SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A toy being sold over the internet by a Utah couple is causing an uproar from supporters of democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. It’s a sock monkey wearing a suit with a lapel pin for Obama.
Supporters of Obama have been filling online forums and blogs with angry words over what they see as the degrading depiction of a black man as a monkey.
Such portrayals are a throw back to the days of “Jim Crow” laws in southern states. The depictions were designed to make one man appear inferior, less than human, for no other reason than the color of his skin. From different blogs, one writer puts it simply: “The 'Sock Obama' is disgusting.” Others say its makers are racists.
With such a reaction, it is ironic that the toy was being marketed to Obama supporters. The sales pitch on the website reads:
“We don’t get enough of him at his public speaking events. Now you can have your very own TheSockObama™ 24/7! Fall in love with your chosen candidate all over again.”
The Sock Obama is the creation of David and Elizabeth Lawson of West Jordan. They say they are shocked by the anger. In responding to a handful of the emails that are filling their inbox, they wrote:
“We at TheSockObama Co. are saddened that some individuals have chosen to misinterpret our plush toy. It is not, nor has it ever been, our objective to hurt, dismay or anger anyone. We guess there is an element of naiveté on our part, in that we don't think in terms of myths, fables, fairy tales and folklore. In earnest folks, we're so sorry we offended anybody.”
So far, few web commentators are buying their plea of “naiveté,” especially since the Lawsons have said nothing about stopping the sale of their Sock Obama.
