Barnes and Noble Store Window Features Obama Alongside Monkey Book *UPDATE*
By jamdonaldson
Barnes & Noble Display Window in Coral Gables, Florida
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B & N Spokesperson Issues Apology
*****UPDATE*****
Barnes &  Noble would like to publicly apologize for what happened in our Coral Gables, Florida store. We believe that a customer played a cruel joke and placed an inappropriate title in the front window of our store, where we were featuring books written by or about President Obama. We want to assure our customers that the book placed by someone other than our booksellers was never intended to be included in our display and was removed as soon as we became aware of the situation. We are looking into it and are taking the steps necessary so that it does not happen again. From time to time customers will move titles from one area of the store to another. In this particular case, we do not condone whatever message may have been intended with the placement of this title in our Presidential display. It certainly was not part of our merchandising and we regret that we didn’t see the placement of this title immediately.
Mary Ellen Keating, Spokesperson
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
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I would like to know where this is. It is so unbelieveably hurtful and discouraging to see that in this day and age, Black people still do not get any respect no matter what they have accomplished in their individual lives. It sems as thought he person(s) who designed the window display are showing solidarity with the editors and cartoonists of the New York Post. This store is now officially on my do not patronize list.
> Montoya
i was gettin’ ready to ask if this is the ny post bookstore. i’m flabbergasted, and bookman don’t even know what that means! please provide me with the store’s address so i can goes on down there and act like old dog in menace to society – “what you say about o’bama?”
> bookman
It is extremely hypocritical that this website has a ‘Barnes and Nobles’ advertisement headlining this page!!!!!!!!!!!
> Sandra Rivers
So tell me who we boycott, BLACKPOWER, GOOGLE, and or who else?
> Dana
Stop. Take a breath. ANYONE has access to these window displays. Worst case we have an employee that should and probably will be fired. But to blame Barnes & Noble, a company with a pretty liberal track record seems a bit over the top.
> Jeff
This is the Barnes and Noble in Coral Gables, FL.
Look at this Google Street Map View.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=barnes+and+noble+Coral+Gables,+FL&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&ei=nWKnSabDOJCMngeH46TaDw&layer=c&cbll=25.749487,-80.258084&panoid=_-DsnSxERnbilNFCv6qrDA&cbp=12,337.081858361427,,0,2.884012539184969&ll=25.749594,-80.258195&spn=0,359.990387&z=17&iwloc=rhs0
You can clearly see the reflection of the tree in the background and the cars parked diagnoly along the curb. Pan it around and you can see the front of B & N.
Now, did B & N do this display on purpose? I doubt it. Could someone rearranged the display – sure – it’s not as though there is a shortage of dumb azzes out there these days who would do this.
Did or does B & N push this as corporate policy, or even a rouge store manager? I highly doubt it.
Now, should Al or Jesse go down there and hold a little protect and get a little donation (I.e. kickback) for the cause – sure! Plus, the weather is warmer in FL than NY or Chicago right now!
> Al Sharpton
This is outlandishly offensive and ironically enough, there are banner ads for Barnes and Nobles on this site.
> Ask The Black Gurl
Maybe this is a wake up call to people who think we as black people in America have gone so far.We have out grown this type of garbage let not get mad over this type of garbage because they can´t help themselves its who they are and they will not change from one day to the next. It hurts when we see and hear things likes this but we should have known it was coming we have to understand the race jokes that hurt Obama is also going to hurt us as black people because were all put in one basket one group money fame power class can´t separate us in America we need to understand this. Stop wasting our power over what other people think about us as a people they will not change on the inside what comes out the mouth can be totally different than whats in the brain.
butch
> Butch
This is a sad case and I actually called the store and it was confirmed that this was done and actually is true. Anyone can call the store and ask about this incident. Barnes & Noble was very apologetic and it was a customer that caused this horrible situation. Barnes & Noble did take blame for it and as I stated before were very apologetic about this situation.
We need to forgive and stop the cycle of hatred and division. Enough is enough!! We need to not let this affect us because our goal is to stay positive and on the path of God and not let Satan use this to keep us from our right to be with GOD!!
> Nic
Seriously…B&N isn’t responsible for this. some jerk customer got in the window display and stuck that up in there. Don’t blame the store!
> THOR39211
Barnes & Noble would like to publicly apologize for what happened in our Coral Gables, Florida store. We believe that a customer played a cruel joke and placed an inappropriate title in the front window of our store, where we were featuring books written by or about President Obama. We want to assure our customers that the book placed by someone other than our booksellers was never intended to be included in our display and was removed as soon as we became aware of the situation. We are looking into it and are taking the steps necessary so that it does not happen again. From time to time customers will move titles from one area of the store to another. In this particular case, we do not condone whatever message may have been intended with the placement of this title in our Presidential display. It certainly was not part of our merchandising and we regret that we didn’t see the placement of this title immediately.
Mary Ellen Keating, Spokesperson
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
> Mary Ellen Keating
You got to be out your d%%m minds if you think anyone believes that garbage. How in the h%%l would a customer get into what appears to be a display window. I have giftcard for Barnes in Nobles that went in the garbage about two seconds ago. You really have some nerve. Please know that I am working hard to make sure that anyone with any sense will not shop in your stores anymore. You have to already see a drop in your sales do to the economy and you really are going to see a even bigger one when I am done.
> LaShanda Taylor
I agree with Nic. Barnes and Noble is a reputable company and has been for many years. Anyone could rearrange a showcase window and that what clearly happened. They are easily accessible. People, sorry, I am the BIGGEST President Obama supporter ever and believe me I would be the first to condemn, call for boycott, whatever. Not this time. This was clearly an azzhole that is fanning the fire from the NY Post’s assinine cartoon published two weeks ago. This one is not a battle.
> Timeless
Be realistic folks…specifically Lashonda saying she threw out her GC because no one can get in the display. If you’ve been to a book store there are displays like this all over the store. Their “window displays” aren’t like in some retail places where you can’t get to it, these are displays that are strategically placed “in front of” the windows. Any customer or jerk who walks in could have placed the book there. Don’t make it more than it is. It’s childish and shows who is more ignorant but boycotting B&N is ridiculous. America has more pressing issues.
> Monica
We all know zillions of white people that look like monkeys…But as you all know white Amerikkka is a very psychotic, schizoid establishment and oh, I forgot: totally in denial about themselves.
Barnes & Noble is also infamous for grouping all books by all Black people in the same section. You will have Langston Hughes sitting to something like “Hood Rat.” Outrageous…
We put up with a LOT OF SH#T….
> ness
Someone PLEASE explain to me WHY this is such a big deal? So some idiot dropped a book in a display, that’s childish. When I was a kid, we use to reposition the mannequins in department stores into not so great poses, or hang lingerie on them. VERY CHILDISH I admit.
Should JC Penney or other stores have been boycotted because we were inappropriate? I think not. We need to get over this! Everyone is taking things SOOO Personal! We aren’t Barack OBama!
None of this is a PERSONAL attack on either him or us. Let’s put all this energy to making a difference in our communities! Take this energy and change some attitudes!
> Reality check
If you think for one moment that anyone believes that this monkey book was put on display by a customer, moving one book to another space, Barnes & noble has to be crazy. This book was place in a front window for everyone to see. Who in their right mind would accept this brief memo from a company as big as Barnes & Noble. Hog wash.
> Gladys Good
LaShanda, anyone who thinks that this was a deliberate act of Barnes and Noble has to be a complete moron!
And that goes for anyone else who thinks so.
Barnes and Noble has done the correct thing by removing the offensive book and issuing an apology, if that’s not enough for you, it’s too darn bad!
> Mary
I am offended by the display but in no way do I believe that Barnes and Noblesn should take the heat for some idiot who had access to the window. That idiot could have been a customer or a manager or an employee. Hopefully their store cameras will allow them to ensure that the idiot is not working for them.
> DENISE
This, right along with the NY post cartoon are wasted energy battles. If Barck Obama isn’t offended then we shouldn’t be offended. If he ignores it then we should as well.
If every time an image of a watermelon or a monkey in reference to a black person causes us to be enraged then it gives it weight. I will not give this power by losing my cool. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.
gorealer…
> muMs
I agree with Nic – this is to be expected and exactly what Satan does, uses others to get at us because he knows what will get us all up in arms. Please don’t play into his games – do like President Obama did and will do, BRUSH IT OFF. Those buttons don’t work anymore. This is Flordia of all places, remember…and laugh it off and say not this time – WE ARE HERE and WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE – Deal with it!!!
> Cee
I say they(B&N)should release the store surveillance tapes ;o)
> Suma
Are BLACK people suppose to be moved by this? Because I’m not! Anybody operating in such ignorance doesn’t even deserve the kind of attention that he has been given. People that demonstrate such hatred have a special place in Hell! No RSVP required!
> TheMrs
It is very sad that such things could happen. With that been said, I think B&N appology starts the beginning of the sincerity. I will like to see the management of B&N to investigate the incident to makesure this idiot is not one of them. As far as the public, I think we should give B&N benefit of doubt. Don’t make mistakes, while the country is ready to move forward, there’re still some who are worried about their cheese being moved!! God Bless.
> Prince Lawal
Whether this display was arranged by an employee or rearranged by a customer is almost beside the point. I think the Barnes and Noble rep’s apology was sincere. A prank like this only reveals the insecurities and immaturity of the prankster. I don’t believe there’s any need to boycott B&N although someone probably will. We know that the U.S. still has plenty of bigots. They didn’t stop President Obama from pursuing his dreams and we shouldn’t waste too much energy on them either. I don’t beg anyone for respect. If an alleged adult wants to judge me by my heritage or color, s/he’s pretty much shown me that s/he’s not respectable in the first place. No sense in trying to prove Obama’s (or my) humanity to someone who thinks and acts like a monkey himself. Then again, that’s an insult to monkeys.
