One of the owners of a local gay bar known as Tryangles, Mike Flatt, posted the following image on Facebook late Monday night:
 |
| Screenshot from Facebook Feb. 2, 2012, 12:05 PM |
The easiest thing is to grab pitchforks and torches and charge Flatt as our town racist. Is it okay to profit from the patronization of one oppressed group while laughing at the expense of another?
I don't think so.
I remember our local Fairness Campaign didn't think it was okay in 2009 after Woody's Tavern owner David Norton's made racist remarks during one of his tantrums. To quote their Director, Chris Hartman, at the time:
“We, at the Fairness Campaign, believe a stand must be made against this series of injustices, which will undoubtedly persist if Mr. Norton continues to operate his business. We demand Mr. Norton cease ownership and operation of Woody’s Tavern, or, if he will not, that its doors close.” (Fairness to Announce Boycott of Woody’s Tavern)From Flatt's perspective, this image made him laugh and he wanted to share it. His ignorance to the insensitivity and hurtfulness of his humor probably started in his upbringing and we all know he wasn't alone. But I don't have to speak for Flatt, of the 23 comments currently below this offensive image, six are Flatt struggling to rationalize why the humor is okay:
(posts by other people)
(posts by other people)
(posts by other people)
(posts by other people)
So what happens now?
It's not up to me. But I propose we let all let him know how insensitive and offensive his action was, and explain to him why it is offensive, because it appears he doesn't really 'get it.' Something like, well here's my attempt, something tells me he'll be reading this post:
"Mike. It's offensive to interchange images of a monkey and an African American because the inference, the reason it makes you laugh, is the idea that Africans are less evolved than Non-Africans. That's a belief rooted in our racist history, not from fact. But even if it were a fact (which it's NOT!) laughing at another form of life because we think we're better, isn't that the height of arrogance?"Okay, maybe someone else should try. This video gives good ideas.
No one should be judged by their worst act, either. Flatt has repeatedly demonstrated extreme generosity to the Louisville AIDS Walk, as in thousands of dollars, and we all know that AIDS affects the African American community disproportionately. Flatt stepped up to the plate in times when Connection co-owners George Stinson and Eddie Lewis "could not find it in their budgets."
Publisher's note: Flatt was a Facebook friend who I have ever met, but ironically he liked one of my posts this morning even. In the past, I have been one of his customers as well. Pursuant to his instruction, I just deleted him as a Facebook friend. And before the 10-15 people call me to tell me why I shouldn't have published this, be prepared to format your call with:
"Hi, I'm _______, and I'm calling to defend racism against African Americans because ____________."
update 4/08/2012 8pm:
Courier-Journal: Joke about Obama causes rift in gay community
Thank goodness for all those AIDS Walk dollars that save all us poor black baby monkeys from instant death! When you put it that way, I can't help but forgive him!
ReplyDeleteHe has no common sense and no grasp of the English language either.
ReplyDelete@Jaison I know it sounds like I went little overboard on trying to understand his perspective. Maybe it's some consolation that this little piece of expose is going to hit him in the wallet pretty hard. I'm already hearing back from people who are unfriending him and boycotting his bars.
ReplyDeleteKinda like how information about someone's prior open relationships would hit someone in the ballot box and end any political aspirations?
Deletei like the concept you suggest here, anonymous... considering one's own moral rectitude and behavior before standing up as someone else's moral compass. that's a great idea i wish would catch on! i find the 'monkey' post offensive, but i don't find myself in a position to rant and try to skewer someone else for the slight bump i may get in a political campaign. if we find mike's post offensive, i don't think we need someone else to point it out to us. let the high horses be dismounted please.
DeleteTryangles is a dump that should have been bulldozed years ago. It's no longer relevant. I'm guessing it will probably be shut down or torn down as the Nucleus development continues in the Haymarket area. I feel for the customers that frequent it. Hopefully they'll take their dollars elsewhere as the owner's words have no place in our world. Attitudes become words. Words become actions.
