Comments on: Is Today’s Google Doodle Racist? By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

By: swrfuy

swrfuy — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:19:44 +0000

Definatelly racist.I was very shocked
p.s am white and a southerner

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:20:55 +0000

WOW….I hadnt seen this back when it was around. That is pretty blatant. Even if there wasnt any racial motivation…its still pretty outlandish. I would totally concede that that was a big No-No on the part of Vouge. I just dont see it with the Google Doodle.

By: nay star

nay star — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:12:36 +0000

It is possible that your 3 black coworkers / employees simply didn’t want to get into it with you. Trust and believe the job security of the B&H three is much more important than a doodle. Blacks have been conditioned to live the outside life and the home life- you will never see the real them. Then again, if they aren’t American Blacks they may not get it. Furthermore, you cannot dismiss other peoples’ feelings because the three Blacks you know don’t agree.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:28:29 +0000

I also immediately saw a watermelon when I looked at the page this morning – couldn’t believe it so I googled “google racist watermelon” and found that others online saw the same thing. It’s possible the image was an oversight by google and an innocent mistake, but yes, I think it’s suspect and also possible it was someone’s sick joke. Many of us clearly see a watermelon image and black man, whether it was intentional or not. If naysayers don’t see it, fine, others clearly do.

And what do you think of this from Vogue magazine from a few years back?
http://harryallen.info/?p=363
Even the dress is the same.

PS: B&H Shipping Dept? What a creepy statement.

By: Ruchie

Ruchie — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:21:57 +0000

My initial reaction when I saw the Google doodle (BEFORE I read this article) was, “Why is a black man running on a watermelon?” I DO NOT think Google was being racist. I just think the combination of images definitely gave the wrong impression.

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:58:45 +0000

You’re partly right. I dont care how people interpret my actions. If they interpret something i say or do as racist or hate-based, that is a problem with how THEY think. I dont concern myself with such nonsense. I associate with adults, and as adults, i expect those around me to be able to rationalize rather than jump to wild conclusions. But based on your suggestion, we should bow down to anyone who takes any offense to even the most innocent statements or actions. I said “get over yourself” because it sounds to me like this guy is just trying to strike up a controversial converstion purely for the hell of it. Oh, and by the way…using terms like “white privilege” is a great way to come off as one of closet racists you referred to.

By: B&H Shipping Dept.

B&H Shipping Dept. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:47:57 +0000

I have 3 blacks working in my office, and none of them found it offensive. So if they are good with it, then i am good with it.

By: well yes

well yes — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:22:27 +0000

WELL SAID, WELL SAID….Part of the job requirement should be “culture sensitivity” classes when servicing millions from various demographics. SCOLD WHOEVER APPROVED IT AND FIRE THE DOODLER. ANYBODY WHO DISAGREES NEEDS “CULTURE SENSITIVITY CLASSES AS WELL. PEACE AND LOVE.

By: BatSheva

BatSheva — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:26:01 +0000

Rabbi Hoffman, once again you wrote a beautiful piece.

Spot on and great observation.

By: Chutzpah

Chutzpah — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:20:04 +0000

in case you didn’t notice, its strictly a track and Field picture in the spirit of the Olympics.

The only offensive picture in this article, are the ones that are added at the end of the article. that is pure racism.