> Myth of the Monolith
I’m have been a B&N Member for many years and I have always been provided the very best in service by all of their sales personnel. It is too easy to change the displays, my goodness, you can just pick up any book from the display and go purchase it or if you change your mind, just leave it on any stack, stand or shelf. B&H stores are basically the same, there are some exceptional ones with coffe shops, reading rooms, internet connect, etc. but, I accept their public apology with discretion and will monitor their future presentations of the president.
> Eli
I’m glad to see that some folks have more pressing issues on their minds (the economy, the war, the future of the Supreme Court??) than this.
I hope that someone goes thru LaShanda’s trash and finds that card! She’s just given B&N the full dollar value of the card-it’s like free money to the very people she wanted to even the score with!
In the words of that “merry wanderer of the night” LORD, what FOOLS these mortals be!
> Mary
So typical of the south. We are as the attorney general said, a country
of cowards when it comes to race. we hide in the shadows and snipe
at each other. it will not change until kingdom come.
Passive Race Aggression will be the tactic of our time.
> Ian
Regarding the banner, calm down folks…that’s Googles Ads working for you. You mention something in text and it automatically advertises said company name or product.
However, it’s hard for me to believe that a customer got into the display window like that. The one’s I’ve seen are behind the long counters and blocked on another side by a display.
Interesting…
> T
Bull shit………..this was not done my a customer this was done by a prejudice bitch that work there………
> Mad Black Woman
Black people are gonna have to drink a lot of water for the next four
years, cause there’s a ton of salty crackers out there
> fedup
I find it amusing that there are still whiners on this site who foolishly blame an entire chain for the actions of one person. If you want to be a victim you will be.
The person who did this is getting from the whiners exactly what he wanted.
I’m reasonably sure that it was not done by a McCain supporter though, because they can’t read anyway.
Go ahead and use your time and energy bewailing the fact that some idiot doesn’t like you because of your color. That seems to make you happy.
Don’t look for Obama to weigh in on this, however, he has more important to worry about.
> Mary
You know some people will never learn! For those of you who have a problem with the US having a Black Man as President, CRY YOUR THREE DAYS AND GET OVER IT! It is what it is. And stop addressing him by his first name. Give him and his family the same due respect that you’ve given our past Presidents. This foolishness has got to stop because we are just fed up with it.
> I am just up with this foolishness!
I am outraged by the horrible image that was depicted in your publication. It is reminiscent of Black Americans not having any rights, perspective, OR significance in today’s society. It conjures up horrible images of death and slavery. I’m sadden that no one thought through the impact that it would cause questioning “why”? As an American POC, I do not support this view, NOR do I support the illegitimate claims of “that’s not what we meantâ€. I’m of the school…when in doubt leave it out…and this depiction of authority figures murdering a higher authority, is unconscionable, appalling, sinful, and racially prejudiced. I demand a public & printed apology! This view I’m sure is shared; however only to a lost few. America decided and voted for change…America is now defending freedom yet again, of a thoughtless perception! Yes we can / Yes we did!
> Ashamed!! But still proud to be an American!
God has this man’s back!
Hate kills! Hate kills our peace, togetherness, and weakens our power as a unit. This we know and have always known. But we also know that while hate kills—love heals. Let’s use this season to come together. Let us stick together like never before and rise above this race hating and all challenges for that matter.
I choose not to focus on the book, but on the refection of the cross and the American flag in the top right corner. You see, we can waste our energy focusing on the devil’s work, or we can look for signs of God and good. Let’s let the little be little, because God is showing up and showing out. This is not a black and white thing, this is a righteous and unrighteous thing. We can’t afford to take our eyes off of where we are going and the great work that is being done. We must always look higher so that we can continue to rise higher in our thoughts, attitudes toward one another, actions, spending power, etc.
What we are witnessing now is what has been known all along—it is just blatant now. However, I urge everyone to not attack a whole race of people because of the ills of some of them. Remember—many of them are our brothers and sisters too. And those of them that are ill, it is up to us to come together and let them know that this is a new era and their fifteen minutes are up.
Look higher—He is there and He has President Obama’s back!
> Look Higher
These types of childish and immature responses are an admission of fear. If you stop and think, do some research about our past history….Black people have always been feared, copied, envied, mocked and been called names from slavery until now. We need to replace our anger with confidence and stop feeling helpless and learn how to not let others find that button to push. We are a strong race and are tough as polar bears. Self improvement in us should be our main focus. Learn a new word a day to expand our minds, share our knowledge with one another, use that special gift you have and you know what it is, because we all have one and we have it for a reason. I believe God’s test is to see if we are using it correctly. We must, we must learn to fight back with dignity, respect, wisdom, knowledge, education and start being more attentive. Let word power be our weapon to defeat all enemies and small mined worldly individuals like the Barnes and Nobel idiot. That is the key to combating our enemies and winning the war on race and fools with small minds that will always be stuck in stupid. Because only idiots are people who cry out for attention, people who don’t like themselves or are un-comfortable with themselves, low self esteem, stupid, trying to fit in, covering a deficiency or just dumb. Our common goals in life should be empowering ourselves with the secret of expanding, growing, striving for the limit and using our God given gift OUR MINDS. Be strong, represent and never get caught with your head held down. And never stop making us proud.
> Mrs. D
I don’t know why this is soooo surprising to black folk!!! Look yall… let them hate. It we keep posting negative comments about the stpid mess they do… then they are going to keep doing it. Did we learn anything from the past?!?! From this day on, any negative comment I see posted, I will post a positive one….. Watch!!
We are not going let nothing turn us around!!!! We’ve come this far and we’re not turning back!!! Yes we can!!! Yes we are!!!! YES WE DID!!!!!
> WINEKA
Has anyone heard of OR do any of you remember “THE WILLIE LYNCH PAPERS”? Well we should,(and if not you need to research this) because this is just another method to divide and conquer the Black community. This in no way is an insult unless we take it as one and let it begin to fester within our national community. They think they know how emotionally weak and vulnerable we are as a people and feel that they can use this against us creating havoc among us while they secretly gain control of the White House and us as a community……dividing and conquering….or so they want to believe. I say YES it’s travesty that some people’s little pea brains still create those types of brainwaves, and YES that’s their ignorance! momma didn’t train them correctly!…but do we have to play right into the hands of those racist morons?! Less if more…ignorance is bliss….we are blessed! let’s act like we know this. President Obama is not going to let anything or anyone deter him from his ultimate goal and neither am I. My support is with him and their is nothing anyone can say or do to disrupt that! So keep on with all of your ticks….but remember tricks are for KIDS…and I’m a real grownup!
> DOC
LESS IS MORE….IGNORANCE IS BLISS….WE ARE BLESSED! LET’S ACT LIKE WE KNOW THIS!
> DOC
LET’S REMEMBER THIS INDIGNANT ACT ONLY GLORIFIES THE CULPRIT BECAUSE WE ARE OVERREACTING TO IT. LET’S JUST TAKE IT IN AND GIVE IT THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES!! NONE!!
> DOC
Like most large retail stores B&N has a DVR Surveillance system, that how they know it was not an employee. However, they do know who put the book in the display. B&N has a responsibility to expose the racist. Trust me if that display were of a Jewish person and someone made a anti Semitic the ADL would have demanded the DVR, and they would exposed the person to the world. Just because it was not done by an employee does not releive B&N of their responsibility.
> F. Williams
WHO REALLY GIVES A DAMN? WHAT ARE WE GOING TO PROTEST READING BOOKS? WE HAVE COME TOO FAR TO TURN BACK, BLACK PEOPLE LET’S KEEP IT MOVING, CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP
> April
Okay that’s funny, but we have to give its’ 15 mins. of fame, I guess the person is still unhappy about McCain losing to a better man. Sick!
> Somebody
MARY, calm down, let’s not call people names, LASHANDA is voicing her opinion like the rest of us. Yeah, the display is horrible but it’s no more reprehensible than Black on black insults and crime. RESPECT!
> Get a grip
I recently purchased $52 worth of books from Barnes and Noble and noticed a book about monkeys on the Black History table. I thought it was odd for the book to be there. It wasn’t until the NY cartoon regarding the shot monkey that I reflected back what I saw on Barnes and Noble’s table. After reading the article regarding the monkey book in the midst of President Obama’s books in Barnes and Nobel’s showcase window, I returned to the store today and requested a refund for my entire purchase. I don’t care to do business with any company that does not give African American’s the same level of respect they give to all other consumers.
> BJW (Dallas)
What astonishes me is that peopple continue to be so stupid, racist and ignorant. Why does everything have to be a color issue? This world is made up of so many people and here you have white people with the most incredible sense of entitlement know to man, running around feeling as if whatever they say and do is right as rain!!! The scary part is it only takes a few nuts of like mind to cause a disaster. Look at Rush Limbaugh!! He is extremely crazy, and many like minded people will follow him, without question, wherever he says, and he cannot even form a coherent thought!! Come on people!! WAKE UP!! There are so many ways and so many arenas to put positive energy into, why waste so much time being stupid!!
> Janet
A customer got in the window display and put that book there? Oh okay, right….
> Tiffany
Right. So, exactly how much did the customer rearrange? The monkey book is the center of the display. That center spot was blank? No. That wouldn’t make sense. So, we are to believe that a customer significantly rearranged the display and no one working for the store noticed? Come on.
I understand that B&N can’t keep track of the beliefs and attitudes of every employee, but this explanation and apology is insulting. The have to do better than this. I’m an avid reader, with a B&N card, but I have options.
> DC
I don’t know who did this. Maybe a customer, maybe a racist employee or just an idiotic one with an incredibly unfunny sense of humor. I can’t imagine that it would be the policy of B&N on a corporate level or even on a store management level. What could they possibly gain?
