Comic caper causes social media backlash
(CNS): A cartoon published in Cayman’s local daily newspaper on Monday caused a significant stir on social media when the joke appeared to backfire. Caymanian job seekers and many others took offence to the comic caper by the cartoonist ‘Caymanman’, a.k.a. the local entertainer Barefoot Man, and began calling for a boycott of the Cayman Compass for publishing it.
Depicting what appeared to be a hapless unemployed youngster who was stuck on doing nothing rather than working, the cartoon caused outrage, not just from jobless locals but politicians and many others as well, as it was reposted numerous time on social media sites.
But Barefoot, whose real name is George Novak, told Cayman News Service that he believed the cartoon was “harrrrraarrrious…”.
“Why are some people so stupid?” he asked as he queried exactly what was offensive about the cartoon. “If you can’t take a joke … don’t read the cartoons,” he added. In the wake of the day’s backlash and defending his cartoons, Barefoot said, “People who can’t take a joke have no idea how hilarious they are to those of us who can.”
However, a long list of commenters on Facebook and elsewhere did find it offensive. Dwene Ebanks, a candidate in the 2013 elections and a professional who has found himself out of work, called on “all Caymanians everywhere to boycott” the paper for publishing what he said was the “insulting and offensive cartoon”.
Ebanks told CNS that he believed the joke depicted unemployed Caymanians “in a very demeaning way”. He said that until the paper apologizes to the Caymanian people no one should buy the paper. “I am calling on all Caymanians and shop owners to call the paper and tell them that they do not wish to carry a product that offends the very essence of who they are.”
And he was not alone. Many other locals commented that they found the subject matter of jobless locals not something they wanted to laugh about, as they implied the stereotyping of youngsters struggling to find work was inappropriate.
Alva Suckoo, the government’s backbench representative for Bodden Town, didn’t see the funny side. Having followed the backlash throughout the day, he called for the paper to apologize because of what he said were the blatant racist implications of the cartoon.
“It’s attempting to create a stereotype, which is going to hurt our young people,” he said. “The paper should issue an apology to young Caymanians as this is a damaging and racist depiction.”
The Progressives MLA said it didn’t matter whether it was meant to be funny or what politicians thought about the gag; it was young Caymanians that were owed the apology.
North Side MLA Ezzard Miller also thought the cartoon was a step too far and said he had heard the backlash about it throughout the day. But he said this was not an isolated incident and the paper had used the struggles faced by locals trying to find work as the brunt of its jokes or fodder for editorials on several occasions.
“This is not the first cartoon that is step too far when it comes to insulting Caymanians,” he said. “This type of thing just fuels the problems, and the drum which is being constantly banged in the media all of time that Caymanians are unemployable is false. Like every other country in the world there are some people who don’t want to work but there are many professionals here battling every day to try and find a job and our professionals are equal to any other professionals in the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, the publishers invited anyone who was unhappy about the cartoon, which appeared on the opinion page, to send in their signed letters.
“The editorial cartoon to which you refer appeared on the Editorial Page of The Cayman Compass which is, as you know, the ‘opinion page’ of the newspaper,” David Legge, the paper’s owner and editor in chief, told CNS via email in response to questions submitted. “We give all contributors to this page – from letter writers to columnists to cartoonists – wide latitude in expressing their views. We invite anyone who would like to express an opinion on this issue to write a signed letter to the Compass editor.”
He did not, however, answer the questions we sent, including whether or not he thought it was funny.
CNS also asked the Compass if we could reproduce the image of the cartoon but the paper refused.
For CNS readers who didn’t see it, the cartoon (which can be viewed broadly across Facebook) was a drawing of a bespectacled man sitting behind a desk marked ‘Labour office’ speaking to what appeared to be a disinterested young man smoking a spliff and wearing a reversed baseball cap.
The man was telling the youth: “OK young man. You need to stop whining that you can’t get a job. There are lots of jobs out there. You can do anything you want with a little initiative. Nothing is impossible.”
Meanwhile, the youth was thinking: ”Don’t make sense to me ‘nothing is impossible?’ I’ve been doing nothing all my life … So it’s not impossible.”
Category: Jobs, Local News
And the myth of Caymanian unemployment once again rears its ugly head.
To the poster at 18/03/2015 at 12:38 pm
“That may be the case if you were Judy Steele. But sadly you are not….”
Anyone who knew her work would have to agree. If the pages of time could be turned back to the days of Brian Uzzell and Judy Steele how much better life on our beautiful three islands would be. Those two were fine examples of expatriates who integrated into the Caymanian community and treated their fellow residents with peace, love and respect.
Sad, sad, how far our islands have fallen. Nowadays we have to either tolerate or ignore those who would insist on dividing the community. How the tide will turn from here no one knows but right now it feels like the damage is done and the situation is hopeless.
Shame on George Nowak and Shame on David R Legge and Vicki Legge.
BROKEN HEARTED CAYMANIAN
For god’s sake, Barefoot is STILL singing flat? He was in the early 70’s when I lived there. He’s obviously a slow learner!
Benjy
OK More …more….don’t stop whining now…please more !!!!
The idea that any kind of free society can be constructed in which people will never be offended or insulted is absurd. So too is the notion that people should have the right to call on the law to defend them against being offended or insulted. A fundamental decision needs to be made: do we want to live in a free society or not? Democracy is not a tea party where people sit around making polite conversation. In democracies people get extremely upset with each other. They argue vehemently against each other’s positions. (But they don’t shoot.)
At Cambridge University I was taught a laudable method of argument: you never personalize, but you have absolutely no respect for people’s opinions. You are never rude to the person, but you can be savagely rude about what the person thinks. That seems to me a crucial distinction: people must be protected from discrimination by virtue of their race, but you cannot ring-fence their ideas. The moment you say that any idea system is sacred, whether it’s a religious belief system or a secular ideology, the moment you declare a set of ideas to be immune from criticism, satire, derision, or contempt, freedom of thought becomes impossible.
I wouldn’t waste my time getting worked up over what that rag of a newspaper has to say anyway. The Compass has turned itself into a joke over the years.
In all honesty, what is offensive about this cartoon is the mentality of what was behind it.
This cartoon was drawn by a man who sits in his gilded cage by the seaside, who lives a life of privilege and knows nothing of this social demographic or their social disadvantage.
Barefoot Man, is wealthy, white and strongly connected. And many people like him are involved in practices that are not morally or legally accepted. But the fact remains they are privilaged.
Many of us Caymanians, are not white, wealthy and well connected. But many of us are not unemployed or criminals, but we all get lumped in to being generalized as lazy and worthless. But the wealthy, white and strongly connected.
XXXXX
Yea all the wealth and talent just grew on a whites only tree.. HAHA.
“are not white, wealthy and well connected” really? are you also the type of person that looks for other non white people at a party so you feel like you fit in? seems if you were going to point out race here you do it in everyday life no? that is sad…..why do you have to point out the color of his skin?
