Voted "Most Whipped" in his High School Class - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

CShine · 05-18-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

For a mother who remembered the senior superlatives in her own high school yearbook hewing to "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Best Smile," the picture came as a surprise to Jacqueline Nobles. In Boynton Beach High's 2005 yearbook, her son, Robert Richards, is shown with a leash around his neck.

Students voting on superlatives — a staple of yearbooks for decades — elected Richards as "Most Whipped" by his girlfriend, using the slang term for a person who is controlled by another in a relationship. The accompanying photo shows Richards, who is black, on a leash held by Melissa Finley, who is white. Nobles wants the books recalled.

"I know it's supposed to be in fun, but there are people still having trouble with African-Americans' past and this will be offensive," said Nobles, who said the picture reminded her of the poster for the 1970s miniseries Roots, which featured a manacled slave. "This picture, to me, is very distasteful."

Another photo, of the winners of the "Most Likely To Be On Jerry Springer" category, features a male student pretending to be on the verge of hitting a female with the back of his hand.

The pictures are inappropriate, school district spokesman Nat Harrington said. The professional standards committee will investigate the situation, Harrington said, and there could be "serious disciplinary consequences" for yearbook adviser Jordan Barenburg and "anyone else who should have brought it to the forefront for review before it was published."

Harrington said the review likely will include Principal William Latson.

"We expect the adviser to apply good judgment, good common sense, ethical standards, moral standards and standards that reflect the level of respect and dignity we expect in our schools," Harrington said.

About 240 copies of the yearbook made it into students' hands before Nobles called the school Tuesday to complain to Latson. The principal is holding an additional 460.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localne...book_0518.html

Janey · 05-18-2005, 12:43 PM

hmm. Sophomoric humour rarely stands up to scrutiny.

Redlemon · 05-18-2005, 01:11 PM

I think that the most positive thing that can be said about this is that it appears that none of the students involved in preparing the yearbook (including the subjects of the photo) even thought once about lynchings. I think that shows progress in race relations.

EDIT: I just read the linked article, which says the same thing.

Quote:

Perhaps least upset by the photo is Richards, 19, who is bound for Florida Atlantic University after graduation next week. In fact, he came up with the idea.

Richards said he and Finley thought it would set them apart from the other superlative students striking traditional poses. They have broken up since the photo was taken, he said, but remain close friends and have the same opinion of the photo.

"We don't see a problem with it," Richards said before referencing the Roots character that haunted his mother when she saw the photo. "Kunta Kinte — that was over 300 years ago."

He also believes his mother and those who might share her anxiety think differently about racism and slavery because of their age. He and his peers aren't as conscious of race, he said.

"If there was a black girl doing this in the picture, it wouldn't be an issue," Richards said.

A number of black students were standing around when the photo was taken and nobody protested, he said. "These are people who if they had a problem would have let us know," he said.

Disk_Pusher · 05-18-2005, 02:08 PM

Reminds me of that South Park episode about changing the town flag. The kids didn't see a problem with it because they didn't notice it was a black man being hanged by whites.

I just think it would be funnier were it a black woman with a white man. I wonder if people would have complained then?

kramus · 05-18-2005, 02:12 PM

the evergrowing swamp of Politically Correct Thoughts and Deeds has sucked another happy group of people into it's tenacious grasp, leaving a stench and a smear. This is just plain sad.

lindseylatch · 05-18-2005, 02:24 PM

yeah, I didn't even think of that when I saw the picture...I thought it was kinda cute...except isn't is supposed to be a guy and a girl who are voted in? so, she should be the "Most Whipped" too...In which case the picture wouldn't make sense...
You would think the yearbook advisor would have caught the possible interpretation...

Ustwo · 05-18-2005, 02:52 PM

Since the full term is pussy whipped, I don't think it belongs in a year book period.

Charlatan · 05-18-2005, 02:58 PM

That's really funny... It didn't even occur to me that Most Whipped would be connected with slavery... and I even saw that he was black in the picture...

Some people have issues and they like to impose them on others... while I *can* see how someone might be offended I really feel they need to ask themselves what was intended by the photo, realize the context has nothing do with their interpretation and move on... Find something else upon which to grind their axe.

Latch · 05-18-2005, 03:48 PM

When I saw the topic of this thread, I thought "most pussy whipped" as well.. The picture did recall a whole Kunta-Kinte thing for me though. Not that I'm saying it should be taken away... I think it's pretty funny. It's the students' yearbook. They chose it.. the guy in the picture thought up the scene.. parents/the school needs to move on and let it go.

MSD · 05-18-2005, 05:08 PM

I just browsed through my yearbook, including the popularity contests dominated by people who deserved the awards about as much as I liked them (or was willing ot tolerate them.) It reminds me of how immature everyone was back then (a whole three years ago, and they still are,) and how glad I am that I'll never see most of them again.

Ustwo · 05-18-2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

I just browsed through my yearbook, including the popularity contests dominated by people who deserved the awards about as much as I liked them (or was willing ot tolerate them.) It reminds me of how immature everyone was back then (a whole three years ago, and they still are,) and how glad I am that I'll never see most of them again.

