St. John's University has fired its fencing coach, Boris Vaksman, after a video showing Vaksman on a racist tirade surfaced online.
"The most trouble coming from where? From black people because they don’t want to work," Vaksman says. "They steal, they kill, they drugs, everything comes from them. The majority, the majority.
“I think, what’s his name, Lincoln, made a mistake,” he added, likely referencing the Emancipation Proclamation.
The video was taken from a Zoom call recorded on June 3, during a youth coaching session for Fencer’s Club, a private fencing club in Manhattan, according to The New York Daily News.
The school quickly responded by firing Vaksman and posting a statement from Director of Athletics Mike Cragg on the university's Twitter account: “As soon as the recording was brought to our attention the matter was immediately investigated and the individual was terminated by the University. The racist comments expressed are completely unacceptable and a rejection of everything that the University stands for."
USA Fencing also responded to the video saying, "We are disgusted by these statements, which are racist, offensive and have no place in the USA Fencing community or in society as a whole. USA Fencing stands with our black athletes and all underrepresented minorities within the fencing family and will conduct an immediate investigation."
Vaksman began coaching at St. John's University in 2006.
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Petition To Declare KKK A Terrorist Group Reaches Over A Million Signatures
The petition reached over a million signatures in just four days.
Following President Trump declaring that the far-left anarchist movement Antifa would be treated as a terrorist organization and the socio-political upheaval stemming from the death of George Floyd, petitions calling for the KKK to be classified as a terrorist group have gone viral, racking up millions of signatures in just four days.
The Change.org petition calls for the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization, to officially be listed and recognized as a terrorist group by the government. One of many, another petition calling for the KKK to be classed as a terrorist group is at 178,000 signatures, and another one is approaching the million mark as well.
“Ever since the inception of the Ku Klux Klan in December 24,1865 they have terrorized American citizens for the color of their skin and opposing views,” the petition explains. “This group has a long history of murder & intimidation of people based on color and religion. Black Americans have suffered the most under this terror group.”
The KKK is currently classified as a domestic extremist group in the U.S. since there is no definition for a domestic terrorist organization. The State Department clarified that in order for a group to be listed as a terrorist organization, it must be a foreign organization that engages in terrorist activity that threatens the security of the country or its citizens. By that definition, Trump also may not be able to classify Antifa as a terrorist group.
When asked about the petitions, a spokesperson for the State Department said they do not discuss any specific designations or internal deliberations.
Sign the petition here.
"It’s Always Sunny" Episodes Featuring Blackface Removed From Netflix
Episodes of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" have been removed from Netflix, at least two of which feature the characters doing blackface.
Netflix has removed some episodes of the outrageous sitcom, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia on the basis that they feature multiple characters doing blackface. Fans started to take notice earlier this week that the ninth episode of the sixth season titled "Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth" was no longer available for streaming on Netflix. In the episode, main characters Mac and Dee both wear blackface. However, some fans pointed out that it was strange how Netflix opted to take down this episode, but not the season nine episode, "The Gang Makes Lethal Weapon 6," that also features characters doing blackface.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
"Surely Lethal Weapon 6 is actually worse than the first one?" one user asked, before explaining why he feels that taking these episodes off the streaming platform was contradictory to the nature of the show. "Thing is though, It’s Always Sunny is not racist. The characters are," he explained. "The entire joke of the show is that these are horrible, terrible people who suffer for their sins. When Mac and Dee do blackface, it’s not glorified at all. It’s heavily shunned by every other character."
Other echoed these sentiments about the show's intentions. "Netflix just pulled an episode of its always sunny in Philadelphia because Mac uses blackface in it," one user noted. "The problem is that the show is satire and is trying to show how ignorant the characters are for their actions. It's self-aware that the characters are terrible people."
"Netflix have deleted two episodes of its always sunny in philadelphia that include blackface. People don’t do their f*cking research," another user said. "The joke is that the characters in the show are such sh*tty people they are oblivious to their own racism. The racist characters ARE the joke."
According to Metro News, another user claimed that Netflix has now removed four episodes of It's Always Sunny in total from its catalogue.
Howard Stern Catches Heat For Doing Blackface & Saying N-Word In Resurfaced Skit
Howard Stern is under fire after a skit from 1993 in which he did blackface and used the N-word to mock Ted Danson resurfaced recently.