ReplyDeleteIt was a joke. Personally, I thought it was funny and I'm a Obama fan! For goodness sake, lighten up a little. Quit being so fast to judge everyone just because you don't have the same sense of humor that they have. Enjoy life and stop worrying about what someone posts on THEIR facebook page.
ReplyDeleteYour "support" of Obama is irrelevant, because it ISN'T ABOUT OBAMA. It's about comparing any black person to a monkey, which is a historically charged, RACIST "joke" to make at all, ever, it any context due to the history behind this disgusting comparison.
DeleteThat's just ridiculous. To say that there is something out there no one could ever find humor in. I like my humor dark, and this is a prime example of a racist pointing out false racism to guard their own egos and image.
DeleteThe fact that black people were compared to monkeys mostly by people who didn't believe in Evolution is absolutely hilarious.
Granted, Flatts fails hard at defending himself. But that doesn't make him a racist. Just a southern dolt.
You can find humor in it, sure. That just means you've been dead-ucated by a racist system. You fail to see the reality of racism, and therefore are desensitized to the relevance of racism historically, and the role racist language and imagery play in the persistence of racism today--not to mention in particular, the tsunami of racist imagery that has flooded the web around the first Black POTUS. You are apologizing for Flatt's and your own ignorance rather than recognizing it. Learn something instead of being satisfied with the taste of your ego's erection.
DeleteIt was funny and I am a member of the community as well. Get over it and quit being so damn butt hurt for crying out loud! It is what it is and you can't change it. Move forward...let it go.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't see why this "joke" is offensive, then maybe we need to have the 'YOU are a racist" Conversation, not the "you DID something racist" conversation.
ReplyDeleteWhether you are a member of the community or not is really irrelevant. The fact remains you don't understand why equating an African American person with a monkey is insensitive. As long as he continues to try and rationalize it, he makes it clear he doesn't get it either.
ReplyDeleteSad to say, I know ALOT of gay men who have no sense of humor and will grab at any opportunity to cause or participate in drama. Why do you think they coined the phrase "drama queen"? I mean come on, Mel Brooks got away with it in 1974. Anyone remember Blazing Saddles? And if a little jewish man can get away with it at the height of racial tension, why not a gay man in the 21st century. Lighten up people. It's not posts like this that feed the racism machine, it's the people who make a big deal out of it. We support you Mike. It is nice to see other fags not taking life so seriously. As Oscar Wilde said "Life is too important to be taken seriously." It is sad to see the gay community turning one of of its beloved, just because they don't share his sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, if you think it's funny to compare black people to monkeys, please do your research on the history of this comparison and try to understand why African Americans would find it offensive: http://stuffwhitepeopledo.blogspot.com/2009/02/associate-black-people-with-monkeys-and.html
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty funny that a lot of people defending this comment would probably be the first ones to get angry when a TV show makes a gay joke, just as an example.
ReplyDeleteOk first off if at first glance you saw a black monkey then I must say you have issues - I saw a baby monkey which is equalivant to as a swing and a miss of a human. This saddens me that someone took offense cause all they see is color. If it was a african american holding a white monkey -albino- and said George bush would you be having discussion? True intellectual is separation of comedy vs racism. I support Obama and laughed cause I didn't see color
ReplyDeleteActually, you're the only one who's said a "black monkey". No one else mentioned the color of the monkey. The color of the monkey is irrelevant. Using a monkey, any colored monkey, is a long standing racist symbol against black people. Period.
DeleteUm, go get an education about the history behind the comparison of black people to monkeys, and figure out for yourself why this is an incredibly racist "joke" to make. The color of the monkey isn't relevant at all, you ignorant racist.