I find it “hiraaarious” that Sandboy is on here telling people to “get over it”, yet he has more posts on the matter than other pseudonymed people. He seems more offended that people are offended, than the people who are offended.
People are offended…. get over it!
Now THAT is FUNNY!! Great post!
Oh, I’m sorry! I thought a mature society could debate issues on a blog site, after all, that’s the purpose of them and a free press. But no, delicate little wallflowers that spend their lives constantly offended can’t do that without offending their own sense of self worth.
Sad little Nonymouse, get back in your hole and be offended for the rest of us.
Excellent post. Very funny.
Wow….way bigger fish to fry….
Where is the same outrage when the Cayman Islands Government can’t account for a billion dollars? What about double-dipping, overpaid, business-owning sell-out politicians, that turned work-permits into a revenue stream? What about the CUC contract that guarantees profit, so the cost of living in Cayman will always remain outrageous? What about the dump? What about the lack of cruise ports? What about the lack of vocational schools?
You all need to get a grip and get your priorities right.
Caymanians who have expressed indignant outrage over a stupid cartoon should feel ashamed of themselves for thinking this is the battle worth fighting when there are so many other things that are so much more worthy of outrage. The thin-skinned, narrow-minded response of many is both pathetic and scary.
Well, you tell me something darling? How much scarier do you think it can it get when people are standing up for their rights? You need to look at the big picture first before you point fingers and start making ridiculous accusations. You are the one who sound pathetic by telling these people not to stand up for their constitutional rights!
Your constitutional right to be offended at a cartoon? I guess, but wouldn’t you rather save that ire for something meaningful? Like the dump/ports/government wasting millions of dollars/government “losing” a billion dollars/etc.etc.etc.
Too true. From this post I presume that you have put your full weight and support against the “driftwood” comments and any future action that occurs. Thank you for your stance for people’s constitutional rights!
Using your argument suggested, What did you do for the rights of every other voter, when your elected premier was paying invisible bodyguards in crockery in Las Vegas whilst on government business?
In a sense, you are right and you are wrong! It is true what you are saying where is the outrage for these prosperousness against our Government. However, you are wrong for telling the Caymanians not to stand up for their rights! This is indeed a fresh start the Caymanian people are taking against discrimination. Where are you living? They are getting their priorities straight! You cannot expect everything to happen in one day. This is indeed a new beginning, and I am very proud of my people for taking these appropriate steps! One day at a time is all we need, life is not about rushing things, it is about getting justice and taking our time to get it done properly. We have many more to come, and we are just getting started! One love!
Yeah,what about the Dump? One don’t get cancer overnight,but eventually, one by one, more Caymanian people end up in Miami hospitals cancer ward. Why nobody is offended?Where is the outrage?
Thank you everyone for making my day….I am walking on clouds…
“Comedians and Cartoonists are no longer appreciated because the tin-skinned and politicians have become the joke”
Agree. Check France.
I personally find your response to the concerns expressed even more offensive than your attempt at humour. Imagine referring to these folk as idiots stupid! XXXXX Insults do not qualify as humour, but then your poor attempt at interpreting our musical culture indicate that you just don’t get it. Luckily for you, these ‘idiots’ are much more intelligent than you give them credit for, or you would not find those clouds so welcoming.
That may be the case if you were Judy Steele. But sadly you are not….
Hey, we need to face the truth that we have many Caymanians who say they can’t find work, but they don’t really want work. Just drive through all of the Districts and see who are sitting under trees smoking weed and ask them to come and do some cement work. Don’t even ask them to lay blocks, just say come and mix some cement for me and see what thy say. You want me to ell you their response? “That too hard man.” Ask them to come so clean your house or your yard for you and see wha’ they say. The answer is no different. Those are the same ones who fought to not attend school; the same ones who cannot spell “Nike” but got their shoe laces untied; the same ones who cannot read; the same ones who would rather complain about their lot in life rather than get off their asses and try to do something productive. They are the same ones who certain politicians from certain Districts complain and say the police don’t do anything about when they see them idling bout the place. I think the Barefootman hit the nail on the head. Not all Caymanians fit the profile, but we certainly have a growing demographic that does and we need to accept that.
Great job barefoot man, when you live in a democratic society you are entitled to exercise your right to freedom of expression. At whatever cost, you have brought more light to the issue of unemployment. It is unfortunate that many only focus on the ’emotional’ aspect of the discussion, instead of focusing all of that energy on to something productive. Perhaps starting petitions with the objective of reducing the unemployment rate, rather than limiting ones right to express themselves.
JE SUIS CHARLIE
Well this piece of driftwood will boycott when a government sitting official apologizes for discrimination against me still waiting for that and I didn’t see any petition go up in outrage over calling some of us who have been in this country building it up longer than many of the complainers have been alive rushing to defend us and boycott that guy’s business after he called us driftwood you don’t get to use double standards!!!
I totally agree with you Driftwood. That foul mouthed do- nothing minister needs to go, but I guess that lot sypticks together and protects their own. Even wife beaters get away with it. The only person that has gotten the boot is the poor one from the wrong side of the tracks. Told you so Ken. They are treacherous people.
Unless your name is Jennifer Ahearn,you are lying,as she was the only one alleged to have been called driftwood. It would really be interesting though to hear your names for the local populace .I bet driftwood pales in comparison.
Ok, try this on for size: If I were to call someone a N#####, a Kike a Spick or a Wop because they were black, a Jew, a Latin American or an Italian and you took offence because you belonged to one of those ethnic or racial groups of people, I could call you a liar because I wasn’t talking to you, but to someone else. Really? Is that your argument?
An identy crisis you have fun
Je suis Bobo.
Please do a cartoon about the gas cards.
The fact that many unemployed (unemployable) Caymanians and those who are paid to represent them find this cartoon not funny just makes it even more funny to the rest of us. But then again I thought it was funny that a (honorable for lifer)would call any other person here a piece of driftwood. A joke is just another opinion. Nothing more. Get over yourself. Or not. Funnier if you don’t.
Some people seem to be under the impression that I want the cartoon banned, the cartoonist shot, or the newspaper shut down. They are dead wrong on all counts.
I simply demand acknowledgement of what the cartoon truly represents and to what particular mindset it appeals.
None of this comes as any surprise to me – and I sincerely respect when people are honest about how they feel … even when inadvertently or horribly prejudiced.
Seriously, when it comes to the individuals that were directly involved in this debacle, none of this comes as a surprise. In fact, I’ve been warning certain folks about the true nature of certain folks for some time now.
– Whodatis
Written by a certain kind of folk with a certain kind of mindset.
However pathetic that mindset may be.
However sad and pathetic that mindset may be….
Woe is he, past sell by date, ignore, irrelevant, discard. Always making us laugh with justifications for being just another idiot who believes he is smart. I will publish a book of your comments one day, only you will not understand why they are hilarious to everyone else. And watch pop pickers, he will reply.