I understand people’s anger. I’m angry too at whoever did this. If you think B&N should be held responsible, I respect your opinion and your right to do so on a personal level. I would, however, point out to LaShanda that what she did by throwing out her B&N gift card was to give B&N a gift in the amount of the value of the card. They have been paid for that card and now they are relieved of the responsibility to provide any goods or services in exchange for the money they received. I personally am satisfied that the company lapsed only in its vigilance and don’t think they should be punished, but be that as it may, they were not punished when you discarded your gift card.
> Al
All I Can say is, it did what they wanted it to do…DIVIDE AND CONQUER. Quit fighting among yourselves.
If it wasn’t for haters, we wouldn’t have made it this far. They keep hating and we keep proving them wrong.
They hate it when we loving on each other. It makes us human, in their eyes. So everybody kiss and make up.
ALL STAY BLESSED!
> everyblkmandream
This is ok, one thing people should understand, its not what people call you its what you answer to. Throughout life things will happen and some we will be able to control and that we cant only God will judge. President Obama continue to do great at what you are doing and pray that God will continue bless our country. B&N its ok also; you cant controll ignorant people,since you have corrected the problem, thats all you can do.
> Toshia
I do not think thiswas doen purposely by any one affiliated with Barnes and Nobles. Barnes and Noble has been a reputable business for many years. Unless I see or hear of any further negative racial, sexual, cultural or any other prejudicial remark I will continue to be a patron of Barnes and Nobles.
> Keisha
I cants belive this shit! Making out Obama some kind of monkey. I know he gots ears like em and all but still! Kill those bookselling white bitches! I’m so tired of them thinkin wes some sort of apes, well we aint an Ive had enough. We aint no apes, but I do haves to admit my cousin Tyrone kinda looks like one. Even still, enoughs enough, I aint reading no more books in protest. Join me — no books til somebody gets fired.
> Jarome H
Um, Sandra, there is a Barnes and Noble advertisement at the top of the page because that is how AdSense works. Google sends ads to a page based on what the page is about; in this case, the page is about Barnes and Noble, so Barnes and Noble ads appear on the page. This site gets paid when people click those links.
> Erica
Honestly, do you think before you speak or do you just like to spout off at the mouth to hear yourself talk? Having worked for two Barnes and Noble stores, and visiting countless others, it is clear to see that there are window displays that can be accessed by customers. Even if they are behind the cash register lines, some people will sneak back there to grab books sometimes. We cant monitor what customer does what at every given moment. Sometimes I find sex books in the Christian Inspiration section. Did we plan it that way? No. Do we remove it as soon as we find it? Yes. Everything that is put on display at our stores are planned with pictures to detail what book will go where. It is silly to think that a corporation as big as Barnes and Noble would PLAN to put a book such as that on a display.
Furthermore, have you seen how much Obama merchandise BN sells? There are at least 10 magazines, bookmarks, newspapers, CDs, books, artwork, puzzles, on and on and in. If BN was a racist company, don’t you think they would opt out of selling so much merchandise rather than playing a practical joke? At my store, somebody flipped all the Obama books on a display table over. Was it an employee? No. Was it a customer? Yes. Did we flip them right-side-up again? Yes. Was it a big deal? No. The fact is that people are going to be ignorant in this world and people are going to do stupid things. The fact that you would boycott an entire Barnes and Noble company because of one customer who thought they were funny is downright idiotic. If you are going to follow along those lines, you probably shouldn’t use the internet anymore because, by golly, people decide to post racist things on there sometimes, as well. You probably shouldn’t drive either, because road rage leads people to say some mean things sometimes. I think throwing out everything in your house and living alone would probably be best if you are going to boycott people’s foolish decisions. Because that is what you are doing. You are boycotting a company who is promoting literacy for a customer who thought they would be funny. I guarantee BN is doing everything in their power to find out who placed the book there, but unfortunately not every BN has security cameras that can see everywhere at the store at every given time.
Also, what you DON’T know as you are boycotting the company is the POSITIVE things they have been doing. After hurricane Katrina, BN found placement for all displaced workers and helped them back on their feet again. Also, the CEO of Barnes and Noble is running a project to build homes for other New Orlean’s citizens who were displaced after the hurricane. Google it if you don’t believe me. It is called Project Home Again and he is spending a lot of his own hard earned money and time towards getting people to have home’s again. Now I don’t think this is a newsflash for anybody, but a large population of those who were displaced from the hurricane were African American, and you can bet that number is proportional to the number of African American’s who received homes from this foundation. Does this sound like a racist company to you?
Anybody who is willing to boycott Barnes and Noble because of a foolish action of one customer is being more foolish than them. Grow up and realize that not everything that is done that hurts you is done deliberately as a scheme to bring up racism and hurt people’s feelings. Somebody thought they were being funny and wanted to get a rise out of people and now look at yourselves. You are giving them exactly what they want. If I were you, I would dig out your BN gift cards, go to the store and buy all the Barack Obama merchandise you want to show that no matter what some people think, you are proud of Obama and won’t let anything some racist person does bring you down. And for the customer who placed the book there? Don’t worry, karma will get them in its own time.
> Madi
And to DC, who said “So, exactly how much did the customer rearrange? The monkey book is the center of the display. That center spot was blank? No. That wouldn’t make sense. So, we are to believe that a customer significantly rearranged the display and no one working for the store noticed? Come on.”
If you actually look at the picture, you can see that the plexi directly below the monkey book is empty, which means it is very likely that the one above it was empty too. If somebody purchased the books off the display, but an employee didn’t have time to refill them yet, yes, the spots would have been open. Since you can clearly see the display from outside, it would not take long to reach over, drop a book down, and walk away. And if anybody saw you walking away, they would probably assume you were just looking at the books. We dont accuse every customer of doing improper things in the stores, that would kind of be bad customer service if we did.
Also, you know there always is the option that they just dropped the monkey book on IN FRONT OF another book already in that spot. Those Plexis can hold 2-3 books depending on the size, so it is also likely the Obama book was still behind the monkey one.
And for the people saying they aren’t content with the apology BN issued… what do you want them to do? Go to each of your houses, knock on your door and kiss your feet to beg for your forgiveness for something that a customer did that was out of their control? Get over yourselves, they are doing the best they can given the information they have.
> Madi
The ad at the top of the page right now says “Do you regret voting for Obama?” We should probably all boycott this website now, too, for insinuating we would be regretting voting in an African American president into office… DOWN WITH BLACKPOWER.COM!!! RACIST!! RACIST I SAY!!!!
> Madi
i dont see what the big deal is. someone made a joke, its kinda funny but insensitive. big deal, thats why we have freedom of speech
> Chaz
The explanation and apology from Barnes and Noble was heartfelt. One customer does something stupid. Doesn’t mean EVERY BARNES AND NOBLE STORE has to pay the blame. Get the sticks out of your asses, all of you who just can’t WAIT to play the race card and blame a whole corporation for something one stupid customer did. People like TheMrs and Mad Black Woman and LaShanda Taylor are a small percentage of a large group of people. There are types of people within any race who see anything bad as some sign of a massive conspiracy of racism. All Barnes and Nobles are NOT racist and I doubt this one store is, either. They’re just dumbasses who should have looked after their front window better. Let it go.
And Barnes and Noble bookstores are hardly being hurt by this and by the economic recession. Borders, they’re the ones who are closing down stores. Okay?
Calm down.
> Mr Steve
screw barnes and nobles..capitalist america is RACIST when will ppl wake up! just because a corporation which screws ppl all year round invests a couple of dollars in charity doesnt excuse why ppl need corporations. what do u expect from white capitalism!
> fed up
Why is Barnes and Noble WHITE capitalism?
THAT’s racist.
> Mr Steve
If anyone is familiar with “Coral Gables” Florida, it is a very wealthy upscale community with a decidely huge community of a particular race and not one you would immediately think of.
While this is shocking to me, it doesn’t “surprise” me. As a group, a vast majority of them were particularly “silent” during his campaign and I am most sure “jealous” because he won what is considered by them to be the pinnacle and outward manifestation of power and influence, which they themsleves have worked hard to obtain. It has been a painstakingly long process and to have a black man just come out of no-where and win it hands down! I am sure, raises the barnacles on their backs. To have something like this happen in the very heart of their enclave is not shocking or surprising to me. I saw the apology from the manager and it is plausible, it could have happened. No-one has said how long this display remained in the window, an hour, a few hours, days or a week. I think that we should find out who owns the franchise, then, send a letter to the bastion of their anti bigotry organization that they themselves have created.
Now having said that. There are worst things to be compared to. Apes are some of the most noble species in the animal kingdom and if you are up on your genetics, you know that scientific study has proven that all mankind came out of Africa, the mother land and we, mankind, share a genetic link to most species. All mankind are descendents of the black man. So. If you’ve ever had a relationship with a pet whether on a farm, or have owned pets, there are worst things to be compared with. I say rather than outrage, consider this, with further genetic studies on the “Origin of Man” to borrow from Darwin) to be compared with the noblest of species ain’t too shabby and we all know, with further scientific discoveries, the main ones who twist something as noble and awe inspiring into something despicable and debasing, they in a few years, will be the main ones trying to lay claim that they are in fact the true descendents of the Ape. Watch what I tell you, we’ve seen nothing new under the sun now have we?
> Ismelrelda
Also, visit some of the “white power” sites and you will see that this is a common ploy of theirs to “rearrange books” so to speak when Obama is being displayed. So it is true a person walking in to the store could have easily have done this. If the store had done this there would have been a balance. Darwin Day was just celebrated, for the scientific community books on the evolution of man, animal species could well have been on display, but balanced and not as “arranged” as the display I just saw. So, you know, I give B&N the benefit of the doubt, they are “booksellers” not “race mongers” they have a vested interest in all customers. What we should rail against in all bookstores, is how they have begun the practice of “categorizing” black literature on their displays and on their shelves. Instead of putting novels in simply non-fiction, we have our own little sections, have you noticed that? I think that is racist. You don’t see the white authors in their own littel sections labled “White literaature” It is just in “Literature”. I say pick your battles, and the one I just analagized is the one we need to fight. Or, perhaps we don’t mind being categorized. I do. I thinnk that we should be put in sections where all are put and catagorized as it should be, biographies, non-fiction, fiction, history, etc.
