Chicagoist: Offensive Fukudome T-Shirt A Top Seller

displacedsouthsider

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:34:29 -0600

ON ANOTHER NOTE: I had some friends in from San Fran last weekend and took them to the Cubs game. After a few innings, one friend asked me why everyone was against putting a dome in a sports stadium in Chicago. After I said, "Huh?!?", he replied, "Well then why are there so many people wearing a 'FUK-U-DOME' shirt?

Pinko

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:54:04 -0600

It's about time you showed up, Spook--bad hangover this morning? I've been waiting for you to show up ever since your Sunday evening diatribe. I presented a respectful, valid and intelligently written point of view; you responded with a disrespectful, personal, and often incoherent attack. You are certainly entitled to disagree with me (respectfully), but were you to ever to take that tone with me in person, my initial reaction would be to knock your teeth down your throat... You can cling to political correctness all you want, but I believe it only serves to allow the elitists you so claim to despise to gloss over the real issues. As a white person, what does one feel in their gut upon learning that a black family is moving in next door in their little slice of suburbia? Or that their son or daughter has started dating a muslim of Middle Eastern descent? Or upon learning that their new boss is Chinese and speaks in broken english? Those are the real questions we should be asking ourselves; those are the true litmus tests of how accepting and color-blind we really are. I for one, know who I am, and feel not a need to prove my strength of character to anyone... So once again, Spook, I apologize. I can neither change the color of my skin nor my gender--can you? And why wait for a Chicagoist drinking event? I've told you in the past I would meet you anywhere, anytime, for a drink. As much as I generally think you're full of shit (and one of the more bigoted and divisive commenters on this board), I also imagine that you would make for a rather interesting character with whom to belly up to the bar and discuss politics, history, music, Harry Potter, whatever... I'll not only trek to your hood, I'll even buy the first round.

Spook

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:17:07 -0600

Pinko, White male privilege aint just about money and class. Its about position, an inherited position including the refusal to acknowledge said position, ya heard? And yes I’m in rebellion, what about you? And you say I quote Marx poorly, do you know Marx, or is this about one one-ups-manship? Now in the immortal words of Marlow Stansfield, you “calling me a punk? Putting my name out in the (Chicagoist) streets like that? Cause I’ll step to any mutha f*cka, Omar, Barskdale, who ever". My name is my Name!” So yes this includes you Pinko!. So tell you what, at the next Chicagoist drinking event, I’m there because “My name is my name” And I will continue to call bullsh*t on any body that says that “political correctness" is a problem especially in this country. Hell the only thing that is politically correct is liberals who are afraid to take a stand

Pinko

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:54:06 -0600

Spook notwithstanding, I do apologize to the rest of you for the tone and crass language of my previous post... It's Monday morning back at work, I have not yet had my coffee, and I have little patience for being called out by a delusional poseur...

Pinko

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:18:16 -0600

...because its not making fun of You and more importantly not a threat to your white male privilege that has been banked for you, and that you have been living off off for the last 500 years. Hey, Spook... Take your "white male privilege" and go fuck yourself. I have no doubt that you are about as white and privileged as they come, rebelling against your family's wealth by attempting to earn some street cred hiding out in Logan Square and quoting gangsta rappers and Marxists (poorly). You're too big of a pussy to even crawl out from under your rock and meet anyone here face-to-face, because then the man behind the curtain would be exposed... Unlike you, I certainly wasn't able to afford to go to some East Coast school, or study abroad, for that matter--and don't tell me you went there on scholarship, because one look at your writing belies your true intelligence (or lack thereof). And anyone here who follows your incoherent babblings is also aware that you are not a sports enthusiast either, so I think we can rule out an athletic scholarship as well... No, Spook. I grew up in a racially diverse, working class/middle class suburb, raised by a single parent. Years after graduation, I am still paying back student loans for a state school. I bought my condo with CPAN assistance. What's your story, you know-it-all big mouth? You don't know shit about me, you don't know shit about the world. So I apologize for being born a white male in the good ol' US of A. But you can still take your "white male privilege" and shove it up your ass. Your hollow rants are the biggest joke on this site, so it really is time you stop deluding yourself...