DeleteOkay, so first, it is unquestionably a racist act to equate a monkey with an African American human being. This is a long-standing image that was cultivated by racist organizations and publications well before the Civil War to demean and dehumanize blacks. If you don't understand that, then you need to educate yourself. Second, in response to the Anonymous poster who compared the Reagan and Bonzo picture to Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles," you obviously didn't get the message Brooks was trying to make there, either. Blazing Saddles was not about making fun of black people, but about making fun of racism. Brooks puts us in the shoes of his African American characters to show us just how ridiculous and offensive racist attitudes are. Blazing Saddles is no more a racist film than The Producers is a Nazi film. Perhaps those of you who are trying to deflect the seriousness of Flatt's actions by claiming that others don't have a sense of humor, should examine your own senses of humor first, because if you think making ethnic minorities the butt of your jokes is funny, you have a real problem.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree ignorance is in the upbringing of your children. Racism is taught.we have no room for it. We r all a part of the human race we need to support human rights not the ignorance of human fear. Will never understand how someone of the community be racist because really its a form of bullying and we have all experienced that.why can't we all just get along
ReplyDeleteAs a business owner, I find it deplorable that you would pull this off of facebook, And post it here for all to see, Before going to him first, telling him your thoughts on this and politely asking him, to pull it down. It seems to me you are looking for a fight and/or trying to ruin this man. Despite his long, good standing in the gay community. it just smells of personal vendetta to me.
ReplyDeleteUm, did you miss the part where people posted their disgust as comments on the link? I smell a strawman...
DeleteTo be fair, it didn't say what kind of posts they were, though I sorta inferred that they were disgusted comments given the contexts of his other posts.
DeleteRegardless, purposely or not, you pulled this off of facebook and posted it here telling people not to frequent his establishments. Without regard to his livelihood, or contacting him personally. Is his post going to put anyone out of business? no. Is your malicious post going to effect his business, possibly. If you are trying to help the gay community, you failed.
DeleteAnd just to put it out there, I do know Mike. I consider him a dear friend. I am a business owner here in louisville. And will not post my name or business on here for fear you will try to ruin me as well.
DeleteWhether you're a business owner---which you've made sure to point out 3 times, so apparently you DO want us to guess who you are--or not is irrelevant to the discussion. It's not malicious at all to point out that a business owner that's very much in the public eye of the community has posted a very public racist joke for all of his customers, even the black ones, to see. It shows an incredible insensitivity to his customers, and if I were an African-American customer I would be very quick to boycott such an establishment. People have the right to know that.
DeleteIf a business owner is dumb enough to put an incredibly racist "joke" on a website as public as facebook, they deserve whatever backlash they get.
DeleteBoycott Triangles! Spread the word and let's shut the dump down once and for all! It's time for whoever the racists is that owns the place to retire to Florida.
ReplyDeleteHell yes! Send him to Boca or Walton Manners. The less crazy in Louisville and Kentucky the better! Used to go there regularly for the strippers and to shoot pool. Triangles will never get a dollar of my money ever again. Not even if the dope apologizes. Done.
DeleteWho is being the bully now?
ReplyDeleteThank you to Curtis for being a principled anti-racist! You are are most generous in your post about Mike Flatt.
ReplyDeleteLet's bare in mind that what's primarily egregious about racism is not that it is "offensive" or "insensitive." What's bad about racist ideas is that they lead to injustice, oppression, discrimination and violence.
Mike Flatt's notion that a white male being depicted as a primate is anything at all like depicting a Black male as a primate is simply the height of ignorance. His alleged "color blindness" is another way of him saying that he is utterly clueless about race, and too arrogant to even begin to see that has anything to learn.
It is not at all a matter of "humor" or of "opinion." Look at the history of racist images of Blacks. Look at the facts on the ground of persistent racism in schooling, employment, prison system, income disparity, etc. If there is no humor in the finding 90% of Black children will be on food stamps at least once by the time they are 20, there is no humor in racist language or imagery of Black people either, as they go hand in hand.
I don't bet that his donations to AIDS walk are a gesture of solidarity to the Black community, to whom he owes a serious apology, and a real gesture of recompense.