If I am truly all of these things you say but yet you choose to follow and compile my offerings – for the ultimate aim of publishing a book, no less … then what does that say about you?
– The Who
I will be richer for publishing a comedy of errors and you will still be a loser.
Lighten up man.
I have not seen the cartoon in question, but if it upsets the usual suspects that are moaning on this site I fully support the Compass.
In other words ,if it offends Caymanians ,you are all for it. Says quite a lot about you.
No, it offends a certain tiny but vocal subset. Their “offence” says a lot more about them.
I think the poster is referring to the talk shite radio phone callers and the purile, xenophobic audience.
Mr. Nowak, I wouldn’t bother explaining. Apparently some people simply don’t get it, some because they don’t want to, others because they lack the capacity. As the saying goes, “you can lead the donkey to water, but you can’t make him drink”. Beside, some people just want to be offended. Look what is happening in the US/Canada these days – you can’t say “boo” without offending someone. On another note, thank you for your music – it helps pass our long Canadian winters. My little three year old girl can’t get enough of Puff Puff Puff. And for those easily offended, no she does not endorse smoking ganja, nor does she attribute ganja smoking to a particular race, colour, creed, or people, nor does she ascribe to any particular view that gives so many cause to get their knickers up in a bunch (ie. Whodatis). She simply loves singing along.
Canadian daughter you say?
Sounds like perfect preparation for her future 2 a.m. Friday night antics in the Queen’s Court rear parking lot in 15 years time.
Unlike her parent(s), she will like LOVE the Caymanian natives.
Prepare yourself from now my friend.
(Did someone say something about stereotypes existing for a reason?)
Stereotypes existing for a reason? Yeah, not so sure about that one – in your mind maybe… Must be the reason that all your Caymanian girls prefer white over dark. Was one of them your g/f or your wife? Is that why your knickers are up in a bunch?
Eh?! Not a single person believes a word of that buddy. Try again.
Have you no shame talking about someone’s three year old daughter that way? Caymankind.
The poster at 05:12 am was referring to the three year old child’s parent.Too bad if you had trouble understanding that.
Re: “Have you no shame talking about someone’s three year old daughter that way? Caymankind.”
Oh, so NOW you are calling for censorship huh??
Hypocrisy much?
As has been repeated many times by you and your fellow comic-supporting colleagues, everyone has the right to a freedom of expression … without boundaries.
Others have pointed out that just because one has said freedoms does not necessarily mean that it should be exercised or that others cannot maintain the right to be offended – as you appear to be right now.
Do you get it now? Or will you go a bit further and attempt to highlight differences in the argument and blah blah blah?
Yes these freedoms exist, however one’s integrity and respect for his environment should be taken into consideration at all times. Personally, I am happy to see that we can actually agree on something.
(Over to you …)
The comment below is vulgar and should be removed. It infers that 15 years from now a 3 year old girl will be “puffing” away on some Caymanian natives. Read the post which it replies to and you will understand.
Anonymous says:
18/03/2015 at 5:12 am
Canadian daughter you say?
Sounds like perfect preparation for her future 2 a.m. Friday night antics in the Queen’s Court rear parking lot in 15 years time.
Unlike her parent(s), she will like LOVE the Caymanian natives.
Prepare yourself from now my friend.
(Did someone say something about stereotypes existing for a reason?)
Je Suis Caymanian
If only someone could define what that is….because if you are a paper Caymanian or Permanent resident then you ain’t Caymanian, capiche? Except that legally you might be if a Status holder, and even Caymanians are technically British citizens…kind of screws up the whole arguement, don’t it?
You would have to be teachable and able of learning to begin with.
One thing for sure is:
Contempt is the weapon of the weak and a defense against one’s own despised and unwanted feelings.
– Alice Miller
The poster at 17/03/2015 at 2:49 pm would have to be teachable and capable of learning for those who did not get the irony.
I note the person making the comment line about Ching-Ching Song – forgot to mention the next line in the song …. goes like this…. ” Oh but she sweet ”
This song was released way before our tourism boom… and over 8,000 people bought the record…. and most were local folks.
some people only see the negative – sad
If you took the time to read, Barefoot… you’d see my name is “Oh, but she sweet”. I am very familiar with the lyrical content of your subpar music. The fact remains as a child, I felt it was mean to comment on the colour of a person and then say “regardless of her colour, she is really nice”. If someone is sweet, why does the colour of their skin have to be mentioned? I found you racist back then and as a child of colour the song made me feel bad. But everyone around me was laughing with you.
You’re not funny. You’re hurtful. You sit on the radio and only ever make jokes about my island’s problems but you never contribute an iota of a solution. Because you, and many like you prosper off of making fun of the weakness while becoming rich off of the strengths that brought you here. A welcoming people, and great exchange rate and a lovely place to live.
It’s ok for you to act like you are entitled with the Music association demanding rights for “local” musicians, namely yourself. An association that has done nothing to foster true talent because it’s led by the talentless.
You made a living off of being a beach bum. Someone who’s image is that of a person that hates 9-5 work and just wants to play a guitar on a beach somewhere and you have the audacity to generalise my people? We are not all like the greedy grovellers of the past who help you afford the life to which you have accustomed. We are not all gang members and thugs. Many of us are actually the ones in the office working while everyone else goes to happy hour and parties with the boss. I’m and a Caymanian, and I am a real person. I’m not a joke. No criminal record. Don’t drink & drive or do drugs. But you don’t sing about me. You don’t make jokes about the silly expats who come here and make a fool of themselves and turned Cayman in to some twisted watered down Ibiza.
You’re lazy because your social commentary is about what is the easiest thing to target (not to mention what your social circles find “hiiraaaarrriiious”).
8,000 copies back in time where all you did was force your CDs and tapes down everyone’s throats. But hey… you went platinum with that many sales, huh?
Learn to laugh at yourself Barefoot Man, I’ve been laughing at your for years.
Boo hoo hoo. Cry me a river!!! You really take yourself wayyyyy too seriously my dear! My gosh, calm yourself down and take a breather before you work yourself into a mental institution.
Oh … my … goodness!!
LOL!!
That was awesome … “Epic!” as the kid in the cartoon would probably say.
🙂
That’s the Caymanian way, find a popular tourism attraction and destroy it. Just because you can’t do it, denigrate someone who has and has been moderately successful putting Cayman into the hearts of thousands, maybe millions of visitors. Your vitriolic sideswipe does you no service and identifies you as yet another example of the envious underbelly here on Cayman.
Your pathetic claims of long lasting personal damage are as laughable as they are unlikely. If we all took such ridiculous offence at harmless songs then the world would just stop using humour as entertainment. Are you traumatised by Chris Rock or any of his peers in the black comedy circuit, did Richard Prior keep you up all night worrying for all those who might be offended by his overtly racial humour? Of course not, because to do so would be stupid and unnecessary, just like your comment.