UTV

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:27:26 -0600

This is exactly why we Cubs fans get a bad reputation. Honestly, I thought it was cool when people started wearing the traditional headbands (not the lame knockoffs) and learning more about baseball in Japan. Then some asshole has to take it the wrong way, and now it makes Chicago look bad. I don't see any way around it, this shirt is offensive, and it's pretty trashy to boot. Maybe we should all just bust out the early '90s Co-Ed Naked T-shirts instead, providing they don't have too many cigarette burns.

Spook

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:09:42 -0600

"Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in" I was wondering when a Goo Goo lib( and of course a white boy) would use the old "political correct run amok" argument! Yea that's freaking right ! In an era of increased racism and sexism on top of the historical lethal levels of racism, sexism and homophobia in this Country, some Matilda wanna be is talking about "political correctness". Pinko How does it feel to be Rush Limbaugh’s pink tool? The man who put a trade mark on term “politically correct” to silence progressive Black whites, queers, and feminist brave enough to fight back. Today not only does the left have to fend off these stupid charges from right wing wackos but Goo Goo liberals trying to appease the Fed/Ward Ups of the world Yea the shirt is funny Mr. Limbaugh’s Pink Tool ( how ever the F*ck IT spells its name) because its not making fun of You and more importantly not a threat to your white male privilege that has been banked for you, and that you have been living off off for the last 500 years. Yea I’m sure those morons inside the cubs park are “turning the same spotlight on themselves” My AS$ Yea continue to protect your buddies I still, however, maintain that the shirt is funny. I think it's ok to laugh at racial humor, providing A) it's not mean-spirited in nature, and B) And finally, I would also point out to all those who find the shirt patently offensive or would claim that those who see the humor in it are racist, that you are being hypocritical if you have ever laughed your way through an episode of The Dave Chappelle Show, The Mind of Mencia, Southpark, The Chris Rock Show, etc., etc., etc... And yes, I do understand that the racial humor in these shows is often satirical in nature, intended to point out the absurdity of such stereotypes. But just as often, it's racial humor that's funny just for the sake of being funny. And that's about as honest as I can be on the subject... Have a good weekend...

cuthbert

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:53:27 -0600

First, trying to convince someone that something is or is not racist is a waste of time. What they think is what they think. Sadly regardless of what we like to tell ourselves, racism is not going away anytime soon. We are just getting better at hiding it. Until you walk in the shoes of someone who has had to deal with things like this, how can anyone think they know what is offensive to someone else. It's so easy to say "lighten up" when you've never had to endure looks, whispers, or outright mocking or hostility based solely on your race. And while I don't think that everything should be censored, I think people should treat other people with respect. The same respect they would expect. In response to the statement that this is "just a t-shirt," you're right, it is. But it's also a look into how people feel and think. Our actions reflect what is in our heart. I think people are just ignorant. And I don't mean that in an insulting way, but rather the true meaning. That being that they truly don't know any better. They have never experienced racism or what it means to be treated differently because of their ethnicity. They have grown up with the Bugs Bunny version of culture. What do we expect? People in other countries look at Chicagoans as gangsters. Al Capone and all of that. Does that make it right? Of course not, but they're ignorant to what it is like to be a Chicagoan. Just like the average white American is ignorant to what it's like to be discriminated against based on your race.

smussy

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:49:10 -0600

wow. missed a lot this afternoon. i've seen those headbands and thought, "really?! who would..." and then i see people with them on. i just think it's weird to sell even those. so weirdly stereotypical ... we ARE TRYING TO BE JAPANESE! it's not like everyone else is wearing little sombreros and stuff to represent their favorite mexican or latino player. it's just weird. as far as the "it's just a t-shirt" thing ... i don't know. i just can't back that idea up. why go out of our way to belittle or make fun of or mock someone for their race or culture or the way they speak? that seems childish and ridiculous and just not where we need to be as a society, not minding sports or anything like that. it's not classy and it's not good sportsmanship. i love baseball. it means a lot to me and i hate when stuff like this takes away from it. (and i know it was racist and shitty in the past.) and i can't even GO to the place with the "speak our language" people. for god's sake. that's so arrogant. god forbid people open up their minds and be exposed to lots of different languages and cultures and ideas and religions and concepts. sigh.

jdollars

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:20:18 -0600

isn't the typeface in question called "teryaki"? seriously, isn't it?