> Ismelrelda
I agree with the idea of African-American Fiction sections being racist. But its black people who demanded those sections. Its black people who said that NOT having those sections was racist. So is it just a racial damned if you do/damned if you dont?
> Mr Steve
I actually believe B&N I don’t like what it presents as well. But we need to get the facts and respond accordingly. As a person who is always in a bookstore anyone can rearrange a setting or display. And I can guarentee that who ever did it also took a picture and is having a fun time showing it to his/her friends. Bottom line say whatever you want. Black people have never and will never be monkeys. If anything the real primates are the people that are so very immature and ignorant. Go higher.
> Bernard
I lived in the Coral Gables area years ago. No shortage of jerks there. I’m sure that it was a customer prank. However, do Barnes and Noble associates not check out their own displays during the course of a work day? How long was this up?
> BVanB
Responsibility must lie with the company, the store management and the personnel….there is no excuse…I don’t give a crap about books being rearranged and how the monkey book just got left and placed right underneath Obama’s picture. Stores are going out of business daily…B&N needs to….if we don’t patronize them from not till 4ever. sales will decline.
> Tamu
Wow, I go to Barnes and Noble a lot. It is really no suprise something like this would come out of the south of all places. Anyone has access to the display section in the bookstore. Historically, blacks have been compared to apes, and i dont care how much of a noble species it is. I don’t think the actions of one person speaks for an entire Barnes and Noble. However, I will think twice about supporting Barnes and Noble.
> anonymous
BVanB…I doubt if it was a customer prank
> Tamu
Here’s what I want to see:
1) B&N post “No Racism” signs at the entrance of all stores. Hand out “no racism” buttons or put them in bags with purchases.
2) All B&N stores suspend open mics, poetry readings, author signings for a designated month. In replacement of those, every store teams with local activist groups to discuss and respond to racist attitudes in the local community. Then, B&N monitors and communicates progress being made in local communities.
3) B&N begins a national media campaign to promote dialogue on how to counter racism. They call for all RACISTS to boycott their stores.
> Mark
4) Check that. We want racists at the table, in the dialogue.
5) For a specified period of time, a portion of all sales go to support organizations with a proven history of combating racism.
> Mark
The Barnes & Noble spokesperson’s, Ms. Keating, response is not an adequate apology adn misleeds. When describing the action of the perpetrator of this visual calumny, she uses the words “played” and “joke”, suggesting a game is being played and something humorous occurred. Slandering our president is not a game to be played and the effect of this dispay is not funny nor is it a joke.
Using the term “whatever”, Ms. Keating also suggests she does not know exactly what the intent of the placement of the monkey book was. The intent is quite clear; it is obviously an anti-black racist attemt to derogate the Obama Family.
> Cletus Hasslinger
[...] Mary Ellen Keating, Spokesperson Barnes & Noble, Inc. via Black Power [...]
> When Will The Hate Stop: Book Store Includes Monkey Book In barack Obama Display « TaSh; Hip, Urban, N Chic
God is not pleased with this ridiculous action this person has done.We all is the same in God’s eye, no matter what color we are.I am happy we have a black president, it’s only fair that he had a chance.I believe that God is going to use him and he will make a difference,so for all of the ones that is still angry about that monkey book in the display,Be glad,Is it worth staying upset about it?PEACE
> humble
WOW, this is one loaded issue! Yes, it is highly possible that a customer could have placed that book in the window; Yes, it is possible that a B&N employee could have done it as well. That it was documented by someone with a brain and a camera is wonderful!
That B&N came forward with an apology should come as no surprise: 1) it’s the right thing to do and 2) with the economy being what it is, (book buying is no longer at the top of most people’s “to do” list)B&N had to do something to try to make this go away.
I like what Tamu and Mark had to say.
I would like to add that this is really the time to support our Independent Booksellers and Libraries (many accept book donations and then re-sell them as a fundraiser for very nominal amounts).
Finally, even in this time with a bi-racial president, we must not get lulled into a false sense of security: Racism is (sadly)”alive and well” in AmeriKa. A Lua Continua!!!
> MotoMaven
It is a fact that racism is not gone, and will be around for a very long time to come. It is sad that Ms. Taylor has chosen to throw a gift card away. The money has already been spent for the gift card by someone else. The person who gave the gift card is the one that loses the most, because Ms. Taylor is really throwing that person’s money away! If B&N chose not to correct the situation when it was identified, then I would agree with coming down hard on them. Anyone could have done this, but as most stores have updated security, it may have been recorded via surveillance cameras. Did anyone think to look at them?
> QueenT
“Just because a corporation who screws people year round….”
What has BN done to screw people year round? They do book fairs for local organizations, gift wrapping for charity at the holidays, book drives to promote literacy, donate HOMES to people who are HOMELESS and on and on and on…
Furthermore, they have kept me employed for 3 straight years now, so I can’t complain.
What more do you want?
> Madi
“Responsibility must lie with the company, the store management and the personnel….there is no excuse…I ”
Why must responsibility lie with the company? Let me set up a little scenario for you real quick.
1. Customer picks up book
2. Customer drops book in Obama display
3. Customer steps outside and takes a picture and posts it on the internet.
4. Employee sees prank and removes book.
Duration of prank: 2 minutes, max.
There is no one who is saying that the book was there for an entire hour, day, week, month, nothing. Have you ever stopped to consider that the person who put the book there was the same one who took the picture?
> Madi
In response to Mark’s “demands”…
1) You shouldn’t have to SAY No racism in the entrance to a store. It’s a given to people with common sense. Even if you do post it, those without common sense won’t read the sign anyways. And why just BN? Why not every store? And why just “no racism”? Why not no sexism, no bigotry, no curse words, no freedom of speech, nothing that is, could be, or is interpreted as offensive to any person, place or thing?
2) Local activist groups are free at any time to hold a book fair at the store to raise money for their group. If THEY aren’t approaching BN, it is THIER responsibility, not BNs.
3&4) BN had a HUGE octagon in the center of the store on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, ALL month, with books from all sections of the store. Furthermore, at my store, there was at least 4-5 displays of Obama at any given time throughout the store.
5) Again, BN has bookfairs year round that have a portion of sales going to numerous organizations. Feel free to set one up if you would like. It’s not a secret, BN as a company and at the store level donates money year round to a number or causes.
> Madi
And finally, in response to QueenT…
No, it is sad that anyone chose to waste money on Ms. Taylor to promote literacy towards someone so ignorant. Next time, I’d just get her a card with a nice picture on the front of something inoffensive, maybe a nice wildflower field, or perhaps a puppy…
> Madi
One last time, can I just say
“That it was documented by someone with a brain and a camera is wonderful!”
WHO IS TO SAY THAT THE PERSON WHO PUT THE BOOK THERE WASNT THE SAME ONE WHO TOOK THE PICTURE? I mean if I did something I thought was hilarious, I’d take a picture and post it online, too!
> Madi
I think I am going to go to every store in my town, and put racist, ageist, homophobic, sexist, rude, ignorant, and otherwise offensive displays around the store, take pictures and see how long it takes for an employee or customer to even notice it, what their reactions are and then document my findings online. This will either conclude
1) You will realize that ONE CUSTOMERS ACTIONS DO NOT DICTATE AND ENTIRE CORPORATIONS BELIEFS
or
2) You will boycott every store across America and further this great depression we are headed towards which will lead to an economic collapse which will lead to Obama going down as the worst president in history which would probably make whoever put the Monkey book on the Obama display in the first place very very happy.
You choose.
> I have an idea...
Anyone who boycotts a book store based on a CUSTOMER moving a book into an inappropriate area is a moron. Period.
> Andy
Check out this editorial from the NY Times. It really puts in in perspective – http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/opinion/28sat4.html?_r=5
> Lauretta S.
When you were a child, and thought like a child, did you ever kick over an anthill just for the thrill of seeing the enraged ants come charging out MAD AS HELL, ready to bite the first thing they encounter….??
Folks, an ignorant, bitter person put this book there – there is no law against ignorance, and nothing you say is going to change them! They are messing with your minds! Stop chumping yourselves!
> Lauretta S.
Release the video tapes that captures this section, this is the ONLY way I’ll beleive that it wasn’t intentional otherwise this is another NYPost, and to those who are saying get over it, walk in my beautiful black skin for a day, it’s heartbreaking simply because we are Black that we do experience racism,I wished racism didn’t exist but it does and sadly it’ll NEVER die, I wasn’t raised to hate but sadly others were and I’m not bitter, but very proud of my heritage so B&N release video footage and if an employee is guilty of this hatred let’s see how you handle it…Peace
> Mrs. CH
Wait … one stupid customer defaces one display and suddenly you DEMAND that they release security tapes to PROVE their innocence? Really? REALLY???
> Mr Steve
Why are Blacks so offended by Monkeys? im seriouse
> confused white boy
Mrs. CH…oh please. you think because you’re black only you experience racism? I get called dumbass white boy everyday, so shut up with your racist sobb story…and mabey you should deal with the fact that some Racist asshole is always gonna pull stunts like this!
> confused white boy
I work for Barnes & Noble and we’ve had to place tables and huge displays in front of the entrances to our window displays. We used to find people and children in there all the time. When the cashier is distracted, anyone can go behind there and mess with the displays.
We had a Code Adam (lost child) one day and a customer came to us and told us that there was a little girl playing with a tea set in out window. Sure enough, the girl slipped past the cashier and went into the window display to play with a tea set we had there.