You may not like the BFM or his entertainment, but like you he has the right to express his opinions, him through his music and cartoons, you through envy driven diatribes. However, personal attacks only serve to undermine your opinion and dissolve your credibility in the face of basic freedoms.
me think the lady doth protest to much. Under all rules and laws Barefoot whether you like him or not is as much of a Caymanian as anyone. Go brush up on Immigration law you are the one being a bigot when you don’t recognize him as Caymanian because guess what, us driftwood who also helped build this country are Caymanian and as long as you differentiate between us, our children our grandchildren as not really being Caymanian you are the bigot.
And hear this, those same driftwood kids will grow up with the knowledge that some consider them inferior to the self imposed ‘natives’. Those future generations who will have a first class private education and the support of two loving parents will become the true success of Cayman. Those who look on in envy now better get their act together before they are left behind.
Hooray for driftwood, perhaps there is a brighter future ahead.
… said by someone that had to leave their homeland for a better life in the Cayman Islands.
That just burns you up doesn’t it? Seeing all of these non-deserving native people leading awesome lives that you simply cannot square in your warped and limited western perspective.
Go grab a straw and the person that brought you into this world and put em together.
Deuces.
Like all of us, we are are all descendants of immigration, unless you’re a blue iguana of course. There are no native Caymanians, just a succession of generational immigrants who saw an opportunity, (most in the last 50 years). To deny your short historical heritage says more about your persecution complex and thin skin than about limited western perspectives.
And just for clarity, why exactly do you believe that you are more deserving than the man who works just as hard and stands next to you? Life is a meritocracy based upon actions and deeds, not upon nationality, after all, wasn’t that called colonialism in the past?
There are so many of you identifying yourselves as driftwood,that I have come to believe that Ozzie was only repeating a term that was already in common use by you and others.So please do not pretend to be offended,it just doesn’t work anymore.
As long as you continue to identify as an expat and only call yourself Caymanian when there is a benefit,you will be identified as a Paper Caymanian by locals;that is because you are only Caymanian on a piece of paper ,not in words or deeds.
Whodatis , you may be anonymous here but your lack of style shows through
Oh, I was not trying to hide or be anonymous my friend – problem is the new design doesn’t keep me logged in and or I can’t be bothered to confirm log status on every occasion.
Some of us do have lives to lead and money to make in this world you know.
Well said, and fully endorsed.
“You don’t make jokes about the silly expats who come here and make a fool of themselves” if there was a cartoon about ex-pats….the cartoonist would get a pat on the back….your view of expats shines through………sad…you don’t want BF man to generalize you as a caymanian but yet you generalize Ex-pats?……smh
The Barefoot Man is free to go and join his comrade Bill Wilkinson in Belize. That cartoon is an absolute disgrace. And no, you do not need to be Caymanian to be offended, I am not Caymanian and I certainly was.
The fact that this clown thinks that the native population in his adopted home are obliged to sit back and accept whatever insults he sees fit to throw in their faces is not surprising, but utterly disgraceful. Using a public platform such as this to denigrate people is cheap. And HE made it a race issue when he drew the races of the characters. I note the guy behind the desk is clearly white whilst the cigarette/spliff smoking, backward basketball cap wearing youngster is clearly black. I noted the addition of the basketball at the feet of the youngster, as a reminder that the only industries this individual feels we may be interested in is sport.
Why is he even in the Caribbean if he has such a negative view of black people?
Oh dear, another professional offence taker, life must be boring in your world if you take offence so easily. Please grow up and treat this as it was meant, a satirical observation, they happen all the time in every country. To be so fragile and offence averse must be a severe disability for you, after all, almost all humour in the world offends someone, somewhere and isn’t contrained to particular races or cultures.
And just for good measure, go sit in a local bar when a white tourist walks in and listen to the disparaging remarks that go between your precious victims of racial discrimination. Racism is alive and well in Cayman, Jamaicans are commonly referred to as lazy n###### but no one screams racism then do they. You need to see what real life is like before taking such juvenile offence.
Some don’t understand satire if it hit them in the head – unless they’re making fun of Jamaicans and/or others. Then they mistake it for satire, except that they don’t know the word for it.
Please excuse Sandboy, he’s obviously on a cocaine binge and pending work permit renewal.
No need to excuse me, try to debate me instead coward.
Sandboy, you say that “, almost all humour in the world offends someone, somewhere and isn’t contrained to particular races or cultures”;so why is it that you chastise some Caymanians for being offended.In fact ,why are you so offended that Caymanians are offended,so much so that you adopt a very condescending tone when you say”. Please grow up and treat this as it was meant, a satirical observation, they happen all the time in every country. To be so fragile and offence averse must be a severe disability for you” Obviously you believe that Caymanians should accept whatever is thrown at them by persons like yourself and smile and say ‘Thank you sir’. Therein lies a big part of the Caymanian/expat division.Sad.
No, herein lies your victim mentality and until you learn to rise above it you will always be held back.
So everyone that offends you should leave? That’s what freedom of speech is all about. If you were offended then say so. Discuss why. But why is it that everyone always resorts to the “free to leave” suggestion in these circumstances.
Because as has been obvious to me, a person who migrated here 31 years ago but from another Caribbean island, many people love islands because they get to feel like better people based on their perceptions of locals or islanders. These perceptions show in everything they do and say. To dismiss the concerns of the people who are offended by this is simply a reflection of the fact that locals are not respected by these people.
Oh Barefoot Man drew the cartoon! This all makes sense now.
This is the same person who sang a song years ago where he commented the colour of a woman’s skin… “she was black like a ching-ching”. As I kid growing up, I kept asking my Caymanian parents why they found it funny for this white man to called a woman “BLACK LIKE A CHING-CHING” and I was just a KID. I hope all you older Caymanians see what happens when you let people move to your country and get away with “making jokes”… you eventually become the butt of them.
Now his cartoon in the paper is saying “They are black like the ching ching, They smoke plenty of weed. Lazy Caymanians, they don’t know how to read”.
That’s “harrrrraarrrious…”
An interesting case just completed in the US court system. It would not be a stretch for anyone with a knowledge of music and to see some parallels. Just saying.
Instead of being all offended maybe you ought to be out there looking for a job. And please stop making stuff up (ie. cartoon did not say “they are black like the ching ching, etc.) And definitely learn how to read, it’ll help you with your job search.
There you go… stereotyping again.
I have a job, a great one, Im white and Im offended, you racist a…..
Ah, shame, hope you get over your self imposed indignation soon. Still, you could always look up the meaning of racism whilst feeling so offended. You would see that Caymanian is a nationality, not a racial type, so therefore identifying someone as a Caymanian in a derogatory manner isn’t racist. it would only be racist if the person was identified and directly insulted due to the colour of his skin and his racial heritage. This cartoon did no such thing, it merely identified two apparent races in conversation. At no time was colour brought into the dialogue. Would your indignation have been less if the racial types had been the same, would the message have been different? I suspect your indignation meter would have gone into a steep decline without the excuse of a racial undertone.
For too long those who dictate how we should think have made a business out of being offended on behalf of others. It has ruined race relations, separated communities and allowed discord to fester unchallenged.