Pinko

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:35:55 -0600

As a Sox fan I'll say that those are very stupid too, and that *it is* more acceptable to openly mock gays, let's not try to turn this into some lame Sox fans vs. Cubs fans argument. @Navin: Apparently, Percy and SAMiller didn't get your memo... As my final word on the subject, I will now say that out of respect for Fukudome and at least two Asian-American Chicagoist posters here who find the shirt offensive, I would neither consider purchasing nor wearing the shirt... I still, however, maintain that the shirt is funny. I think it's ok to laugh at racial humor, providing A) it's not mean-spirited in nature, and B) we're willing to turn the same spotlight on ourselves and laugh at the things that make us different, be it ethnicity, religion, sexual preferences, whatever... The problem with political correctness run amok is that it would have us believe that there are no differences between us, when in fact there are. And sometimes it's ok to laugh and poke fun at those differences--it's but another small part of what makes each of us unique. The other problem with political correctness is that it has devolved into just another way for some of us to look down our noses at others and feel superior... And finally, I would also point out to all those who find the shirt patently offensive or would claim that those who see the humor in it are racist, that you are being hypocritical if you have ever laughed your way through an episode of The Dave Chappelle Show, The Mind of Mencia, Southpark, The Chris Rock Show, etc., etc., etc... And yes, I do understand that the racial humor in these shows is often satirical in nature, intended to point out the absurdity of such stereotypes. But just as often, it's racial humor that's funny just for the sake of being funny. And that's about as honest as I can be on the subject... Have a good weekend...

Navin

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:21:32 -0600

Hey Cubs fans, Would your rather have him spending his time this season studying English with a tutor, or working on his game?

Navin

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:13:53 -0600

Yes I'm seven 'simple creature' yet you're the one talking total disingenuous bullshit. How long has he been here? Wow you learned some french in a year and a half, how impressive. I bet you're an ace when it comes to ordering food. I wonder how well you'd have done in Japan..... "Child's Game" Says a lot about you right there.

The Meteorologist

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:04:34 -0600

I said "that's not the point" twice. Apparently I still need to learn English too. Hah.

The Meteorologist

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:04:12 -0600

I would hope he'd learn English, but that's not the point. He hasn't been here long yet anyway so it's too early to say whether he will, or won't. That's not the point. The shirt is still bullshit.

SAMiller

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:59:08 -0600

You stay classy, Cubs fans.

mepps

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:37:02 -0600

It's a damn T-shirt

simplecreature

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:00:50 -0600

Well, it's not like he can't afford a tutor or two. Or a school of tutors. The guy is being paid millions to play a child's game, not quite the put upon migrant worker who has to pull 15 hours days and send half his check back to the motherland. Not to mention the fact many native Japanese learn english in school pretty early on. I lived in France for a year and half. It drove me insane when Americans there for longer than me still struggled just to answer basic questions in the market place. It's a sign of respect for the people paying your salary, not some mono-culture hegemony bollocks. Derrr....what a comment. What are you seven? Derrr...what a cunt.

Percy

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:59:56 -0600

Perfect: another reason to be a White Sox fan. CUBS FANZ R RACISTZ LOL!!!!!! For some reason, I feel like I can picture in my mind exactly the kind of person who would buy such a t-shirt and wear it proudly to Wrigley.

Navin

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:41:41 -0600

Not to learn the language here shows he's just dying for a cultural exchange I love how you say this as if English is as easy for Japanese people to learn as English is for those who speak Spanish. Which do you think would be easier for you to learn: Spanish or Japanese? Derrr....what a comment.

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0600

"And before everyone hops on the highest horse they can find, yes, I know that Spanish (and in some neighborhoods Polish) are pretty damn common too but English is still the language of the land folks, for now at least." Actually, I think the language of the land around here was originally Potawatomi. But I get you point, its "easier" if everyone just speaks "our" language while here. Hell, its not like thousands of Americans live in Japan working for Honda, Toyota and the like while not fluently speaking Japanese. On a side note, what the hell does any of the above have to do with a blatantly racially insensitive t-shirt in the first place???