Recompense and apology? For a moment of bad judgment? Seriously?
DeleteI hope that your next bad trick asks for recompense and apology for your bad judgment.
In this case, proportionate recompense and apology would not only be just, but would be most simple.
DeleteListen here is what I see. Firstly, all you people who are posting your responses anonymously in support of Mike need to come forward stop being scared of being "ruined". If you feel so strongly stick by your friends words and actions like real men and women do. Secondly, Louisville, KY is in the South. It is a Southern State culturally and historically. Africans and African Americans were sold, bred, and kept in slavery in Kentucky. There was segregation in Kentucky. This being all said what Mike posted was not only in poor taste but it was racist and insensitive. Let's all be real for a minute I can't beleive that any White Southerner would not think that comparing a person of African Descent be they biracial or full blooded Black would not be considered racist. You know the history of your state and therefore know the horrors Black People have had to endure in Kentucky. THE JOKE IS RACIST! Mike check yourself and get that understood. Thirdly just because you are a White Gay Man does not mean your unable to be racist or that you can make a racist joke and not expect repurcussions. White Gays and Lesbians can be in many instances more racist than their straight counterparts. I am a Gay Man of African Descent. I have seen racist actions done to other Gay Men of Color by White Gay Men. I have heard with my own ears White Gay Men say racist things to and about People of Color sometimes in the prescence of Gay Men of Color. I have been in situations where clearly my being Gay was not enought to garner acceptance or tolerance from White Gay Men and I live in Seattle, Wa.
ReplyDeleteIs Mike a good man? Probably I do not know him and certainly I am not going to demonize him. Clearly with all the good he does he must be. I am sure he is a decent human being who does care about people.
Is Mike a racist? That I do not know either though I will say this those kinds of "jokes" do not just come up from nowhere.
Did Mike post and support a racist and hurtful joke? Yes he did and he needs to understand why that is considered offensive and take it down. Then at the very least he should apologize to the people he offended and maybe educate himself on African Americans and why it was thought to be racist.
Mike you made a racial boo boo. Apologize, learn something from it and move on. Because I assure you digging your heels in over it is going to most definately make you appear to be thing you claim are not. Which is a racist.
My comment?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=118602&title=blackface-rally
Argument OVER.
Shame on you all for taking this this far!! A joke is a jok and nothing more... he should never be compared to Norton there is no comparison to what was said and done! Everyone of you saying saying something bad has something to hide or nothing better to do.. Get a life
ReplyDeleteAd hominems and straw men. Face the argument before you comment.
Deletei Chris Elliott posted this!!!
DeleteProps for identifying yourself, Chris.
DeleteIf you're GAY, it's a SIN. If you're BI-SEXUAL, you're CONFUSED. If you're SKINNY, you're on DRUGS. If you're FAT, you look NASTY. If you're DRESSED-UP, you're CONCEITED. If you DRESS FOR COMFORT, you're a SLOB. If you SPEAK YOUR MIND, you're a BITCH. If you DON'T SAY ANYTHING, you're a PUNK. If you are SWEET to strangers, you are FAKE. If you CRY, you're a DRAMA QUEEN. If you have MALE FRIENDS,you're a HOE. If you have FEMALE FRIENDS, you're a PLAYER. YOU can't do anything without being criticized . We live in a society where people can't survive if they're not judging the next person... smh
DeleteSo the answer is to ignore and rationalize it?
DeleteAs a very good friend of Mike Flatt and employee of Tryangles I find it funny that Curtis Morrison has any right to say anything that people say or DO. Ive witnessed, first hand, what he has said and done Multipule times - - Twinks, Hustlers, racial remarks that he has said and done. If specifics are needed people just need to ask.
ReplyDeleteSo people are dismissing the argument ad hominem because the messenger isn't perfect? Might as well stop listening to anything anyone says.
DeleteNot dismissing poor judgement. However, it is sad that the messenger comes across as holier than thou.