I have a job, a great one, I am Caymanian and white, and I’m fed up with professional whiners and offence takers who fail to see the damage they do. Political correctness is finished, long live the freedom of expression.
Yes, I agree, the same thing happened when the White British founders of this country allowed it to be taken over by by self entitled bigots. Oh, sorry, the history doesn’t fit your argument, that’s okay, just ignore it and scream racism instead.
But wait, how many black rappers scream their hate filled messages of misogyny, sexual and gun violence, how many refer to their own people as ‘f###### n######’ and how often do we have to suffer young Caymanians playing this garbage at full volume from their crappy little Hondas. Once you have respect for yourselves, then others will start to respect you, until then, throwing stones isn’t helpful.
is this even legal? mind as well franchised the KKK here if you think like that.
Is it legal? Oh please grow up. History tells us that the founders of Cayman were white British, nothing sinister in that. Since that time a multitude of races and cultures have settled on Cayman, notably since the early 60’s and with the rise of prosperity. Caymanians are a mix of nationalities and cultures, nothing sinister in that, until someone tries to make out that they are the original and chosen ones who though the eyes of bigotry deny their own genetic heritage.
You see, that’s the problem with professional offence takers, they fit the history to suit their uber liberal view of the world. Simply put, some silly Caymanian boys do play racist, mysogonistic and violence worshipping garbage for all to hear. So is that wrong to say, do we turn a blind eye to a culture of violence against women and indeed other black people or do we speak up and deny the politically correct their destructive platform?
Is it legal? Yes it’s legal, it’s called the freedom of speech, get over it.
This cartoon is another example of propaganda working against “Young Caymanians”. It is not a joke if it is not funny number one.
Je suis Barefoot.
I never saw the cartoon in the Compass but I can truthfully say that the Compass is anti-Caymanian to the core as its editorials mainly depict Cayman and Caymanians in a negative and insulting manner.
I don’t think it’s fair to say the Compass is unremittingly negative. Rather I’d say they try to present all sides of the argument.
that’s the point there should be only the Caymanian side of the argument, no one else is entitled to have a voice.
I hope this is someone being ironic.
If not, and you are serious, please explain why you think there can only be one single Caymanian side to any argument?
While you are at it, please provide a definition of and proper rules for the use of the word “ironic”.
Je suis Barefoot Man.
Je Suis Ozzie.
As someone has already pointed out, the kid was looking for a job. Hence this could could never be considered a true depiction of the “unemployed” Caymanian.
P.s. The cartoons are terrible, which fits well with the quality of entertainment regularly offered by Barefoot.
The kid was probably looking for a job only because his momma or his baby momma made the appointment for him. Trust me – it happens all the time. Even if you hire some of these young men, they’re likely to only stick around a few days.
I love the official position of CNS, blunt statement, use the paper to wipe your behinds…. or am I reading the picture wrong. LOL
Who is CNS these days? Why don’t the journalist put their names to the articles they write any more?h
CNS: We have never put our names on articles in the all the time we have been doing this and all our regular readers would know that. The reason was because Wendy writes 99% of the stories, as most people are fully aware. However, now we are expanding – watch this space – we will start adding bylines. Right now Wendy is writing for CNS and Jamie Hicks is our new reporter for CNS Business, and she’s doing a fantastic job.
Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right.
If I was in Canada and you all were up in arms about something like this, I would not be as insulted. Unfortunately it was used to depict young caymanians as worthless potheads. Please keep your high horse in it’s stable.
Now whose reverting to stereotypes.
Whose? Uggh
Well if talking about stereotypes is OK because of freedom of speech, why stop there? lets be wide open and mention a few more, right barefoot man? all black people are criminals, lawyers are the worst humans ever, gay people show disgusting behavior while in public, all accountants are crooked, white Canadians at a Club are taking Cocaine, Jamaicans do not know how to read, British think their S… don’t stink but dont wash their underwear, Filipinos are loyal, Cubans are smart and people who look like you are crazy….. big deal right, is freedom of speech…
Canadians and cocaine? I’m sure you meant ganja, not cocaine. Jamaicans and reading? Huh…It’s not Jamaicans but Caymanians and reading/spelling/writing, etc., Jamaicans and violence, maybe, but certainly not reading. Filipinos and loyal? No, no, no, no…Perhaps Filipinos living 100 to a house or sticking to themselves, etc. but not loyal. The least you can do is get your stereotypes right!
Dum dum.
According to the Caymanian God botherers, gay people are inhuman, obscene and abhorrent. And according to the significant minority of self entitled bigots that frequent this small land, Jamaicans are lazy and criminal, (they being black, but cheap enough to raise Caymanian kids and clean up their s##t for them), Cubans are a nuisance that should be sent back to sea in unfit craft, Filipinos are good for cheap labour and to keep unfit residential premises full for local landlords, and that the British are holding back their quest for rampant corruption.
And as for those ever so polite Canadians, well, they need to man up and stop giving this island such excellent service, they’re showing up the locals!
So you see, if you didn’t have the right to express your freedom of speech, we wouldn’t know what a muppet you are. Please try to get stereotypes accurate and please, please, please look at yourselves before attempting to disparage others.
PS: It’s true, lawyers are the worst form of human life and accountants are crooked, remember this is the Cayman Islands, famous for money laundering, offshore tax evasion and dodgy wealth management. What a great national reputation to have in the 21st century.
Rest my case, you all got offended by my “stereotypes” statement, accurate or not, but caymanians cannot get offended when that happen to them? and I say caymanian because only them can apply to labor Dept, as depicted on the newspaper, you get it now? is a huge world, leave this islands alone please, go somewhere else… you cant colonize anymore… is illegal
Oh dear, you mistake a corrective statement as taking offence. Therein lies your problem, I couldn’t give a damn what people think of my home country or people, especially when those who criticise have no history, national or world achievements to talk of themselves.
So put dolly back in the pram, we’re not going anywhere.
And your national and world achievements are starting war after endless war, killing, maiming and forever altering the lives of millions with your hatred and contempt. What other national and world achievements can you be speaking of? Do tell! Quite the achievements to be proud aren’t they?
Cayman has never started a war or conflict but CAYMANIANS sure have served, in many cases been PULLED into such conflicts as early as World War I to as recently as the multiple middle eastern wars ALL STARTED BY YOUR PEOPLE. Caymanians unlike you are a people of compassion, honor, respect and pride. Terms you obviously have no comprehension of. Go back now to your little sand trap which Caymanians made safe for you.
Ooohhhh, touched a nerve there. For the purposes of clarity, who is selling drugs to young Caymanians, who are the same young Caymanians shooting, stabbing and gang fighting in the streets and in school. Exactly who supported the multitude of single Caymanian girls who fall pregnant, or the disgusting rise in domestic violence rates. Who exactly feathers their own nests at the expense of low paid foreign workers, who has a world wide reputation for criminal money laundering or tax evasion and who obviously cannot read history. Yes, Caymanians, those compassionate, honourable, respectful and proud people who have given absolutely nothing to the world but like to believe that duplicitness is a God given right.
