This falls under the "I just can't freakin' believe it"!! category.
The Iron Pigs mascot, which was just named on Saturday has been changed.
Pork Chop it seems was offensive to a certain population segment and was immediately changed to Ferrous.
One quote from the top front page headline article. ' The word brought back uncomfortable memories of L****'* time working at Bethlehem Steel, where he said racism was overt.' "If someone wanted to talk to me in a derogatory way, they'd call me 'pork chop'," said L****.
Another quote from the team officials: "We were really unaware of any negative connotations with the word pork chop. I think the name is about being fun and friendly...."
I certainly didn't identify it with a certain population segment. I didn't think there was anything negative associated with it. It never occurred to me. I thought it was outrageously corny, of course I think the team name doesn't exactly win any prizes. But offensive to this population segment???!!!!
Racism at Beth Steel. Gee, the whole population of workers at the steel could very easily associate themselves with a foreign nationality. And all of them could have been made fun of in some way. A guy I'm working with, who lost his job at the steel is Lebanese, first generation American.
I'm also reminded of a sermon a number of years ago. If one is 'offended' by something then they are 'off'' the 'end' of a ledge, perch, cliff or something without a safety net. Meaning they are putting a negative meaning on something that doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation and getting *themselves* upset about it which they do not have to do.
I think the responsibility for someone being offended is with the person who took offense. They do not have to allow the *offense* to push their own buttons.
Isn't America supposed to be 'the melting pot' where nationality lines are erased??
OK, enough of this stupid thread. I'm going to go get my wonderful dinner of Italian lasagna! Followed by dessert of Swiss chocolate. A drink of Coca-Cola where do coco beans/seeds come from?? And I was just teasingly chastised for forgetting the garlic bread. This Germanic gal is just like her heritage, neutral. I came from Switzerland.
Love ya'll, AK in PA