If it makes you feel better, in a few more years you won't recognize any of them either. I was just talking about this at work today, and odds are I wouldn't know a single one of my highschool friends or enemies on the street.

raeanna74 · 05-18-2005, 06:27 PM

I can understand the mother's point but...
The boy felt comfortable when the picture was taken.
No one else seems uncomfortable yet.
The group of students seem to ignore the color of the individuals involved.

I wonder if the school could simply write a disclaimer stating that the possible interpretation of the photo could be negative but that the participants were completely at ease with their situation and did not intend any racial slurs in the taking of the photo. Then there wouldn't be the expense of reprinting the books, and time spent to handle it all. Stickers stuck in the front of the book would be simple, cost-effective, and pre-empt further problems from the picture.

Otherwise I'd personally have no problem with the picture.

ObieX · 05-18-2005, 06:47 PM

Just more bigorty, nothing new in this country.

doodlebird · 05-18-2005, 06:48 PM

Hurray to the kids for not taking race as an issue, AND for having a sense of humor about a controlling relationship. it is nothing new that standards of humor differ from one generation to the next.

i agree that a disclaimer might be a logical/reasonable fix to this. but it should not be recalled. that is outright censorship.

Vincentt · 05-18-2005, 07:17 PM

I read this and was thinking "oh why is the mother butting in 'whipped' isn't worth recalling the books" Then I noticed read over the race thing and said "oh shit, one of these things."

I think all these people crying wolf about racism are going to make everyone become deaf to it. When a real issue comes up, maybe no one will want to hear it anymore.

MSD · 05-18-2005, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ObieX

Just more bigorty, nothing new in this country.

Did you actually read the article? None of the students, inluding the one in the photo, were offended by it. It's not exactly bigoted if the intent is innocuous.

oblar · 05-18-2005, 07:56 PM

I agree with Redlemon, I think this means our country might actually be making progress in its younger generations.

ObieX · 05-18-2005, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

Did you actually read the article? None of the students, inluding the one in the photo, were offended by it. It's not exactly bigoted if the intent is innocuous.

I read the article and i know what i said.

Telluride · 05-18-2005, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doodlebird

i agree that a disclaimer might be a logical/reasonable fix to this. but it should not be recalled. that is outright censorship.

I don't think it should be recalled, either. But if it is, it still isn't censorship.

ophelia783 · 05-18-2005, 10:02 PM

I find it funny that the mother was making such a big deal out of something that was her son's idea. I agree with him, though: if it would've been a black girl, no one would've batted an eye.

Redlemon · 05-19-2005, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindseylatch

yeah, I didn't even think of that when I saw the picture...I thought it was kinda cute...except isn't is supposed to be a guy and a girl who are voted in? so, she should be the "Most Whipped" too...In which case the picture wouldn't make sense...
You would think the yearbook advisor would have caught the possible interpretation...

The girl in the photo is his girlfriend... if there was also a girl who was voted most whipped, she must have been in a separate picture. However,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

Since the full term is pussy whipped, I don't think it belongs in a year book period.

...Ustwo makes an excellent point, and I agree with him on that element of this issue.

ophelia783 · 05-19-2005, 06:20 AM

The point is, the yearbook is made by the students, with the faculty overseeing it.
So far, the only person that has a problem with this is the guy's mom, when it was the guy's idea in the first place.
Not everything is racist, or anti-semitic, or demoralizing to women....people need to lay off!

stevie667 · 05-19-2005, 06:47 AM

It seems to me that an issue is being made where none was in the first place.

The people who put the book together seemed to have no ill-intentions, they're just having a bit of fun. If it was two black people, two white people, or a black girl and white boy no-one would have given a flying hoot. It's only the fact that the guys black and the girls white that some people have decided to create a problem.

To me, i think it's funny, the picture reflects a changing society and it's humor. I don't see racism, but an older generation does...

feelgood · 05-19-2005, 08:07 AM

Just another blown out of portion reaction by today's society.

It's kinda stupid that the society still thinks small things such as this particular photo is connected to racism.

But no worries, for there is a new kind of generation emerging, kids with humour!

05-18-2005, 02:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
kramus loving the curves Location: my Lady's manor	the evergrowing swamp of Politically Correct Thoughts and Deeds has sucked another happy group of people into it's tenacious grasp, leaving a stench and a smear. This is just plain sad. __________________ And now to disengage the clutch of the forebrain ... I'm going with this - if you like artwork visit http://markfineart.ca

05-18-2005, 02:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
lindseylatch Addict Location: Seattle, WA	yeah, I didn't even think of that when I saw the picture...I thought it was kinda cute...except isn't is supposed to be a guy and a girl who are voted in? so, she should be the "Most Whipped" too...In which case the picture wouldn't make sense... You would think the yearbook advisor would have caught the possible interpretation... __________________ "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities" "If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him." "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong." -Voltaire

