How do I know that he is a racist?
Field Negro Exhibit-1:
"On November 14, a viewer named Kenny Moreland, whose Facebook profile picture is the Little Rascals‘ Buckwheat character with the caption “Buckwheat Say: O-Tay,” posted this comment on KTBS-TV's Facebook page:
Not to start any trouble, because I think that the annual “Three Minute Smile” is a great function and I love to see kids so happy. Am I the only one that has noticed that this year, all the kids, lets say, are people of color? This is Channel 3, not KSLA, the “Project Pride” network, that might as well be part of the BET channel. Did KTBS slip up on a news story, and owe S’port’s criminal mayor Cedric, a favor? Seems like some racism going on to me. Just saying…..
Moreland wrote another comment on the station’s website earlier that same day:
Has anybody else noticed that this years “3 minute smile” contestants are all of the same race? I thought this was Channel 3, and not KSLA the “Project Pride” network. Looks like racism to me. Not to put it down… I think it’s great for the little kids to get such a chance, but come on….. Are Ya’ll on Cedric Glover’s secret payroll now?" [Source]
Ms. Lee's big mistake was responding to the knuckle dragger. This, of course, gave her equally ignorant bosses a reason to terminate her. We must always protect the racist troll posting on Facebook and not our own employees.
Did the black people in Shreveport tune in to watch Ms. Lee? That was a rhetorical question. What black people think or want in places like Shreveport, Louisiana doesn't really matter.
"Lee told Mije.org: “I was the one who brought it to their attention after they let it fester on the page for 6 days, but was then chastised for responding at all. I sent a screen grab to my boss via e-mail telling them that I’m ok with the anti-Rhonda commentary sometimes, but what has been posted at the time was . . . racist, and I asked them to please support me in removing the ones that didn’t encourage thoughtful, respectful and civil discourse on our FB page. I never got a reply, only punished. To this day the posts are still there.”
She added: “. . . Race has been the issue with me since I started. That much is VERY true. Weather is an older white boy business and arms have been less than open for a young black girl — a polar opposite. As reported I’ve had more problems here in the south than I have anywhere else in my 25+ years in the business. Perhaps there is a pattern, but I am a glutton for punishment (ha, ha), and I want what I deserve as any professional would so if I have to fight for it I will.”
Yes you are a "glutton for punishment". You know those people down in Shreveport had issues with your appearance. Why not too long ago some viewer wrote that your hair was too "natural" for television.
"Lee told CNN's Soladad O'Brian that she was not aware of the company’s social media policy and was never warned about any unsatisfactory actions. She also said that there is no hard copy of the policy.
It seems that Lee was punished for discussing race rather than the commenter being banned for his racist comments. It is a sad, yet accurate reminder of how being comfortable with our Blackness is a symbol of inferiority to others, namely the commenters who attacked her on Facebook. We can look Black but not too Black, as was the case for Lee. Though She told CNN this is not the first time her hair has threatened her job security."
Ms. Lee, it might be time to find a nice wig and weave shop. (h/t AgentX for commenting about this story)
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