DeleteActually Curtis was probably a bit more restrained about it than I would have been. I applaud him for his relative restraint, which seems to be lost on those accusing him of trying to "ruin" Mike.
DeleteDid Mr. Fatt pay you to post that comment? I've known Curtis over 20 years and he doesn't have a racists bone in his body. Nice try to change the subject. Bottom line is you'll probably should start seeking employment elsewhere as Triangles is going to lose customers faster than the lady folk stop participating in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walks. Buh-bye.
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether his arguments against Curtis are true or not, but they're irrelevant either way. It's an old rhetorical trick to distract from the actual argument.
DeleteI think it's classy, and incredibly clever, that you call him Mr. Fatt! I hope you do stand up at an Open Mic Night soon!
DeleteChris Coffman you're nothing more than piece of garbage !!!
DeleteLol, I don't have any excuses for Mike Flatt. And I don't support what he says, but I'll probably still visit Tryangles.
ReplyDeleteGo get the fairness campaign involved. Get another gay bar closed in Louisville. We haven't lost enough already...
I don't know who the hell you people think you are but you've made a very bad mistake by picking on Mike Flatt !! Mike Flatt has been nothing but a leader to many of us in this community and you're biting off more than you can chew here. As for what Mike posted, he knows that was a mistake and has already apologized for it, that should be good enough for this group of judemental A-Gays that think their crap don't stink. I've known Mike Flatt for over 20 years and he's a damn good person, he once saved my life from a group street thugs that attacked me in the alley close to Tryangles, Mike is a HERO to me & many others he's helped in this community over the years. I've got your back Mike and the rest of you judging him can SUCK IT as far as I'm concerned !! Let it also be known that Mike is in bad health and if anything happens to him because of this mess you've blown up, we'll all remember who to blame - YOU SUCK !!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on defining what an ad hominem fallacy is. And as for the apology, he hasn't made a formal apology yet.
DeleteA formal apology should not be necessary. Removing it is gesture enough. This was a moment of bad judgment that hurt NO ONE. Demanding a formal apology is ridiculous, since we all know actions speak louder than words.
DeleteIt could also be interpreted as covering up a controversial act. If he wants to apologize, let him apologize. Let him say how he feels. Most people would be willing to hear it. But 1uit posting comments in which you seem to claim to speak for him.
DeleteAnd if you really believe no one was hurt, you really just don't get it.
No, Covering up would be claiming "accident", "hacking", or "it wasn't me". I don't claim to speak for him.
DeleteHowever, this was his personal fb page, and whether it was his personal thoughts or not, shouldn't be relevant to the business (which he doesn't even actively manage and which incidentally is open to everyone). Do I think it was inappropriate? Yes. Is it something he needs to apologize over? No. There are far more appropriate things to be outraged over, particularly those who are actively fighting against our community. But are you demanding apologies from them? No.
This reminds me of the time I had a LiveJournal and made a post about people somehow believing that, despite the fact it was public, it would not get back to them. Guess what? He made a public post. He is a pillar of the "community", for the very reasons you and anonymous cite below. Whether you or anyone else likes it or not, he will be scrutinized for his actions just like any politician or business owner.
DeleteAnd yes, his "private" actions (even though posting on a public Facebook wall is hardly a private action) are completely relevant to what one can expect in his business.
I worked for The Flatt's back in the 90'S and i remember then always telling us bartenders to " ID the blacks and the females, don't worry about the white guys " and if you didn't, there was Hell to pay!
DeleteI also worked for them . And if they did not see you I.D. that certain profile then the smaller one or both would come up and regardless how busy I was, demand to come out from behind the bar and recard them. I guess since the bar has slowed down their money is good enough now.
DeleteThis is totally inappropriate on the part of writer and has stirred up a hornet's nest without need.
ReplyDeleteWas it bad judgment for Mike to post the photo? Yes. He removed it and apologized. Case closed. Or it should have been.