I can’t speak for all Barnes & Noble stores, but I do know that no one at the store I work at (Orlando, FL) would do such a thing. By the way, I am black and although I am annoyed by what happened, I am not offended. Customers come in ALL THE TIME and move things around. For example, during the election, some idiots came in and turned every Pbama book around. Same thing for McCain and H. Clinton.
Don’t blame the company. We are out to sell books. We don’t make any money by pissing off customers and turning our own books around so that they can’t be seen or sold.
> Jana
Oops…I spelled Obama wrong! Sorry!
> Jana
When will we all get it and admit that racism still exists in this country!!! Eric Holder was right we are a nations of cowards and need to have a continuing open and frank coversation about race in America.
Where are your cameras B&N? This was no customer prank.
> Sheila
I never thought having a President that look like the race of people that everyone hate would make what is in some people’s heart would change anything. One thing that the haters forgot is that the race of people that they hate did not put him there alone. President Obama is a man of wisdom (which only comes from GOD), knowledge and understanding of what it takes to keep this country together.
Let us as Christians keep him and his family in our daily prayer, let us plead the BLOOD of JESUS over his entire life and pray the HEDGE of PROTECTION all around him and his family. Satan is a liar and he will not defeat us saith the LORD.
> Johnie
If B&N as a corporation had a problem with President Obama, do you think they would have the display of him in the window in the first place? Not if they didn’t want to. Books will sell regardless. So, let’s stop being so quick to take offense and “boycott”. It is very easy to place a book on a display in any store. Anyone could have done that. There are more important issues to fight about.
> Not mad at B&N
Oh, and I am just going to ignore the question by “confused white boy” asking “Why are Blacks so offended by Monkeys? im seriouse”?
I hope you are NOT serious.
> Not mad at B&N
You don’t even have to look at the surveillance cameras to know who played the prank. Study the window, it’s a white woman, wearing shades, shoulder length hair, with bare arms, and a white male standing beside w/a tee shirt on. Guarantee if there are tapes one or both of them were in the store, it’s a set up. But we are not puppets on a string, we don’t have to jump every time, and we have to choose our battles, not let the battle choose us.
Native New Yorker
> Burnadette Cody
It is not only appropriate, good business but right that Barnes and Nobels need to accept responsibility and be accountable for what has been done within thier scope of business. All businesses have a social responsibility and are accountable as a business to the public to protect the public from potentially harmful and derogatory practices. Unfortunately, our public responsiblity and work ethic in America has sank to an all time low and is a big for many businesses today. One of the reason our country is in an economic recession (depression)today is because of our irreverent and individualistic vs national commitment and selfish behavior.
First, we are our brothers’ keeper whether we like it or not!I say that because what affects some of us ultimately affects all of us (directly or indirectly). For example, individually, perhaps none of us caused this economic recession, yet, all of us are or will suffer because of it.
Second, we Americans love to rationalize and/or justify actions to the point where the original offense is either “the other person’s, fault, over-reactions or dismissed as trivial”. Finally, but not least, many of us need to come out of denial.
> Francine
I would be willing to bet my years paycheck that this was a prank pulled by a customer .. Ill give ya that this is a racist prank. But, the NY POST cartoon… sorry…I aint buying that as racist. At all. Lets not compare the two
> David
What customer do you know has access to walk behind the cash registers to stand on a step ladder in order to bend over the book display and lower in a book on Monkeys?????!!!! Come on!! We have been in B&N. This display is directly behind the cashiers. How are customers allowed back there? Who was overseeing the customer? If it was a customer, he/she WORKED for B&N!
> Sherry
This is a non-story. There will always be someone out there that will express these hateful messages so to say that this is a sign of how far we still have to go is a joke. This was a dumb act by a single individual. If Al waists his time by protesting at the store he will lose even more credibility, if that is possible.
> Zach
It seems a bit ridiculous to assume that this was a n employee. I know for fact that there are times when the area where this display was set is unattended and can be tampered w ith. This was a horrible disrestpectful thing t o do, undoubtably racist, but it was one stupid kid doing s omething they knew would piss others off. This is Miami, people do things for the heck of bothering others. Is it rude, of course. But it’s just that, some kid with nothing better to d o than to piss off people e doesnt know the easiest way the can see how. Congrats to everyone, you’ve officially given them exactly what they wanted. Lay off the store, it’s not possible to see everything 100% of the time, and t hey corrected it as soon as it was realized. thank you.
> storm
I’m sorry, but this is ridiculous. Anyone could have changed that window display…to blame Barnes and Noble as a company is just dumb. There are ALWAYS going to be racist people out there…you can’t blame everyone for one or two random peoples’ ignorance…just take pride in the fact that you’re not on their level and move on. To make such a big deal over an incident like this is to let them get to you – which is exactly what they want!
> traci
“What customer do you know has access to walk behind the cash registers to stand on a step ladder in order to bend over the book display and lower in a book on Monkeys?????!!!! Come on!! We have been in B&N. This display is directly behind the cashiers. How are customers allowed back there? Who was overseeing the customer? If it was a customer, he/she WORKED for B&N!”
You dont have to stand on a step ladder to change the displays. You just have to be small enough to fit between the window and the display. I was ringing someone up the other day and I heard noise behind me and out walked a mother who was gathering up her child who had ran between them. It’s not impossible.
> Madi
yes. Im serious (ha spelled it right this time) its just an animal.
> confused white boy
i wonder if the monkey has anything to say about this? Oprah you have a grand opportunity here!
> im always riight
Glad to see there are reasonable people responding to this. It is unfortunate that there is, and always will be, others who see blacks as less than (less than what, I really don’t know). However, I do believe that the apology offered by B&N was sincere. As a people, I think we too often choose the wrong battles to fight; this isn’t one to fight (or boycott or whatever else one may want to do to show their outrage.)
> Ppaulap
Oops grammar mistake – I should have stated there are rather than there is…..
> Ppaulap
Why the surprise? There will always be racists in the world, but the landslide election of Obama as President of the United States of America should give us hope that the younger generation and many others, yes! some white brothers/sisters, certainly “get it” with the recognition that no man is an island and a person should be measured by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Do not acknowledge the hatred of unevolved, pitiful beings by giving them the power to bring you to their fearful place. We will survive nonetheless, for God made us plentiful and strong.
> chinamom
Sherry-
Apparently you have not been in B&N. You don’t need a stepladder to get behind the displays. You just walk back there. Customers do it ALL OF THE TIME. This happens everday. People are just outraged because it’s about obama, and don’t noticed when it’s Penthouse magazines in children’s department.
> hahah
He is still The PRESIDENT!!! The last shall be first!!
> Ms B
Each time that we, as Blacks, are wronged, the first thing we want to do is boycott, scream in outrage or, at worst, get physical rather than delve more into the facts. When things of this nature circulate, why not sit down, gather our thought processes and voice our opinions in an intelligent manner. Making sure to use proper grammar and punctuation. And we wonder why others view us as they do?
> Ms. Dawn
Give B&N a break. They are clearly taking responsibility for the actions of some ignorant customer or employee. The apology was warranted, timely and appropriate and we must be big enough to accept it. Even if it was driven by a desire to save their profit margin, apologizing was the right thing to do. I think we as a people are better than the simple-minded evil individuals and groups fueling these race wars. We must be smarter and better everyday and especially when our patience is tested.
> Georgia Girl
Whoever did this got what they wanted, everyone is ready to march now, and it’s RIDICULOUS! I’m so sick of these emails on either side that try to get people up in arms and their heads spinning, white or black or whatever! Some stupid employee and/or customer did this obviously, I remember this display at the B&N in my city and it did not have a monkey book in it, obviously. B&N is a very liberal and inclusive company, it is obviously not their thinking so lets call it ignorant, stupid and MOVE ON!
> T
Too many overly sensitive people nowdays ….evolutionists have been putting OUR photos next to monkeys and apes for years + …get over it already!
> toomuchalready
This is just sad. No matter what you do or say he is still your president to if you voted for him or not he is the President. Thank God for change. To the person who did this God bless you for helping us to see just how evil and hurtful some Americans are.
> tlb
There is still a segment of our population, mostly racists, still in denial. They cannot
believe a black man is president of the US. His
very prsence in this office has driven them into conniption fits. They don’t know what to do. He is urbane, learned, witty, courteous,
focused, and above all he loves his country.
He is also forgiving and has tried to work with
the opposition. But like little children they
would prefer to be immature. The people who did
this would easily fit into the pre civil rights
era in this country. They are to be pitied.
> Lin
I WILL ONLY SAY THIS. MAYBE JUST MAYBE THIS WAS DONE BY A CUSTOMER…HOWEVER I USED TO WORK AT BARNES AND NOBLES JUST RECENTLY AND I WOULD ALWAYS SEE THE BARACK OBAMA BOOKS FACED IN.(FRONT COVER FACED IN SO THAT IT COULD NOT BE SEEN0. THIS HAPPENED EVERYDAY FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF AND EACH DAY I WOULD CHECK THE BOOKS TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE DISPLAYED PROPERLY. NOW IT IS “POSSIBLE” THAT SOME RANDOM CUSTOMER SPENT THE TIME TO COME TO THE STORE AND RE-DISPLAY THE BOOK WITH THE COVER TURNED IN BUT IT’S NOT PROBABLE. THAT SAID, B&N WOULD EVEN HAVE A HARD TIME TELLING WHO WAS COMMITTING THIS ACT. IT STILL SAYS A GREAT DEAL ON HOW MOST AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE VIEWED IN THIS COUNTRY. HONESTLY, I’M TO TIRED TO PUT ANY MORE ENERGY INTO THIS THAN I HAVE.
> TMAY
This is sick! I am not talking about the display either!
all you ppl out thr making it a big deal is a freaking book!
