If you have been watching the news lately you might have seen stories pertaining to Tiger Woods and the use of the word "noose" or images of nooses in Golf Magazine. Since the Jena Six controversy in Louisiana, Al Sharpton, Jessee Jackson, and the NAACP have determined the noose to be racist, in whatever context. While I am always personally mindful of not hurting anyone's feelings, or offending anyone of any race, religion, or sexual orientation, I say, "gimme a BREAK".
Several years ago, at Transworld, there was a black lady trying to look up under the hoods of different "Hanging Man" props to see if any "racist" haunted house vendors were using heads or mannekins that portray black people. I believe Larry might have had an encounter with her. Her accusations were unfounded.
To start with... this is all political. Nooses aren't inherently racist, as a matter of fact they have been an equal oppourtunity form of execution for ages. But the Al Sharptons and the Jessee Jacksons of the world need to keep racial tensions flaring to further their agendas.
The political atmosphere in October could be very tense, and the appearance of a noose in either your haunt or your advertising could spell trouble for you. If you are unprepared for the media's questions, should they arise, you could come off looking like an idiot, or even worse, a racist.
Remember, even though we live in a country that claims to embrace freedom of speech, just look back over the last year to see stories where that doesn't seem to be the case. From the cover of GOLF magazine, (that the editor was fired over), to Don Imus' ugly remarks about the girl's basketball team. Hate them, like them, or whatever, it is a free-speech issue. There might be those who might use your attraction to fan the flames.
Anyone remember the movie "The Human Stain" where Anthony Hopkin's character is a college professor that is fired over his innocent use of the word "spook". Later in the movie you are let in on the fact the he is of african-american heritage. Things like this do happen everyday. Cases blown WAY out of proportion, and end up dividing races even more.
My suggestion, be ready. If you use this imagry, these props, or graphics in your haunt, you might just get a visit from the thought police. ( D'Ann, good luck at Hangman's this year.)
I had been considering this problem for weeks now and hesitated writing about it, but I am interested in your serious opinions on this matter, in terms as to whether you think it is a potential problem for haunts.
Sincerely
Tim Harkleroad
KroneDaddy
Several years ago, at Transworld, there was a black lady trying to look up under the hoods of different "Hanging Man" props to see if any "racist" haunted house vendors were using heads or mannekins that portray black people. I believe Larry might have had an encounter with her. Her accusations were unfounded.
To start with... this is all political. Nooses aren't inherently racist, as a matter of fact they have been an equal oppourtunity form of execution for ages. But the Al Sharptons and the Jessee Jacksons of the world need to keep racial tensions flaring to further their agendas.
The political atmosphere in October could be very tense, and the appearance of a noose in either your haunt or your advertising could spell trouble for you. If you are unprepared for the media's questions, should they arise, you could come off looking like an idiot, or even worse, a racist.
Remember, even though we live in a country that claims to embrace freedom of speech, just look back over the last year to see stories where that doesn't seem to be the case. From the cover of GOLF magazine, (that the editor was fired over), to Don Imus' ugly remarks about the girl's basketball team. Hate them, like them, or whatever, it is a free-speech issue. There might be those who might use your attraction to fan the flames.
Anyone remember the movie "The Human Stain" where Anthony Hopkin's character is a college professor that is fired over his innocent use of the word "spook". Later in the movie you are let in on the fact the he is of african-american heritage. Things like this do happen everyday. Cases blown WAY out of proportion, and end up dividing races even more.
My suggestion, be ready. If you use this imagry, these props, or graphics in your haunt, you might just get a visit from the thought police. ( D'Ann, good luck at Hangman's this year.)
I had been considering this problem for weeks now and hesitated writing about it, but I am interested in your serious opinions on this matter, in terms as to whether you think it is a potential problem for haunts.
Sincerely
Tim Harkleroad
KroneDaddy
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