I think you’ll find that it was Germany who started the two world wars, Bin Laden and the Taliban started the Afghan war and Iraq invaded Kuwait. I’ll give you the second gulf war, that was criminal with hindsight. But hindsight is what you rely on, having no way of knowing any different here on a rock in the Caribbean.
When you actually do something for world peace, poverty in the 3rd world, feeding the starving in Africa, invent new medicines, advance medical knowledge, be a world leader in scientific discovery, look back on a heritage of industrial and technological innovation, ban slavery and enforce anti slavery laws, support countries too small or too weak to stand up to tyranny, or just do something for someone else apart from yourselves, then I’ll take you seriously.
How different would your lives had been if the Nazis had turned this rock into a submarine base, how many Caymanians do you think would have survived enforced slavery or racial profiling? The Caymanians of old stood by their King and volunteered for active service out of a sense of duty, not self interest. Those brave men and women stood shoulder to shoulder with their kin in the UK, US and Europe, they didn’t hide behind isolationist excuses or cowardly envy. Without them and those who fought with them, you wouldn’t have the freedom to vent such garbage.
Just remember, where would you get the comforts you covert so much, the medicines that keep you alive or the security you pay nothing in return for?
It’s easy to sit back and criticise others for stepping where you dare not, but without them, you would have nothing.
Sandboy,you need to decide whether you are an expat or a Caymanian.Here you are identifying yourself as an expat;in another post on this same article you say you are a Caymanian white man.I Judging by the content of your comments ,I would say you are definitely expat at heart.
Can I get an Amen…
Hey Sandboy! Boy, I hope you are a local…otherwise….get the hell off our island if you feel so strongly against Caymanians and hold these sweeping views. Go back to your own Country and complain – regardless of what goes on here I bet you stay because right here is better from where you were born. You don’t understand Cayman and you never will.
Local and proud, just can’t stand little Islanders, bigots and humourless morons who wish to curtail the freedom of speech.
Suppose an unemployed Caymanian should get your job while you sing your songs that make it no where apparently!!! Of course this cartoon was a portrait of a caymanian I’m sure it wasn’t for someone looking for work somewhere in the states. It looks like we as Caymanians have become the laughing stock. All these foreigners just come in and take all the jobs and work little for nothing so some of our young caymanians decide to pick up the gun and rob and you wonder why! Don’t worry cuz some of us are overseas getting good degrees and when we come back we will be the only ones driving the Mercedes!
Well cuz, you are just the kind of bigoted nationalist that makes Cayman the laughing stock of the outside world. Yes, let’s kick out all the foreigners, let’s get rid of the high end bankers, accountants, lawyers, nurses, doctors, police officers, prison officers, hospitality staff, cleaners, construction workers, gardeners and anyone else who creates wealth and security on this otherwise useless piece of real estate.
The mindset that equates a lack of employment with a firearm is typical of those who are apologists for a lack of ambition, ability and aspiration. But hey, it’s okay for you to sit in someone else’s country and send home hate filled messages, don’t you think the hypocracy is astounding?
Any moron can own and drive a Mercedes, but you won’t be judged on your car, you’ll be judged on your ability and actions, and so far you are an abject failure.
PS: BFM is a Caymanian, or are you going to resort to the well trodden bigoted path of considering him a ‘paper Caymanian’ as so many of your narrow minded countrymen believe, this despite being from mixed racial, cultural and national heritage themselves.
Sandboy,if it is such a useless piece of real estate ,what does it say when you are fighting so hard to control it.
Why do you take everything so personally – not everything is directed at Caymanians. Chill out, but if the cap fits…
idiot. It is obviously directed at Caymanians. The hypocrisy of you people is astounding. You cry bloody murder when one minister calls someone “driftwood” but when the shoe is on the other foot it is supposed to be acceptable. XXXXX
To be clear, you believe that a government official being abusive towards his staff in an official government meeting is on the same level as a satirical cartoon?
Thanks for the compliment Mr. Sandboy….much appreciated.
I don’t think many people like the compass anymore…I just don’t really believe what I read in it anymore and so I don’t even really read it…..flip right to the job adds..sorry other advertisers maybe money is spent better elsewhere.
Oh dear. People get frequently offended for the wrong reason. The cartoon is nothing important. What is important and Caymanians should be really pi$$ed at is continuos failures of successive governments to provide the correct training to allow them to compete and thrive. Instead the continual drip feeding of benefits to all but those that really need it will only exacerbate the problem.
And the economic migrant strikes again…..
Actually what the well educated Caymanians are upset about (I refuse to mirror the poor ignorant verbiage you used with $$ signs) is the continuous incessant stereotyping from the likes of people like you who cannot even spell of calculate figures properly day in and day out. We know you are hard hearted and desperately clinging on to that job you would have never qualified for in your home country. No worries, karma takes care of everything one way or the other.
Sad little people who scream ‘racism’ when a simple joke doesn’t go their way, but ignore the racist and bigoted rants of XXXX and his band of simpletons. Freedom of speech will upset some, it will amuse others, but it does symbolise freedom and democracy. Without the right to offend or be offended you are nothing, just like those who live in fear of medieval religion and its savage followers.
Cartoons triggered the slaughter in Paris and Denmark, are we really so shallow and insecure that we cannot laugh at ourselves, recognise a simple stereotype or just ignore it and go on our way?
Whilst the professional offence takers blow ever increasing amounts of hot air, just pause and consider this, why does this apparent stereotype exist and what can we do about it?
Novak is right in one sense, watching the grandstanding windbags vent their bile just makes the joke even more relevant and funny. Long live the freedom of speech.
I would respond to you but obviously my “Freedom of Speech” would be censored. So much for your rambling.
No problem the Marl Road always has the true situation anyway.
Oh please do respond, with talk of the mythical marl road it should make interesting reading. I’m sure CNS wouldn’t censor such a piece of high value and high brow literature.
The Marl Road is not mythical. It is called an analogy. If you refuse to accept local vernacular than you are the one who lacks intellect. Get with the program, buddy! (Note: there is not a literal “program” to “get with” in case you were confused again).
More specifically it is a metaphor… You get the point? Probably not as you enjoy nitpicking comments with pointless comments.
That comment definitely shows you are out of the loop but no less loopy. As Henry said the Marl Road is definitely not mythical or fictional for that matter. Feeling left out? Perhaps that is the reason you are so bitter.
Where does it imply the job seeker is a Caymanian and this is an insult to Caymanians? I see a joke about the comment/sentence ‘nothing is impossible’. i.e. the joke is about the play on words.
With the imagery described, it seems weird how you see nothing.