I am sick to death of black ppl saying this that and the other.
Stop playing the race card! its old lame and way worn out!
> Someone
another “someone” that does’nt get it and what it feels like!
> TMAY
Suma you are so right but no one is listening to you. A store as large as B&Ns surely has a video camera security system. B&N release the video.
> AAQUEEN
I am disheartened that this has happened, but I am willing to give B&N the benefit of the doubt. Their display areas are not under lock&key and easily assessable. I, myself have removed the last copy of a book from the display area on occasion. I do not believe what happened in Coral Cables is systemic to all B&N bookstores nor do I believe it speaks to it’s corporate philosophy.
> Lisa E. Payne-Chirico
Now with this free propaganda Barnes & Noble is having more customers than before and of course is selling more.
Thanks to that person who was trying to be funny.
> marbueno@hotmail.com
I don’t know if it’s b/c I am becoming desensitized to this stuff but when I saw this I actually laughed. Not because it is funny, but b/c everyone is constantly applauding themselves for electing a black president, but their day to day actions only prove that we still have a far way to go. For hundreds of years, it has been easy to look down on a whole race of people because their features are different, but I believe someday, black people (as well as other minorities) as a whole will have the last laugh.
> Gia
This was not done by a customer, I’ll say that with certainty. I have almost walked out of B&N with a book I did not buy and entered the book-display (which is AFTER THE EXIT) and the alarm went off. So how is it possible a customer got a book past the alarm and sat it on the display. This was obviously done by a worker.
I’m Done.
> Me
One stupid customer does one stupid thing and suddenly millions of blacks can’t wait to scream race and blame people and yell and scream and march and fight. COME ON! You can’t be that stupid! It aint the ENTIRE company’s fault that some dumb white chick did something racist.
> DAMN!!!
Looks like a MONKEY can run the white house better than a hunkey
> Shakazi
I think there should be a boycott in front of the store. No one of color should ever purcase anything from this store again.
To bad it wasn’t someone from days past, throw a brick into the window.
> Sandy
[...] Uh-uh-uhbama Hmm. Rassimus per Bücherverkaufsdisplay. Auch mal was neues. Die große Kette Barnes & Noble bemerkte diesen leicht provokanten Fehler leider zu spät und verfasste somit folgende Entschuldigung: Barnes & Noble would like to publicly apologize for what happened in our Coral Gables, Florida store. We believe that a customer played a cruel joke and placed an inappropriate title in the front window of our store, where we were featuring books written by or about President Obama. We want to assure our customers that the book placed by someone other than our booksellers was never intended to be included in our display and was removed as soon as we became aware of the situation. We are looking into it and are taking the steps necessary so that it does not happen again. From time to time customers will move titles from one area of the store to another. In this particular case, we do not condone whatever message may have been intended with the placement of this title in our Presidential display. It certainly was not part of our merchandising and we regret that we didn’t see the placement of this title immediately. [LINK] [...]
> Uh-uh-uhbama « Fremdlesen
As a 72 year old African American male, I have either witnessed or fought against racism most of my life, including a period at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and I’m not at all surprised at what I see today vs. what I saw during the 60s’, 70s’, 80’s and today. You cannot legislate how people feel about us, we can only respnod or refuse to respond depending on the impact of their behavior on our daily lives. Love me or hate me because I’m Black, but never get in my way because I’m Black, there is absolutely nothing that can keep me from rolling over you like an insect if I find you as an obsticle or barrier in “my” path way.
doc
> Douglas Edwards
You wanna picket? You wanna protest?
Fine. Protest that one specific store in Florida. Go to Florida and picket THAT ONE store.
But to blame ALL 800+ Barnes and Noble stores because one stupid customer did something bad, that shows your ignorance and your love of playing the race card.
> DAMN!!!
I read a lot of comments from people who believe B&N had nothing to do with the display and that no way they would be involved. Its easy to blame some jerk customer BUT answer this all you NAYSAYERS, would you have thought the NY Post would depict a dead monkey while talking about the stimulus package President Obama oversaw? These are subtle messages that show peoples true feelings. How long are we to play the fool and believe all these convenient mistakes? Wake up people…Its possible it was some random customer but its also possible a B&N employee did it. Some of you probable believe the NY Post illustrator snuck his drawing into the paper also.
BTW: DAMN, you’re a damn fool. Boycotting one store does nothing. You send a message to the entire chain.
> JMR
To all of YOU who believe that beautiful black people are symbolized as monkeys, that reveals to us that SATAN is still making fools of you! We were ALL created by GOD ALMIGHTY, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Please get that before it is too late. You don’t have to fear wanting to be like us and walk with us. We come in an array of bountiful colors, we are witty and smart as we work hard to gain our acomplishments in this life. Face it, we have reached the unreachable. We are no longer the bait, but the life line to living…come and join us! By the way, if this small tidbit of less than favorable humor bothered us..I would say “put up or shut up”, air the footage from the store cameras. We are not intimidated! Did you not know this kind of senselessness gives us strength to keep on keepin on? Put your money where the film is…lights, camera, action!!!!
> Susan
When you examine the photo you can see the outline of a person being reflected off of the window.This reflection may be the party who took this picture. You can also see the clear holder the books are in that serves to attache them to the display wall. This is an inside job and not a cruel joke by a visiting patron.Although apologies were made, I would feel better if Barns and Noble stated that all of thier employees at this location be given a mandatory diversity and sensativity training session. Other stores nationally should be given a book from that company on the same subject and have thier employees and managers read it.Apologies based on falsehoods are not accepted.
> Larry Wilson
Why we get so emotional? Because we are not mature enough to answer with equanimity.
That is why even though we have a black president, we still full of inferiority complex and the same thing happen with gay people and Hispanics. I know there are exceptions, but the majority react with anger and very childish.
To judge we need to be 100% sure who did it. We can not blame Barnes & Noble.
> marbueno
I am sure that store window dressing is performed by store employees and access to this area by the public is not allowed. Is this one of those occasions that the employees/store management looked the other way? Like it or not, this country has a president named “President Barack Obama” to support. All American need to realize that, stop complaining, and get busy putting this country back together. WE start this by inviting God back into our land and supporting our president by doing our part. Oh, Yes We Can!!!!!!!
> Portia
Yes, lets boycott an avenue that gives our people the opportunity to freely educate and empower themselves. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it? Lets make the black community angry and while they are running around mad at a stupid book display that only matters to a handful of ignorant, egocentric, unevolved imbecils, they won’t notice that a boycott is only detrimental to them.
Come on my Kings and Queens, lets do better than that.
> Magik
This entire thing is terrible the photo, the incident… the comments. This is a site for “open minded” people, the ones that would like to eliminate racism, self-included. This was done by an individual, be it an employee or a customer, it was just one ignorant person. I can’t stand when people do stuff like this, it prevents the removal of barriers. Also, I can’t stand how this turns back around to “the whites,” this wasn’t a race of people or a corporation, this was one single racist jack@ss. There are going to be lots of these people around for decades to come, parents still raise their children to be racist(on both sides of the color spectrum). It’s our job to eliminate that and target people for their individual ignorance. How can racism be elliminated if we continue to allow the ignorant actions of a small portion of people to continuosly divide the rest of us.
> Alex Moore
I’m sorry, but many of you have lost your minds…this is obviously the act of some redneck customer (or perhaps employee, without the knowledge of management)…of course this image would hit the internet in about 20 seconds, and there’s no way Barnes & Noble would want that, right? There’s still plenty of racism in America, but let’s please point fingers responsibly.
> porkido
Could we please get a life? Mr. Obama is President of the United States. That is it. DONE!!!!!! Do we need to protest every imagined or real insult that comes to affront us as Blacks? I say, “No”. We would spend 90% of our time doing so. What I feel we need to do is ignore it, just as President Obama is doing. We, definitely, have more important things to do than to wonder what was on the minds of the employees at this particular store when they put up this display. I say, “Beautiful people!! Cute monkey”, if I want to make a comment at all and, then go in the store and buy one of the books with the beautiful people on it. When we start ignoring what we perceive as insults, most of them will cease. The others will continue because ignorance and stupidity does not have the sense to stop itsself.
> Murial Nesmith
The NAACP came out and said that Barnes and Nobel is a victim in this as well. It was one jerk who thought he or she would be a funny racist. This company does’t have any more responsibility for this than if someone spray painted a racist word on the side of your car. Its always funny how everyone who says they are just looking for acceptance and equality are the first to jump in and show hatred…..
> Jesse
ok, yeah, its offensive, but i think everything is being blown out of proportions. the entire company should not be penalized for the action of one person, because that one person’s action doesn’t reflect everyone in that company. Instead of wasting all this energy trying to shut people down, let’s try to channel it into something more positive, like proving that monkey stereotype wrong and keeping our kids in school.
> Jamila
This seemingly slight atrocity further contributes to the disenchantment of the current state of race relations. President, yes, President Obama featured in close proximity to a monkey? This blatent display of disdain is certainly NOT unprecedented. We have a popular publication printing a comic strip with a similar connotation – did one give weight to the other? Or, were both just gross depictions of the inability of some to accept a man for the sheer fabric that he represents. Yes sheer, diaphanous, transparent, frank – what you see is what you get! It is time for the racist nay sayers to concede and join forces as we, the citizens of the free world, embark upon a common journey to rebuilding the land of reparation.
> Marian
Wow, I am busting a gut laughing right now. Who on this website is President Barack Obama? EXACTLY. He is not worried about it, so why is everyone so worked up about this? Everyone knows that racism is as American as apple pie; it will ALWAYS exist. Whether it was an employee or worker, our role as Blacks is to be better than that “mess” and give it NO ATTENTION. When we get worked up about words, pictures, cartoons, ect., we give it power. Don’t get me wrong, everything should not be allowed to just “roll off our backs”, but we should take a cue from our current president and ignore it. When Blacks campaign for president and win, cure diseases, speak intelligently, ect, we prove that we aren’t decendants of monkeys and that we are worthy as citizens of this nation. Keep this in mind: EVEN AFTER THE CARTOONS, DISPLAYS, ECT, HE IS STILL THE POTUS!!!!!! SO, WHO CARES? When President Obama gets worked up about it, then I’ll be ready to move. Until then, I ain’t on that.
