”I can’t bring myself to think about voting for that colored man #Romney2012”
If I were scrolling through my Twitter feed, that statement would certainly make me stop. What is this, 1960? The use of the word “colored” isn’t just old fashioned; it’s offensive because it directly relates to a time prior to the civil rights movement when black Americans had to follow Jim Crow laws and their individual rights and freedoms were suppressed. It’s just a word, right? But by using the term, it’s almost as if you are relating to that time period, that shameful time period, when “separate but equal” was legally acceptable.
But when you find out that the word is used by a West Virginia University athletic trainer in his 20s, not an some 80-year-old who doesn’t recognize the faux pas, you have to wonder. Athletic department spokesman Mike Fragale told The Associated Press he couldn’t comment on what consequences the student, who works with the football and baseball teams, will face because he is protected by federal student privacy laws. The university is calling it a personnel issue that will be handled internally.
Too bad his statement wasn’t made internally. Too bad his statement was tweeted to the hundreds who followed him and the exponential number of people who saw retweets.
Was it racist? That’s between the kid and God. Was it inappropriate? Most would agree his use of the word “colored” was tasteless and ignorant. Should he face consequences? That’s what we asked readers last week on our online poll question, which can be found each week at www.timeswv.com. Last week, we asked, “A student WVU athletic trainer has been accused of tweeting about the presidential election in a way that could be considered racist. What are your views on the issue?”
And here are your responses:
If you’re in the public spotlight or a public employee, you’re likely to offend someone just by commenting on the weather — 7.14 percent.
If you wouldn’t say it (or show it) on national television, don’t say it on Twitter — 14.29 percent.
You can’t unring a bell. If you’re irresponsible on social media, you should face consequences — 30.61 percent.
Big Brother is watching you ... and apparently follows you on Twitter. Freedom of speech is being stepped on 47.96 percent.
This week, without bringing race into it at all, the biggest question is who will get your vote come Nov. 6.
Log on. Vote. Email me or respond directly online.
Misty Poe
Managing Editor
mpoe@timeswv.com
@MistyPoeTWV
Opinion
Should Twitter comment lead to repercussions?
- Opinion
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Three Rivers Festival offers chance for city to celebrate
What were you doing 34 years ago?
That was when the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival was born.
It didn’t start out as the Three Rivers Festival. It actually started over Labor Day weekend in 1980 and it was called Septemberfest. -
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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We change — at least a little — after each attack
How well do we remember the world as it was before 9/11?
Do we remember what airline security was like? Life before the Patriot Act? What was the school environment like before school shooting at Columbine and Sandy Hook? -
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
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Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
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Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
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Three Rivers Festival offers chance for city to celebrate