So you recognise the imagery as a young Caymanian, doesn’t that say more about you than the author of the cartoon who makes no such claim. Surely that means you recognise the spliff smoking, low slung pants, reverse cap wearing wally as a typical unemployed young Caymanian. And you accuse others of stereotyping, you are just as guilty but blind to your own prejudice.
only Caymanians are able to apply to the Labor office, remember? that’s why everyone know is a caymanian. work permit holders and visitors can not go there.
actually, spouses of Caymanians can go there too.
Yes lets boycott the Cayman Compass but not for this. Lets do so because its a Right Wing rag with a C4C agenda and can barely hide its prejudice.
Bla-Bla- Bla- Bla- Bla….what a bunch of moaners. The kid in the cartoon could be anyone and in NO WAY portrays or is directed at young Caymanians. To say the cartoon is racist – is a racist remark. I have seen young , lazy, slothful people of all nationalities wear a cap in reverse with a cigarette in their mouth, anyone who hasn’t must certainly be blind. What really gets me are “some” ( note I say some) politicians who we expect to be open minded make judgment on a silly little cartoon when more serious problems are in need of attention in this country. Amazing what “some” legislators will do and say to keep a vote. Before I mix myself a strong drink, I’ll end with a Will Rogers quote, and keep in mind I am not PPM,UDP, Independent, Republican, Democrat or Communist :-
” I don’t make jokes…I just watch Government and draw the facts”
BFM ( Caymanman)
Dear BFM & Cayman Compass,
I could easily create a cartoon depicting a humorous scene of 4 – 5 Indian men playfully chasing a young Indian woman around the work office at 8 pm whilst saying; “Why do you run away baby? We just want to give you a ride home!”
Would you consider that funny or acceptable? Would you still lean on your “right to freedom of speech”?
Please elaborate on your answer if you opt to reply.
Thanks,
– Whodatis
And yet again Whodatis misses the point. Whilst the subject matter maybe tasteless, even obscene, the commentator must have the right to say it if we are to live in a free world. How many times does the black comedian Chris Rock say the ‘N’ word during his standup routine, a word that is unacceptable in most forward thinking societies, (but in regular use here on Cayman by Caymanians when referring to Jamaicans in particular, but not exclusively).
The sad thing is that you claim to be able to create this cartoon, but you don’t recognise the fact that your freedom of thought enabled its conception. Once again, your duplicity is there for all to see, because instead of saying that you could create a cartoon depicting the misonginistic attitudes of some Indian men towards their women, you thought it appropriate to lay out your sick joke for all to read. Now whilst I think you are a two faced, misonginistic ass, I support your right to be one.
That’s freedom of speech.
Stopped buying the Compass! Your loss and more to come.
“Disinterested”? I think you mean “uninterested”.
To Whom It May Concern:
Once again we have encountered yet another example of long-term, new “Caymanians” who, after 30 years, still view the community through an “us and them” telescope. This is the only explanation for such a foreign and objectionable artistic expression.
Speaking as a Caymanian via parentage of both native and expatriate persuasion, I can automatically sense a foreign and intrusive spirit within my community. Unfortunately, you have proven yourself possessed with said spirit – yet again.
Furthermore, it is a pathetic state of affairs when a media entity like the Cayman Compass, in light of all that is taking place in the world today in terms of balancing the scales and equality across the board, constantly rides along their ever-inflating balloon of out-dated and dangerous 80’s and 90’s rhetoric and perspective.
Welcome to 2015 guys. Do not drag Cayman into that typical, color-based (e.g. depicted variance of shading between interviewer and youth), socio-economic western cesspit from which you escaped in search of a better life.
By the way, in case you haven’t realized as yet, when Caymanians are stomped upon we will band together and confront the parasitic maggot on every occasion.
We welcomed you. Kindly return the gesture of basic respect.
Many thanks in advance,
– Whodatis
P.S. To those responsible for the comic and are now confused over the backlash – let this be a watershed moment for your mindset. Check ya’self – each and every one.
This from the guy who spews anti British bile and racism at every given opportunity. The duplicity of Whodatis is always amusing, especially when he likes to project his narrow minded view of the current world order. Freedom of speech is fundamental to a first world democracy, that is why millions marched in support of the Paris cartoonists and don’t support the medieval mindset that takes offence at a simple drawing. But of course, we’re not dealing with first world ideals here are we, we are dealing with backward looking bigots who think they have licence to insult, denigrate and abuse those who come here to work hard to support this insignificant rock. And they do so under the despicable guise of being ‘Caymanian’ or ‘native’, when most are related to or descended from the ‘driftwood’ they so despise.
No Whodatis, it is you who need to have a watershed moment and realise that the world has moved on from the Spanish Inquisition,the dissolution of the monasteries, communism and the Nazis. We have dismissed the archaic premise that simple written words or drawings should be banned because we don’t like their content, we accept that offence is a part of a mature democracy and that freedom of speech and expression is worth the price of living in a free, modern society. We don’t need to be told how to think or what to say, we don’t need some ridiculous law to force our complicity, we need tolerance, understanding and most of all, a sense of humour.
Of course there is another option, they call it the Middle East, go there and try it for size.
Hello “My Biggest Fan”,
I see you have a new moniker thanks to the new CNS design perhaps?
(I recognize the same old flawed observations and writing style.)
Perspective is everything in life, and as I touched on in an above post, I could easily depict a cartoon looking at the “funny side” of sexual assault and place it in a modern Indian setting. However, I could rest assured I would have a few hundred million Indian women and men taking great offense.
Likewise, I could depict a cartoon portraying the real reason for British MP Cyril Smith’s bulbous figure being the skeletons of children and the helmets of corrupt and silenced police personnel stuffed under his coat. However, I think a fair number of Brits may have a few choice words for me as well. (Hmm … Elton John would be all over me – as he is D&G at this very moment!)
Yes, we all have a freedom of speech, but the Cayman Compass is a company not a citizen, and every citizen has a right to decide whether said company is deserving of its trade based upon the ideals of its chosen environment.
Furthermore, similarly to rape, murder and racism (don’t you just love the variance in skin tones in BFM’s cartoon? Why not make every character the same complexion … very odd!) the issue of unemployment is no joke – especially when it is clearly by way of blatant discrimination.
However, I know all of the above is for naught, because just like your like-minded friends, you are steadfast in your perspective – and that is your right.
Nevertheless, it is also my right to ensure that the “Cayman Compass” earns not a single red cent out of my (advertising campaign) pocket until it properly addresses the issue at hand.
To you a good day. Nice to touch base once again.
🙂
– Whodatis
Christ! I thought with this new system at CNS we had gotten rid of extremists like Whodatis and Pit Bull. The latter has been quiet but the former is back it seems. God is NOT in his Heaven. As far as the matter in hand is concerned, George’s cartoons are like his singing-flat and feeble, and it ticks me off that he has given the likes of Dwene and Ezzard, the Wise Men of West Bay and North Side, the opportunity/excuse to belabor us with their outraged pomposity again.
You are calling some one else “extremist” with that rant? Help us all.