> REALLY?!
Please excuse my colloquialism “I ain’t on that”. I mean to simply say that I’m not going to let it get me all “fired up and ready to go” about nothing.
> REALLY?!
Of course the act is insulting to decent people. Its intent was to be insulting. But what gives me great satisfaction is that, no matter what ignorant, childish pranks some low-life racist pulls, Barack Hussein Obama is still the President of the United States of America. And, as hurtful as the prank may be to some, the fact of having an African-American President hurts these racist pigs a lot more.
> Gene
I totally agree with REALLY? Can we not give pranksters power by getting all worked up over something so childish and stupid….nine times out of ten it was a teenager who snuck into the display area and did that….and now we have given their stupid prank national publicity. plus I don’t believe in any protest that might limit black people’s access to books.
> KLysha
I forgot to say that I agree with Mary’s statement in reference to the personal protest by Lashanda. I think Mary was just pointing out that it’s silly to punish the store by not using a gift card. The card has already been purchased so they already got their money. By not using the gift card you just basically gave the store a donation. How is that punishing them???
> KLysha
Without a doubt this display is offensive, but at the end of the the day, it is still just a display. African-American’s are established. We already know how powerful and strong we are as a people. At the end of the day, people will feel how they want to about the color of someone’s skin. Don’t get upset about their jealousies because jealousy is THE weakest emotion. Just remember, “The fire you kindle for your enemy, often burns you more than it does your enemy!”
> Food For Thought
I do believe a single ignorant person placed that book there, not the store. I am disappointed about the attitute conveyed by the CEO this morning on the Tom Joyner morning show. It does not match up with the apology released. Until there is further evidence of the company’s guilt, we should represent what we want from others; we should have open minds. As far as the CEO, he represents the company on a different magnitude and he, unfortunately, makes the situation worse.
> momathomen09
Notice the display is incomplete? There are two books missing. I don’t typically see empty spaces in window displays at bookstores. It is obvious someone tampered with it. Perhaps even the photographer. . .
> God's Child
I think the book store should have shown more reomorse & outrage that an employee or patron would do something so offensive.
B & N’s comments appear too cautious & as if they don’t understand the culprits intention. I am so tired of white folks almost defending ignorance. B & N’s commments were more on image control instead of caring about the millions of people this act offended.
> CC Shaw
(Sorry for my english, I’m italian).
About this display, I think maybe was a customer to do this stupid joke, and the apologise of B&N is normal. But when I saw this picture, I feel shame and sadness.
I don’t know if this is the right topic, but I would like to ask your opinion also about another thing, maybe similar.
Someone sent me this link and I would like to ask your opinion as to whether you find it offensive: http://headostate.com/
Some of my friends think is harmless fun, but another friend pointed out to me that she finds it extremely offensive especially considering the association with the stereotype concerning black male sexuality.
What do you all think?
> monique
The photo of the last president should have not been included in the middle of President Obama and First Lady Michelle’s photos.
> Ron Holloway aka Hollywood
#53. I cants belive this shit! Making out Obama some kind of monkey. I know he gots ears like em and all but still! Kill those bookselling white bitches! I’m so tired of them thinkin wes some sort of apes, well we aint an Ive had enough. We aint no apes, but I do haves to admit my cousin Tyrone kinda looks like one. Even still, enoughs enough, I aint reading no more books in protest. Join me — no books til somebody gets fired.
> Jarome H
Posted 03.01.09 at 3:03pm EST Whom ever this writer is trying to portray, it is not working. All of us intelligent readers are up to your game. Betty, 3-9-09
> Betty Elam
So many thin skinned people with nothing more to do. Toughen up a little bit, get over it and quit with the race card at every opportunity. Its old, its tiresome. If you put this much effort into doing something positive instead of calling for a “boycott” imagine what might get accomplished. No wonder this country is in the shape its in.
> Bob
Who is running these Barnes and Noble stores? I was recently in a local store and there were NO African-Americans working or even patronizing the store. Have you seen barnesandnobleinc.com. I haven’t seen anyone in upper management that isn’t white.
My cousin applied for a job at a local Barnes and Noble and was directly told “we don’t hire your kind here”. His buddy stayed in the store as my cousin left and the interviewing manager tore up the application in front of everyone in the Cafe. The interview was conducted in the Cafe where anyone could hear my cousin’s personal information. His buddy observed the staff bursting out laughing and making highly racist comments. I told my cousin and his buddy to bring a small videocamera next time they frequent this establishment. This shit needs to be told to the entire world. Racism is real folks. So much for the 21st century and the words of Dr. King.
> Leroy Brown
Leroy Brown is obviously lying to start something.
Unless that Barnes and Noble is in White Supremacy, Kansas then I seriously doubt everything he says.
> DAMN!!!
WHO CARES! THE FACT IS, THAT YOU CANT CHANGE THE WAY SOMEONE FEELS NOR CAN YOU CONTROL THE WAY SOMEONE ACTS. HATRED WILL ALWAYS BE AROUND BECAUSE THERE ARE HATEFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. BARACK IS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND WILL BE FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, GOD WILLING. NO ONE CAN CHANGE THAT. LETS MOVE FORWARD. THE KIND OF PEOPLE WHO BEHAVE IN HATEFUL WAYS, WANT TO GET A RISE OUT OF ITS VICTIMS. I SAY, DONT GIVE THEM THE TIME OF DAY.
> STILL STANDING
it’s too bad there isn’t surveillance from this store. it would clear everything up and show exactly how easy it is for customers to get in front of that wall and mess with the displays. it happens all the time.
> colleen
Calling for a boycott is a knee-jerk reaction, and is downright foolish. Please explain why Barnes & Noble employees in Washington should be penalized by the actions of one ignorant person in Coral Gables, FL. And why boycott, anyway? Let’s say it’s successful and the company’s sales decline 30%. “SUCCESSFUL BOYCOTT,” you say. Great, so now, with the economy already dismal, B&N (one of the few companies currently doing reasonably well, and one of the few not asking the govt. for bailout money), has to lay off 1/3 of it’s employees. Now that lady at the cafe in Chicago, using the job to fund college, has to drop out. Now the factory worker in New Jersey, instead of waiting in line to clock in, has to wait in line at the unemployment office. Now multiply that number by several thousands, to account for the other 800 stores B&N has across the country.
But you were successful, boycotting an entire company, because of one book about monkeys. Are our hurt feelings really worth that? Even the NAACP has come out and said B&N was a victim in this (currently, Mr. Riggio, B&N’s CEO is sitting on the NAACP’s finance committee, by the way). But go ahead and boycott. Prove George Orwell right. “Ignorance is bliss.”
> Eric
Wasted energy. So that we reclaim our power & don’t follow the example of ‘wasted energy’… if ‘we’ see it, simply DON’T DO BUSINESS THERE ! Or anywhere, that offers ignorance and disrespect… because it’s offered does not require our acceptance on any level. We’re too great a people to even lower our innate standards to address that kind of insolence. Just walk away and close the door. Don’t slam it. Just shut it.
> favor shield
It is amazing to me how it took FOUR days for Barnes and Noble to notice what was in a display in their store. I bet if it had been a display of the Pope you would not find a magazine placed in the display about Abortion, Viagra,or pornorgraphy. So let’s face up to the fact the racism is alive, however we don’t have to settle for injustice in any shape form or fashion. Paulette
> Paulette Sanders-Battle
Have you all been asleep the past 8 years? Have you been unaware the President Bush was compared to a chimp during that time, and much worse? Do you realize it was considered politcal satire? Now that someone does it to BHO it’s a hate crime? You walk around looking for a motive of hate in everything white people do and say and you will find it. Would you want to live in a society where every word, every action and ever thought came with an accusation of racial bias? I think not, so why should whites come to the table of ideas to discuss race when they have all been tried and found guilty?
Is racism alive and well? Yes, but it wears a black face more often than not.
> Barnes Ignoble
The reflection in the store window is that of a white woman wearing sunglasses with a camera and a white man standing next to her – are these idiots the culprits? Release the tapes so that the public can decide once and for all. Since your claim is that your employees were not responsible for this ignorant act – prove it. When will you all stop being so intimidated by blacks? Deal with it Obama is your President like it or not! Blacks have done more for this Country than any race on the planet – deal with that too! When will we finally get credit where credit is due?
> Release The Tapes
I was not offended by the window display, instead I was offended by the poor crisis management skills that Barnes & Noble Chairman, Len Riggio, displayed when discussing the issue in an interview with Roland Martin on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, 3/9/09 (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=ifyoumissedit). He showed his true colors. How in the hell did he ever become a Chairman? Guess he got the Good Ole Boy hook up, no real skills required.
As long as President Obama is in office, there will be many more offenses. We need to implement Dr. King’s economic plan: boycott businesses who do not have respect for blacks and other minority group concerns. That is the only way we will ever get respect. The old adage says it all…money talks and bullxxxx walks!!
> Intheoverflow
Sadly to see that some people continue to show his/her ignorance in their given adult life. We must pray and forgive them and hope one day the person will realize the picture they painted of him/herself and correct thyself.
> Ms. Bea B
I think this is great. I’m off to Barnes and Nobel to do the same there… When Bush gets compared to a monkey its “funny and protected by free speech”, but if you do the same to the Obamamessiah its rasist and should be a hate crime…..