I_h8_toyota_and_BT

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:33:25 -0600

no spook, it's not racist because the white person selling the shirt says its not racist and the white suburban kids wearing the shirts say its not racist. Doesn't really matter if the offended minority thinks its racist, they're just stirring up trouble. Just like with Chief Illiniwek.

mepps

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:23:19 -0600

Meh, get off the high horse everybody, its a funny shirt and nobody is buying them because they are racist, it's funny. Engrish is an hilarious site, and yet it gets a pass. No big difference really. Insensitive maybe, racist no.

simplecreature

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:21:57 -0600

If you really want to show him respect, and welcome him to Chicago, it might be better to learn Japanese, even just a few words, and thank him that way. Cause the millions he's getting paid isn't enough? Not to learn the language here shows he's just dying for a cultural exchange. Sammy Sosa used to suddenly drop into pidgin english whenever pressed on an issue by reporters. Going from fully versed to "Baseball been berry good to me" right quick. I find someone coming to a country to work and not bothering to learn the mother tongue alot more offensive than some jive-ass shirt. And before everyone hops on the highest horse they can find, yes, I know that Spanish (and in some neighborhoods Polish) are pretty damn common too but English is still the language of the land folks, for now at least.

Spook

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:05:36 -0600

See this is what I've been talking about. Typical Cubs frat boy/girl suburban mentality. Maybe they will say that although they proudly wear racist T shirts, they can’t be racist because they have a homeless mentally unstable Back dude( Ronnie Woo Woo) as a mascot.

Pinko

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:04:48 -0600

No, I did not read the article--just the Chicagoist post which I thought contained his only comment on the subject. And yes, the quote in its entirety certainly does make his point of view clearer. I humbly stand corrected...

mike_thoms

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:02:57 -0600

To any of the Japanese (or Asian in general) people posting in this thread. I realize the t-shirt is offense but do you personally find anything of the other Fukudome stuff offensive? I've seen the headbands and other t-shirts with Japanese characters on them that I assume say his name or his number or something baseball-related. They don't seem to contain any racist imagery, like the shirt in question, but seeing as how I'm not Japanese I can't really speak to that

tc3

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:52:24 -0600

Pinko, I think we would need some additional clarification from the man himself. Did you not read the article? Here are his additional comments: 'I don't know what the creator of the shirt meant this to be, but they should make it right,'' Fukudome said through his interpreter after being shown one of the shirts Thursday. ''Maybe the creator created it because he thought it was funny, or maybe he made it to condescend the race. I don't know.'' AND ''I knew I was coming to a different country, so I expected something like this,'' he said. ''Maybe not necessarily racial, but that anybody could take any context of my words and degrade me if they wanted to. But if I make a big deal out of it, it's not going to benefit me, so I'm not going to make a big deal of it.'' To me, that sounds like somebody who's not cool with the whole thing.

fed up

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:20:21 -0600

I agree that the shirt is stupid but stupid shirts like this are sold on both sides of town outside both parks. This story is really just the pathetic sun times taking another shot at trib tower.

Navin

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:20:05 -0600

I don't recall any stink being made over the "Wrigley Field: The World's Largest Gay Bar" shirts being sold outside of White Sox games. Why is that? Because offensive humor is still considered acceptable when directed at gays, but not ethnicities? Because Cubs fans (especially on this site) are generally considered more obnoxious anyway, so anything they do will be scrutinized twice as hard? I honestly don't know... As a Sox fan I'll say that those are very stupid too, and that *it is* more acceptable to openly mock gays, let's not try to turn this into some lame Sox fans vs. Cubs fans argument. The shirt's pretty lame. The only way the shirt's funny is if it's in a comic skit mocking the oblivious, ignorance of the vendor. Imagine a shirt like that stereotyping a Jewish or black player.

j1j1j1

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:19:12 -0600

OK, I now see that it was a White Sox shirt and not a "we're proud of our neighborhood" shirt.

Pinko

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:11:55 -0600

That said, if someone sold a t-shirt that said "Wrigley: American's largest Asian bar," that would be perfectly acceptable to me, precisely because it does not employ a racist stereotype. Fair enough and point taken, as far as the rest of your post goes. Except that I think you're missing the point here. The inherent humor in "Wrigley Field: The World's Largest Gay Bar" is predicated on the assumption that being called 'gay' in itself is an insult and something to be ashamed of...

