself:



No plants were harmed in the creation of that animation...

[Norrin Radd]

17. Pics of other Chia Pet Busts:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3818229&mesg_id=3818496

[Bucky]

20. It's not racist, and it's also not weird when I tongue kiss my Chia Obama

Not that there's anything wrong with it.