Fukudome himself sounds offended.
”I don’t know what the creator of the shirt meant this to be, but they should make it right,” Fukudome said through his interpreter after being shown one of the shirts Thursday. ”Maybe the creator created it because he thought it was funny, or maybe he made it to condescend the race. I don’t know.”
I wonder how much of a hit Fukudome’s impression of Chicago takes here. I don’t care how much money he’s making, or how much success he’s already had. Think this makes him excited to do his job today? He was 1-for-4 today. Let’s see if his performance drops off. I’m not saying it will…surely he’s a professional, and it’s more than likely he can tune this sort of thing out. But he’s also human.
Not much else to say here. I myself hesitated on even putting this on EWC…as a baseball and MLB fan I’m really embarrassed. I loved Harry Carrey. This is a disgrace this is to his legacy.
From the Chicago Sun Times:
”That’s the No. 1 seller this year, by far,” said Kolbusz, who estimates one in 10 customers complain about being offended.
While Kolbusz was answering questions, two white guys stopped by the stand and pointed at the shirt, with one affecting a 1960s B-movie accent while reading aloud the words on the shirt.
His friend responded in a similar offensive accent, ”Oh, you tink dat funny?”
They walked away laughing.
Nice.
Apparently, it’s not only the Cubs’ World Series form that’s stuck in a 100-year time warp.
Somebody needs to come out and appoligize for this.
11 responses so far ↓
1 1908 // Apr 19, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I completely agree with your sentiments. One small correction: that shirt isn’t licensed merchandise. The Cubs had no say in it’s production and you can’t buy it inside the park. It’s the brainchild of a racist street vendor.
2 Shinsano // Apr 19, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Wow, you’re right. I would have sworn the story said is was.
3 jackson // Apr 19, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Yeah, there’s a lot of stuff like that outside of Wrigley that people just make. I’m sure someone would have blown the whistle on it if it were licensed.
Also, the word “legacy” and Haray Caray in the same sentence is kinda funny. I remember watching Cubs games every day as a kid coming home from school. He would definitely have a mixed legacy. And no doubt would have stumbled on Fukudome’s name in epic ways. Now there’s something I wish I could hear.
Anyways, yeah, my guess is that it’s probably just someone who made a really dumb insensitive bad joke.
4 jackson // Apr 19, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Although I just re-read the piece and saw where you said it’s the biggest selling shirt by far.
Note to Fukudome-san if you’re reading this: Nobody in Minnesota would make a shirt like that. If you’re ready to come to the AL, give us a call.
5 Ironchef // Apr 19, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Yeah, I hate Robert Horry too.
6 jackson // Apr 19, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Good one Chef!
7 Shinsano // Apr 19, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I seriously hate Robert Horry. I hope when the Suns beat the Spurs they hogtie him up on the rim and let Shaq do some dunks.
8 simon // Apr 20, 2008 at 3:18 am
And the funny thing is, Chicago has a sizeable Japanese expat population. Guess they don’t mingle with the locals much, hence the ignorance (on both sides, likely, as cushy expats anywhere tend to be ignorant of their locale.)
9 brent // Apr 22, 2008 at 11:50 am
My first thought was of Kim Jong Il and Team America. I laughed- I’m sorry.
10 John M // Apr 23, 2008 at 12:27 am
Hey, Jackson–nobody in New York would make a shirt like that, either. And the Yankees can pay more!
Seriously, though, what a dumb shirt. Aren’t you glad that they didn’t have this kind of thing when Jackie Robinson broke into the majors? The mind reels.
11 Red Sox, Yankees, Annoying Fans, Red Sox Fans, Yankees Fans, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Red Sox Nation, Sons of Sam Horn, San Francisco Giants, Barry Bonds | // Apr 23, 2008 at 6:49 pm
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