The Meteorologist

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:03:28 -0600

If you really want to show him respect, and welcome him to Chicago, it might be better to learn Japanese, even just a few words, and thank him that way. I couldn't think of anything more respectful than that.

j1j1j1

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:01:27 -0600

As an Asian American, all I can say is that the shirt is NOT funny. Yes, it might be a shirt meant to celebrate a player, but the fact that it resorts to using stupid stereotypes that Asians Ams have been putting up with for generations pisses me off. That said, if someone sold a t-shirt that said "Wrigley: American's largest Asian bar," that would be perfectly acceptable to me, precisely because it does not employ a racist stereotype. I also second the mike's comment about the bandanas. It's as normal in Japan for fans to wear those as wearing jerseys in the US, and I'd rather see emulation of international fan traditions than slanty eyed whatevers any day (well, except for soccer brawls...)

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:42:26 -0600

Screw that, the t-shirt doesn't get a pass just because it's related to sports or baseball. When Abercrombie & Fitch put out that "two wongs make it white" t-shirt a few years ago that had the stereotypical asian slant-eyed cartoon face on it, people freaked out until abercrombie pulled it. Unfortunately, a street vendor isn't going to give a rip no matter how much bad press he gets (quite the opposite, I'm sure he welcomes the attention). That doesn't mean people who wear the shirt get a free pass, though. If "true' cub fans are stupid enough to think this shirt supports or celebrates Fukudome, maybe they don't deserve a world series. GO BREWERS!!!!

Pinko

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:35:27 -0600

Pinko, where did Kosuke say he didn't have a problem with it? I interpret his statement as saying he knows there's nothing he can really do about street vendors selling racist t-shirts. Not the same thing as him saying he's cool with it. Perhaps. I think we would need some additional clarification from the man himself. But it seems to me that if it really did offend him, he could certainly shut down production by making a big deal over it through the court of public opinion. Wouldn't that in itself be a benefit? I would argue that the fans who are buying the shirts really are fans of Fukudome, and would reconsider if they knew it offended him, or if they truly believed the shirt was mean-spirited in its intent... I think if we are willing to step down from our politically correct, self-righteous high horses for a moment, many of us would admit, if only in private, that, yeah, it's kind of funny. Quite often, the most poignant humor by definition is offensive to one segment of the audience or another. Hasn't Dave Chappelle made quite a successful career out of playing off of racial stereotypes--white, Asian, Hispanic and especially black? I don't recall any stink being made over the "Wrigley Field: The World's Largest Gay Bar" shirts being sold outside of White Sox games. Why is that? Because offensive humor is still considered acceptable when directed at gays, but not ethnicities? Because Cubs fans (especially on this site) are generally considered more obnoxious anyway, so anything they do will be scrutinized twice as hard? I honestly don't know... Fukudome, aside, I think what we really need is for a cross-section of Japanese-Americans to chime in so we can see where they stand. Again, I think that much of it comes down to intent: Is the shirt patently offensive and mean-spirited in nature, or is it just a humorous fan shirt playing off a stereotype that celebrates the player nonetheless?

simplecreature

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:30:41 -0600

Oh look the Sun-Times is writing another agony aunt story about the cubs. They should do a weekly pull-out section. It's a t-shirt, a silly one. So now baseball t-shirts have to conform to cultural sensitivities? Cowboy up a bit, it's sports. As for Fuck-you-Do-Me, the guy getting more money than anyone on here will see in 10 lifetimes, he can take the slight. I'm just sorry we never got to hear Harry say his name, backwards.

mrdeltoid

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:16:39 -0600

I propose a t-shirt for the vendor selling the item in question: Fuk U, Do Me.

The Meteorologist

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:14:48 -0600

Man, I'm Asian. That honestly pisses me off a little. I've had to deal with crap like that my whole life. Maybe I should stay away from Wrigley this summer in case I want to pop some dbag up the side of the head.

tc3

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:08:21 -0600

mike_thoms

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:07:47 -0600

The headbands aren't as bad...i've seen dudes in Japan wearing those although usually it has nothing to do with baseball. and the japanese characters on there say something like "Number 1" or Fuku's name. Horry Kow and a racist image of a cubby bear? That's definitely stepping over the line.

Slaphappy

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:57:03 -0600

And don't forget the stupid Daniel-san looking ninja bandanas. I saw about a hundred of those the other night at Wrigley.

magikist

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:47:05 -0600

I'm trying to decide which is worse; the vendor who's selling these, or the idiots who are buying them. Unbelievable.

Pinko

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:46:02 -0600

I know it's wrong, but as long as Kosuke doesn't have a major problem with it, I really want one...