Howard Stern is the latest white celebrity to be called out for his past use of blackface, and in his case, he really talked the talk. An old clip from Howard’s 1993 “New Year’s Rotten Eve Pageant” resurfaced this week, which shows the radio host’s face painted black with exaggerated white lips. In the skit—which appears to be a spoof of Ted Danson’s notorious performance in blackface from earlier that year as then-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg laughed along—Howard and his co-star play Ted and Whoopi, respectively. Howard makes a series of jokes, the punchline for each of them always including N-word, while he insists that it’s okay because “Whoopi wrote it.”
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
The purpose of the skit seemed to be to mock Ted for trying to justify his actions in the original performance because Whoopi had given him the green light, but by doing so, Howard ended up engaging in the same behaviour he was trying to denounce. The video was originally posted by controversial filmmaker Tariq Nasheed, and made waves among the right-wing crowd, who took pleasure in seeing the anti-Trump host be exposed for racism. The clip was even retweeted by Donald Trump Jr.
Howard’s longtime employee Steve Grillo, who worked on the special, responded to the circulating video, insisting that Howard never uses this language off the air. He explained that, because the special aired on pay-per-view, they thought, “We’ve got the whole world watching—let’s push the limits. The leash was off and they were going to be rabid dogs.”
Terrell Owens Claims He Faced Systemic Racism With The 49ers
Terrell Owens said he has had some bad experiences while playing in the NFL.
Terrell Owens was always an outspoken player during his days in the NFL and sometimes, it got him into trouble. Regardless, he is widely considered to be one of the greatest receivers ever and he certainly has the stats to back it up. Unfortunately, his abilities on the field didn’t always allow him to move freely when it came to the various teams he played for.
During an interview with TMZ, Owens made the revelation that he faced systemic racism while playing in the league, specifically with the San Francisco 49ers. More specifically, Owens said head coach Steve Mariucci was a culprit.
“I could’ve still continued to play but because I was outspoken, because of who I was, I wasn’t allowed the opportunity,” Owens said. “Because I was outspoken. Because of who I was and because of some of the coaches that said things behind closed doors and got in the ears of these owners, that’s why I wasn’t able to really continue on with my career. To me, that was systemic racism. I experienced it when I was in San Francisco under coach Mariucci. I experienced it. Trust me, I experienced it.”
These are pretty hefty accusations although, considering the NFL’s history, it’s not all that surprising. Owens was always seen as misunderstood and there were times when he wasn’t allowed to express himself. If he feels this way, there has to be some credence to it.
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Eve Dubs Stassi Schroeder “The Poster Girl For White Privilege”
Eve is not having it.
Cast members from Bravo’s hit TV show Vanderpump Rules Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Dute have been fired for racist behavior, and rapper Eve aired out the pair on an episode of “The Talk” Friday.
Eve specifically called out the fact that the two women reported former costarm Faith Stowers, to the police for a crime she did not commit. “It is so ridiculous,” said Eve. “It is not funny to call the cops on anyone falsely, but especially a Black woman. To be calling the cops on this woman, are you … what type of person are you?”
The 41-year-old rapper further went in on Schroeder, referencing her June 7th apology where she apologized for her previous comments and promised to, “continue to take accountability for what I have said and done, while pushing myself to do better.”
“It disgusts me. I’ve read her statement, her sorry and I don’t want your sorry, I don’t think you’ve changed,” Eve explained. “I think you’re sorry you got your whoever dropped you from your endorsements. I think you’re sorry about the fact you wont be on that TV show being famous for nothing.”
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
After her behavior was exposed by Stowers, Schroeder was dropped by her publicist, her podcast was canceled, and she lost partnerships with brands like Billie and Ritual.
As Eve continued to call out Schroeder, she also referenced a 2017 episode of Stassi’s podcast where she complained about Black people seeking special treatment in Hollywood.
“Black people in Hollywood need to stop complaining … that is, she is the poster child for white privilege,” Eve added. “She’s the poster child for white privilege. Come on!”
“Staircase Karen” Goes On Racist Rant Once Again In Torrance, CA
Another video captures a racist and xenophobic “Karen”.
On Thursday a video surfaced of a middle-aged caucasion woman goading an Asian man during what seems to be a dispute sparked by their parked cars. “I am not a racist person, but you know what, you need to go home,” said the woman.
The same woman appeared in a similar video on Wednesday. The clip showed her berating a young Asian female after an encounter on a staircase at the park. “Go back to whatever fucking Asian country you belong,” adding “You bitch! This is not your place, this is not your home, we don’t want you here!” The taunting goes on for over a minute with little response from the young woman.
