They say the south will rise again. I certainly hope not. Not if this is an example of what passes for humor in states below the Mason-Dixon line.
Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Walt Baker sent an email that compares First Lady Michelle Obama to Tarzan’s sidekick Cheeta, the chimpanzee. At the bottom of the email is a photo of Obama, caught in an awkward moment with her lips pursed, and one of a chimpanzee wearing a similar expression.
Baker’s racist and sophomoric effort at humor wasn’t embraced by all. In response, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau decided to drop its contract with Walt Baker’s marketing firm over the email. They issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, I want to publically apologize for the offensive email sent yesterday by Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Walt Baker. As a recipient of the email, I am embarrassed for both my organization and myself. The content is deeply hurtful to all in our city and beyond. The attitudes expressed in the email are both appalling and unacceptable, and are not shared or condoned in anyway by the NCVB or by me personally. Nashville’s hospitality industry has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming environment for our visitors and this behavior discredits the work done by so many. After serious consideration, the NCVB has made the decision to terminate its contract with Mr. Baker’s marketing agency, Mercatus Communications. I have communicated this action and my deep regrets about the email to the Mayor’s Office and other hospitality industry leaders.”
1 comment:
Wow the south has Russel Wiseman who would rather watch Charlie Brown than the President of the United States, Walt Baker with the humor of a 5 year old bully, and Roy Ashburn a "family values" guy who dui's and goes to gay bars. Brought to you by the party of bad life choices (Booze and cocoaine), hate, no-can-do and hypocracy.
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