Hi Whodumbis, yes it’s me, the nemesis you can’t quite answer without resorting to stereotypes or old colonial vitriol. Living in your world must be hard considering your torn allegiances.
You see, you can’t live in a world that stiffles debate and censors the free press yet allows you to vent your poisonous bile when you are cornered. This is a free country, part of a family of liberal western nations that believe in the principles of a freedom of speech and expression, freedom of movement and a free press. As such, when an issue that doesn’t suit your viewpoint arises you are offered choices. The first being to grow a pair and ignore the subject matter, or secondly respond in a considered and educated manner, censorship is never on the table unless national security is at risk.
A free press is just that, free. It is not constrained by individual sensitivities or political interference and should never be subjected to commercial interests that may affect its freedom to publish. It is not just a company, it is a tenant of democracy and free speech, the alternative being censorship and propaganda communist style.
Your constant reliance on current UK news headlines identifies your lack of knowledge and an immature response to matters unrelated to events in Cayman, it is a lash out mentality that befits such a narrow mindset.
The fact is, you had options to illustrate your point, but you chose to use your freedom of speech to explain, (in detail) your pathetic joke, and remarkably continue to do so, (Cyril Smith etc…). Surely you can see the hypocracy here.
Anyway, enough of trying to educate pork, do try to keep up and long may you keep the right to free speech.
BOOM!!!
…the same goes for you.
Please see above …
At least the kid was looking for a job, and true to our unemployed’s daily cry, can’t find one!! Dispicable joke! Shame!
You need to stop insulting the natives. Here is a suggestion. Do a cartoon joke on your dress code. Whenever I see you I laugh. You dress so funny and strange. Anyway, it is time for you to stop and let us all live in unity. One Love my brother.
as always happens attack the messenger rather than the message
Barefoot dresses funny? I hadn’t noticed. But I have noticed how some of the young men dress around here, with their pants falling off. That I find funny.
the droopy pants means that it is for sale.
that’s how they communicate in prison
CNS- can you please bring back the LOL button for comments like this?
Looks pretty accurate to me. Stereotypes become stereotypes for a reason.
Believe me, you have worse things to be offended about. How about being offended that your parents didn’t teach you any better than running around with your pants down to your knees and looking like a total thug loser.
Be offended that the educational system allowed you to graduate from school, yet you’re illiterate.
Be offended that you were encouraged to develop an attitude of entitlement because you’re ‘Caymanian’. You love to trot that little phrase out don’t you? As if it means anything at all.
It’s time you stopped being offended, quit expecting handouts, take responsibility for yourself, buy some proper fitting pants, and try to become a somewhat functioning member of society. Or as much as you’re able to.
And three, two, one….the racist bigots who just cannot help themselves weigh in immediately.
It’s only racism if there is a link between the content and race in the commentators view. There isn’t a link within that comment that would identify racial profiling, as many Caymanians are clearly white, mixed race or Afro caribbean. To be Caymanian is not a racial group, it is a nationality under which many different racial types can gather.
If there is one thing that we have learned over the past 50+ years, it is that those who scream racism without good cause, undermine their own argument and are guilty of racism themselves.
As the commentator states in their piece, ‘Be offended that the educational system allowed you to graduate from school, yet you are illiterate’. All you have done is qualify that statement by failing to understand the argument.
True.
There is a stereotype of White, British men being pedophiles.
(Gasp!!)
Let us refer to news reports, past and ongoing investigations, social media, corrupt police, political coverups, and secret government files to dispel such blatant lies … wait … never mind.
Get it?
And just how many ‘native’ Caymanians make up the current gene pool, whose cousin are you? Oh yes, all of them.
You see, those in glass houses etc…….
At least the UK has a population significantly high enough to reduce the numbers to an insignificant minority, however repulsive they may be. How do you equate the local murder, sex crime and child abuse rate with a population of 30,000 instead of 66,000,000.
And in proportion, there are far more white British men who are prepared to die for their Queen and country than commit heinous crimes against their own people. How many Caymanians can say the same within living memory?
But wait, you’re too busy shooting each other and propagating gang fights in schools to fight a real enemy, you’d rather hide behind the security that those ‘white paedophiles’ offer than get your own hands dirty.
Yep, got it.
You surely are offended.
And this is the reason for the contention……must be one of your biggest fans BFM
@trix are you like 5 years old?What century do you live in? If you don’t like a certain country and its people then why are you living there?I’ve seen the good and bad side of Grand Cayman while living there for 3 years and its a lot better than majority of places around the world that I’ve been to.Maybe you need to wake up and take you’re head out of you’re a** or get you’re eyes checked because (NO COUNTRY IS BETTER THAN NO COUNTRY).There’s good and bad in every society in every country but not every one is the same!
@tampaguy816 – you just proved my point. Although I’m sure this will be lost on you….it’s ‘your’ not ‘you’re’.
I’d offer to explain the difference but since you obviously didn’t understand it when it was explained to you in 3rd grade, I seriously doubt you’d get it now.
Let me take a guess…..you’re college educated, hold down a job and are productive member of society, with only one baby mama?
Trix
@trix iv’e done everything right growing up and yes iv’e made a few mistakes and gotten into trouble but who hasn’t? Im sure you made a few or maybe a lot of mistakes for that matter. Iv’e served my country for years and was discharged with honor something you and a lot of people cant do.What gives you or anyone else the right to judge a certain country and its people?If you don’t you like the island just leave simple.
Sorry, which country did you serve with honour and then get discharged from? I dont intend to make a judgement on these islands although by your post, I would be more than qualified to. I am intrigued though as I never met any caymanians in Iraq or elsewhere in the Middle East so I wonder where they are specifically deployed?
Trix. Now that is funny, Ha Ha Ha!
I stopped reading the Compass from the time it was sold. It soon became apparent that Caymanians were being demeaned.
Please note that we can no longer sit back as Caymanians and do nothing about what is happening in our country. If you are outraged by the cartoon in today’s Caymanian Compass please sign this petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cayman-compass-petition-caymanians-standing-up
I went to the site, simply because I am outraged by the cartoon and comments in support of it; however, I could not in good conscience sign, because there are too many comments there categorizing people as ‘driftwood’. That defeats your support and is just as offensive as the cartoon concern. One can only have currency if there is legitimacy in one’s argument. How legitimate can you be in demanding respect if you do not show it yourself? My kids are Caymanian, and so am I. But, they are Driftwood, being born mostly abroad and some locally to their Driftwood parents.
I will sign a petition against all insults; cartoons that are racist (and it is racist, because it clearly depicts the race of the stereotype) and prejudiced, and people who call others by demeaning names. You want real support? Learn to demonstrate objectivity and universal respect.
Rick,before you chastise petitioners for their use of ‘driftwood’,you should take a look at the large amount of comments on here by posters identifying as driftwood,and proud of it. Perhaps you should accept that they are proud of it , and rethink your decision not to sign.
Yawn………next news please! Where your sense of humor?!
See above at 17/03/2015 at 12:50 am. Rinse, repeat.