> joe mamma
I am African American. This angered me as well. I have shopped at Barnes and Noble for some time. I will continue to do so. If you dig into any company you will find some racist people, whether they are customers or employees. But the culture of this company and the books they display tell me it is not inherent in their culture. Yes they need to work harder to prevent it, and now have a wake up call. Lets breath or we will not do business with anyone and the economy will continue to falter. In addition, it will not help our new president.
KG
> Karen G
I am a white American who has lived in Europe for the past 25 years, which fact perhaps leads me to defend my nationality even more than if I lived in my homeland. In a matter such as this, how much melanin President Obama has in his skin is irrelevant. An insult of this kind is an insult to every American.
Since the display was in a Barnes and Nobel window, and since the store did not act quickly enough to prevent photos of the offending display from spreading over the Internet at the speed of light, Barnes and Nobel is, in fact, culpable.
Donnamarie in Switzerland
> Donnamarie Leemann
Klysha,
That’s exactly what I meant! The store already has their money.
Personally, I think it was a customer who did this because everytime I go into a B&N I do something similar, I turn Ann Coulter’s books around so only the back shows and I put one of Obama’s books in front.
I don’t like the snotty remarks about his ears, either.
I never did it to McCain’s books, though, I felt sorry for him in a way because he’s old and sick.
Here’s the thing of it, no matter what that customer did to the display he/she can eat their hearts out!
We WON!!!!
> Mary
Joe Mamma, this is probably the first time you’ve ever been to a bookstore in your life.
Maybe you’ll learn something.
> Mary
Get A Grip, I’ll write what I want to write when and where I want to write it! Deal with it!
Although I’m sorry I said that the McCain supporters couldn’t read. I’m sure some of them can.
> Mary
I look to the television daily for any news concerning the return of KKK-style lynchings and this is all I get?? The white race is finished, man…
> IBen Getiner
No one made this big of deal when there was a website http://www.bushorchimp.com back in 2000
http://politicalhumor.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=politicalhumor&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bushorchimp.com
> CC
I think this issue is way way overblown.
I take Barnes and Noble at their word per their
public statement and apology regarding this incident. I don’t think it’s right to hold Barnes and Noble responsible for every lone nut that walks in the store. I would consider this almost like a form of vandalism that unfortunately has racial overtones. I think the store was sincere in its apology and I would imagine that they will be more vigilant of these types of stunts in the future. Let’s not get stuck in the mud over this, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things!!!
> Bobby Blade
It’s unbelievable how some people are so desperate to find something to marginalize an already marginal situation. Everyone has seen store display windows that are easily accessible [and those that are not]. It was a prank!!! Do you honestly think “B & N” actually wanted that book in there with the others. Please, brothers and sisters, don’t act ignorant because you can claim it…you’re smarter than that
> Velvet Greene
President Barack Obama is a very handsome man, and The First Lady Michelle Obama is blessed for being his wife and partner for life. Whoever is responsible for being an idiot, shall be punished by the higher power, no doubt about that. Let’s go on, and be by our President’s side. This is a distraction- – a trick. It won’t work, unless we let it. Are we together for Barack???? Yes, we are!!!!!
> teresahilohawaii
I am discusted with these filthy racist doing their dirt. Why don’t you grow up for goodness sake. If it was an ignorant thing done with McCain or Bush and/or their wives, people would have wanted to start lynching someone. I am tired of the racist thinking that it is ok to do this type of thing but want to shoot some minority if they try something. I am a card carrying member of Barnes and Noble in Utah (and I spend a lot of money in that store). Maybe if we stop shopping in this store and hit them in their pocketbook they will think twice before letting something like this happen. I can’t buy the statement the spokesperson said. The book is clearly in a place where it can be seen and seen well. I truly feel that the employees and manager of the store saw it. The damage was already don and can’t be taken back. If you racist want to start loosing money and loosing your places of business just keep it up and you will have no one to blame but yourselves. The majority of the American people chose Pres. Obama and there are more of us than there are of you so if you want to loose your place of businesses keep on doing what you are doing and we will see who comes out the looser.Bernadetteutah
> Bernadette Kemp
I am a Barnes and Noble employee and if someone wasnt paying attention, someone could EASILY get into a display.
This is a joke preformed by someone and it worked on all you handringers out there, calling for a boycott of B&N REALLY? Are you THAT stupid? I love how all of you are so quick to assume this was done with actual racist intent. You are all ignorant sheep wh owill swallow anything anyone gives you. You give our race a bad name and should be ashamed at your instant rage over this. Think for once.
> jthron
Yet again, people are apologizing for something that was blown way out of proportion by idiots who have nothing better to do than think that everything is racially motivated. I’m so very sick of race baiting, that we as a nation are cowards because race isn’t talked about. It’s not talked about because no one cares. This is the biggest liberal hoax ever invented. Look through history, who created the KKK? The Democrats. Who tried to block the civil rights movement? The Democrats IE: Al Gore senior. Black people listen up, you’re not slaves anymore. Stop thinking of yourselves as victims and as Americans. Stop blaming everyone for the past and look forward! Start being free thinking individuals and have some damn pride in yourselves and your backgrounds. Start reading your history and find out how much the Democratic Party has lied to you and they have kept you down. This Barnes and Nobles thing is nothing more than a sham. The issue is this, is something like this going to define you?
> Get real
white people are so stupid they don’t know what to do!
> palmer
I am Angry at such fools. We are blessed to have our president. He is cleaning up the mess in Washington that ignorant people like the one who created such display have made.
The person or persons who did this must still be confused in knowing the difference between a intelligent human being and monkeys.
> Angry Puerto Rican woman
Oh yeah, monkeys are black… Albino monkeys go to HELL. GOD loves YOU! Monkey HATERS. The world is a vampire… woot! Jesus saves MONKEYS. White folk HATE to understand GODS LOVE! Black folk LOVE to UNDERSTAND GOD’S hate! Repent and be saved, WHITE DEVIL! Deify OBAMA! Burn baby burn… SODOMIZE milky monkeys. REPENT and be a MONKEY! GOD LOVES YOU! goo-goo-g’joob!!!!
> prophet
SO FUCKING WHAT !!! CRYBABIES ! and screw SHADY ASS LIAR OBAMA !!!!
> obama sucks !
@@@ Blacks cry about everything . Think everything is racist…..boo hoo (then again there the most racist peeps out there) they have bet channel…now that racist…wake up retards
> crapy prez anyway
These comments are more entertaining than the actual story. People were outraged and shock to find that racism still exists. Well No sh!t Sherlock! I hope to Thor that half of these comments were trolls because if not, America has a problem worse than the economy AND racism–Dumbasses.
> Daniel
How incredibly offensive. Those poor monkeys will probably never recover.
> Antonio
dey used my bruthas pitcher wiffout hims premission. nex thang u be noin is dem niggas will call us da n werd.
> BlackBusta
Wow!!!! The problem is the comments not the photo. I managed a Barnes & Noble several years ago and political book were moved all the time. If someone didn’t like Clinton they turn the book over or hide it. The sad story here is the comments
> copperhead
I work for a company owned by Barnes & Noble. I feel like I need to state that I am white, and if anyone needs evidence that racism is sadly alive and well just look at some of the hateful, ingorant comments left by a few on this site. That said, I would never, ever work for a company that I believed in any way promoted or condoned racism. The night Barack Obama was elected was one of the happiest nights of my life. I did feel proud of my country for one of the first times in my adult ife and I will state right now without equivocating that I am very, very ashamed of my country for its racism much of the time. Many white people are still very ignorant about the inherent racism in our culture and in our corporations. They don’t understand what white privilege is even though they enjoy its benefits every day. I know in my heart that Barnes & Noble was not responsible in anyway for this horrible incident (it is completely different to have a customer or even possibly one crazy employee do something horrible than it is to make a decision to publish a racist cartoon.) I’m sure the people I know who head this corporation were heartsick that something so horrible happened at one of their stores. If I thought that Barnes and Noble was in anyway responsible, I would be one of the very first to lead the boycott and it would not be the first boycott that I very vocally joined to fight injustice. I don’t blame anyone for being furious and jumping to conclusions–I would too if I had to live in a world where ingorant people compared me to a monkey because of my skin color. I love all the positive comments on this site. And Barack Obama will go down in history as one of the best Presidents ever.
> saddened
In response to the last comment by “saddened”, I appreciate your comment. I am a black man and grew up in a diverse environment in Brooklyn New York. Tears flowed when Obama was elected. His election was felt all over the world! But I also knew when I came to work the next day that there were a lot of white people I worked with that were extremely hurt and disappointed. They thought they were losing America. Some nasty things were said, and over the weeks and months the racist incidences started to occur. I knew if was going to happen. It just goes to show that black people have to consistently watch their backs. Things have changed drastically for the better over the past 50 years but there is still an element of hate and evil in the hearts of white society that won’t go away until this generation passes. Until then it has to be dealt with by the justice systems and daily monitoring of people to keep them in check. It has to be done at every opportunity or it will get out of control and anarchy will arise. Society must be monitored. But if you see or hear something negative – it needs to be addressed and not ignored!
> Roy49
It was probably Jeb Bush.
> doug anderson
White race isn’t finished dumbasses. We have seen the light and will be taking back whats ours.
> negro
Thank you for great post!
> Coidlitwolads
[...] have turned for the better a year ago. But there have been numerous incidents of racial overtones, monkey displays, political cartoons, Limbaugh, sustained police brutality accounts, gun rights zealots toting heat [...]
> Back To The Future: What Would They Say? | Clutch Magazine: The Digital Magazine for the Young, Contemporary Woman of Color
Thanks thanks thanks! I was looking for something along lines of this for hours and couldn’t find it.
Subscribed and will definitely drop a word about your site!
Cheers
> Plus Size Corset
i think it’s awesome that someone threw out their gift card and thought that would effect b&n. hello? those cards are already paid for!
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