I got a weird feeling in the base of my spine following the election, when Obama coins and commemorative plates were being marketed on QVC and such sites. Then again, when on every corner in my town, especially in the predominantly black neighborhoods, there was some entrepreneur hawking t-shirts and hats.
I'm all about entrepreneurship but I think there should be a limit on certain things.
This morning for example, I turned on the morning news and right there, in the middle of scarfing down my morning Cheerios, was the business reporter for CBS announcing the creation of:
The Obama Chia Pet, featuring his green afro. You can be the first on your block to own one for just $19.99! You can read more about it here , here and here.
I am offended!!
Where is the dignity that is his right, not just as a human being, but as the newly designated leader of the free world? Where was the Bush pet? And don't get me started talking about making our president into a "pet".
So, mid-rant this morning, someone rightfully pointed out that this is not completely about subtle racism, as was my take on it, but more about rampant commercialism. None of this stuff would be accessible if some yahoo wasn't buying it. Supply and demand baby.
I know that many of us are trying to collect souvenirs for this very historic occasion. I admit that I too want to be able to tell my grandchildren about my first hand account of these events and I have made efforts to make this time memorable for my 7 year old. That said, it would make sense to have something tangible to pass along.
But come on, people, a CHIA PET??!! Do we really want to remember our first African American president as some type of cartoon or buffoon?
If we really want to have a commemorative, why don't we find something that is more suited to the dignity of his office. I suggest that we start campaigning now to get his face designated on some of our currency. I think it would be fitting to replace Lincoln's image with President Obama's on the $5 bill. Now THAT would be a legacy.
5 comments:
I will say too it's about money nd not really racism.
But unless he says, stop using my image, it's open season.
Besides very few presidents before him were this marketable.
I accept the commercialism aspect of things, but I still think now more than ever, the dignity of his office should be protected.
WOW...
I too believe it's all about money and I can't agree with your views and Mike's.
I guess since they made a big ole fool of Bush with the W movie and a Broadway play, it is open season for ridiculing Presidents.
There was a time when a President's life was protected and revered. No more.
A president must stand above this nonsense, and Mr. Obama will. Little people will have a lot to say, all of which will represent their bias and/or fears. There will be more,like it or not. We have always done this to those in high profile positions. You may not have seen a "Bush" or "Clinton" Chia Pet, but you did see them and their image in much less respectable situations.
ETH
ETH: You're right, except that in the case of Bush, I was one of the main ones doing the ridiculing. I can see now that I'm going to have to develop a thicker skin; hopefully our president already has his on, otherwise, I'm going to do a lot of fighting and cussing over the next 8 years.
Yes! I'm claiming four additional years!
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