05-18-2005, 02:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	Since the full term is pussy whipped, I don't think it belongs in a year book period. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

05-18-2005, 02:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	That's really funny... It didn't even occur to me that Most Whipped would be connected with slavery... and I even saw that he was black in the picture... Some people have issues and they like to impose them on others... while I can see how someone might be offended I really feel they need to ask themselves what was intended by the photo, realize the context has nothing do with their interpretation and move on... Find something else upon which to grind their axe. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

05-18-2005, 06:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	I can understand the mother's point but... The boy felt comfortable when the picture was taken. No one else seems uncomfortable yet. The group of students seem to ignore the color of the individuals involved. I wonder if the school could simply write a disclaimer stating that the possible interpretation of the photo could be negative but that the participants were completely at ease with their situation and did not intend any racial slurs in the taking of the photo. Then there wouldn't be the expense of reprinting the books, and time spent to handle it all. Stickers stuck in the front of the book would be simple, cost-effective, and pre-empt further problems from the picture. Otherwise I'd personally have no problem with the picture. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

05-18-2005, 12:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Janey Junkie Location: Toronto	hmm. Sophomoric humour rarely stands up to scrutiny.

05-18-2005, 02:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Disk_Pusher Tilted Location: Fresno, soon to be Sacramento!	Reminds me of that South Park episode about changing the town flag. The kids didn't see a problem with it because they didn't notice it was a black man being hanged by whites. I just think it would be funnier were it a black woman with a white man. I wonder if people would have complained then?

05-18-2005, 03:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
Latch In Your Dreams Location: City of Lights	When I saw the topic of this thread, I thought "most pussy whipped" as well.. The picture did recall a whole Kunta-Kinte thing for me though. Not that I'm saying it should be taken away... I think it's pretty funny. It's the students' yearbook. They chose it.. the guy in the picture thought up the scene.. parents/the school needs to move on and let it go.

05-18-2005, 05:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	I just browsed through my yearbook, including the popularity contests dominated by people who deserved the awards about as much as I liked them (or was willing ot tolerate them.) It reminds me of how immature everyone was back then (a whole three years ago, and they still are,) and how glad I am that I'll never see most of them again.

05-18-2005, 06:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
ObieX Pickles Location: Shirt and Pants (NJ)	Just more bigorty, nothing new in this country. __________________ We Must Dissent.

05-18-2005, 06:48 PM	#14 (permalink)
doodlebird pío pío Location: on a branch about to break	Hurray to the kids for not taking race as an issue, AND for having a sense of humor about a controlling relationship. it is nothing new that standards of humor differ from one generation to the next. i agree that a disclaimer might be a logical/reasonable fix to this. but it should not be recalled. that is outright censorship. __________________ xoxo doodle

05-18-2005, 07:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I read this and was thinking "oh why is the mother butting in 'whipped' isn't worth recalling the books" Then I noticed read over the race thing and said "oh shit, one of these things." I think all these people crying wolf about racism are going to make everyone become deaf to it. When a real issue comes up, maybe no one will want to hear it anymore. __________________ .

05-18-2005, 07:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
oblar Über-Rookie Location: No longer, D.C	I agree with Redlemon, I think this means our country might actually be making progress in its younger generations.

05-18-2005, 10:02 PM	#20 (permalink)
ophelia783 Insane Location: West Virginia	I find it funny that the mother was making such a big deal out of something that was her son's idea. I agree with him, though: if it would've been a black girl, no one would've batted an eye. __________________ ~~ He with a sharp tongue slits his own throat ~~

05-19-2005, 06:20 AM	#22 (permalink)
ophelia783 Insane Location: West Virginia	The point is, the yearbook is made by the students, with the faculty overseeing it. So far, the only person that has a problem with this is the guy's mom, when it was the guy's idea in the first place. Not everything is racist, or anti-semitic, or demoralizing to women....people need to lay off! __________________ ~~ He with a sharp tongue slits his own throat ~~

05-19-2005, 06:47 AM	#23 (permalink)
stevie667 Too Awesome for Aardvarks Location: Angloland	It seems to me that an issue is being made where none was in the first place. The people who put the book together seemed to have no ill-intentions, they're just having a bit of fun. If it was two black people, two white people, or a black girl and white boy no-one would have given a flying hoot. It's only the fact that the guys black and the girls white that some people have decided to create a problem. To me, i think it's funny, the picture reflects a changing society and it's humor. I don't see racism, but an older generation does... __________________ Office hours have changed. Please call during office hours for more information.

05-19-2005, 08:07 AM	#24 (permalink)
feelgood Free Mars! Location: I dunno, there's white people around me saying "eh" all the time	Just another blown out of portion reaction by today's society. It's kinda stupid that the society still thinks small things such as this particular photo is connected to racism. But no worries, for there is a new kind of generation emerging, kids with humour! __________________ Looking out the window, that's an act of war. Staring at my shoes, that's an act of war. Committing an act of war? Oh you better believe that's an act of war