Once again unprovoked, the woman lashed out with prejudiced comments against the Asian man. As the conversation continued, the woman threatened the police and started to mock the man with an accent, “you are going to go to real jail now.” “You understand me China man?” she repeated several times.
She continued in the mocking accent, “go home to your family.” “You’re way too close,” She said. “Get away from me.” Ironically, when the video pans to the woman’s car, she appears to be parked way over the line.
The man later made a statement concerning the encounter: “In 2020, no one should be hearing these kinds of racial slurs,” said the man. “It’s completely another thing to say racial slurs to minors, they need to be protected.”
The Torrance Police Department is reportedly looking into these incidents.
Your favorite Karen makes another appearance from r/PublicFreakout
Gucci Mane Accuses Atlantic Of Racism, Claims He’s Leaving His Deal
Gucci Mane tweeted that he would be leaving his deal with Atlantic Records next month because of racism.
Gucci Mane is at the center of some controversial matters right now after accusing his label of racism.
The Atlanta rap legend has never been shy about voicing his feelings and, this week, he seemingly told his label in the midst of all the civic and political unrest that he would be leaving his deal because of their alleged racism.
In a since-deleted tweet, Guwop took aim at the head of Atlantic Records.
“Leaving #AtlanticRecords July 3rd these crackers polite racist #SoIcySummer,” wrote the veteran.
The specific date is likely when his next full-length release is planned, meaning that he could comfortably complete the terms of his deal à la Tory Lanez earlier this year.
Gucci Mane did not specify what type of racist behavior he had experienced from the label before nixing the tweet and leaving fans to speculate.
He did, however, retweet several comments about the message, co-signing what his fans had to say. He also had a message for all the snitches and haters of the world.
“To all snitches and my haters and the most polite racist ever @gucci I pray y’all die of corona virus,” he wrote.
With everything that’s been happening in the world, we’re going to have to take Gucci Mane’s word at face value. Thankfully, his career is already established and he can likely continue without the backing of a major label.
Donut Shop Owner Says Employees Were Threatened After Ending Police Discount
Over a 10 percent discount.
Allie’s Donuts, a donut shop located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is now being fully operated and staffed full-time by owner Matt Drescher after employees began to receive threats following the store’s announcement that they would no longer offer discounts to police officers.
Drescher shared the news in an Instagram video, where he explained he is now the only one working in the store due to concerns for employee safety. He also explained the abusive comments online came after Drescher made it clear he and his business are against police brutality and systemic racism in the criminal justice system. He said, “Due to all of the unfortunate threats that we've gotten and just the climate that it is, a lot of the employees don't feel safe working here right now," he continued, "I respect their choice, and they're safe at home. Nothing has happened to their job. I'm here right now, have the mixes on the table and I'm going to make as many [donuts] as I can."
The police and military discount is just 10 percent, but the firm stance in solidarity with police brutality victims seemed to have upset many customers.
The company had already previously aligned itself with Black Lives Matter activists, writing in an Instagram post, “We're fed up. Until local police take action to solve problems with racism and injustice, Allie's Donuts will choose to stand with the people of our great state."
Merriam-Webster Expands Definition Of Racism After Black Woman Contacts Them
Merriam-Webster amended its definition of racism after a recent college graduate repeatedly contacted them about including systematic racism.
It's not an easy feat for the definition of words to be amended by Merriam-Webster, but Drake University graduate Kennedy Mitchum was able to do just that. According to reports, 22-year-old Kennedy repeatedly contacted representatives and staff members working for Merriam-Webster in an effort to have them not change the definition of the word "racism," but to add to its meaning.
“I kept having to tell them that definition is not representative of what is actually happening in the world. The way that racism occurs in real life is not just prejudice, it’s the systemic racism that is happening for a lot of black Americans,” she shared with CNN. It came to her surprise when someone finally contacted her to let her know that they understood her point, and they would make necessary changes.
Merriam-Webster editor Alex Chambers reportedly said, “While our focus will always be on faithfully reflecting the real-world usage of a word, not on promoting any particular viewpoint, we have concluded that omitting any mention of the systemic aspects of racism promotes a certain viewpoint in itself.”
Prior to the change, Merriam-Webster defined racism as "a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.” They've now included, "a: doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles" and "b: a political or social system founded on racism."
"This revision would not have been made without your persistence in contacting us about this problem," Alex Chambers wrote to Kenndy in an email. "We sincerely thank you for repeatedly writing in and apologize for the harm and offense we have caused in failing to address this issue sooner."