Is this going to possibly hurt OTHERS livelihood because "someone" had to write a whole article about it? Yes.
Making this into an issue is going to do NOTHING to help our community and is completely irresponsible. Even IF he was personally racist (which I highly doubt), he hasn't treated anyone differently and has openly welcomed many ethnicities into his bar. Reposting an inappropriate joke is NOT something to crucify someone over.
Ultimately, I guess sensationalism gains people attention, the repercussions on others be damned.
Chris you nailed it, you're 100% correct !! Mike Flatt has more supporters than you think boys !! I just want to know how much damn $$$$$ Curtis Morrison AKA SHITSTARTER has givin back to the AIDS community in Louisville ??? I personally know that Mike Flatt has donated thousands of dollars to this community and has improved the lives of many living with AIDS both Black & White ! Curtis & Chris you should be ashamed of yourselves !!
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm ashamed for calling people out earlier in the comments for defending racism and making completely illogical and rhetorical arguments. You got me. The fact he contributes to the AIDS Walk means he should have completely been ignored, right?
DeleteYou are getting the cart before the horse in crying racism. Was it inappropriate? Yes. Was it removed? Yes.
DeleteDoes it mean he is racist, as opposed to someone who got a chuckle out of an inappropriate picture and made a mistake of judgement? Not necessarily.
So it's not racism as long as we claim it was a mistake of judgement? Get real. You really don't get it. Racism is not confined to the KKK and skinheads. More people have racist tendencies than would like to admit so in polite company.
DeleteI hope Curtis Morriosn knows that he's lost more support for his politcal career than he even knows. As a man involved heavily in politics I'll make sure that people remember who Curtis is when the time comes to VOTE !!
Delete"More supporters than you think boys" ROFLMAO.
DeleteWe need a helluva lot more Curtis Morrison's and a lot fewer self-hating gays who live closeted in the shadows and are "heavily involved in politics." The best disinfectant is sunlight. I hope Curtis keeps shining a light on the nasty mildew in Louisville.
DeleteYou're pathetic !!
DeleteCurt Morrison is simply trying to gain attention for his doomed State Senate Seat, What he failed to realize is Mike Flatt has many more supporters than The Not-So-Honorable Mr Morrison From Kentucky has.
DeleteYes, lets shine some sunlight on Curt's open relationship and pursuit of younger men. Since we want to snuff out all offensive things that aren't "american pie values."
DeleteFunny thing is - one shouldn't be publicly calling out the faults in others if they don't want their own faults aired.
i'm sorry. is this english?
DeleteLet me make sure I understand this logic. If I give a $1000 to an AIDS walk, it's ok for me to condone a racists comic in a public manner? Because I guess the first act makes the second act ok? Now I understand. Thanks so much for helping me understand.
ReplyDeleteHere's just a taste of the comments being said in the FB world tonight about Mr Morrison, just thought I would share the backlash with you !! As for MIKE he did apologize and the proof is right here for all to read !!
ReplyDeleteI think TB's and Try's should have a fundraiser for whoever is oppsing Curtis Morrison for Kentucky's 35 District Senate Seat :)
Mike, Thank you for all you do for the community! Don't let attention seeking queens bring you down.
Does anyone else find it sad that Curt is getting gleeful over his website getting views? I think it is very telling of his true agenda in trying to get his name out there
Um... it is TQB (Typical Queen Behavior). They see something they want (in this case attention and a name), and will cut anyone they have to to get it.
Dear Mike: All I can say is that some people who are quick to criticize others are little more than a pimple on the ass of the local gay community! People who live in glass houses don't need to be casting any stones at you. Thanks to you for all you've done over the years to help Kentuckiana Pride, Louisville AIDS Walk and others!
To Mike Flatt. Although I don't agree with "the post", I want you to know that many of us out here support you. You've time and time again dug deep to help this community. When I say "dug deep", I mean financially AND through action, not for any one group or any one race. The GLBT community of all races have seen benefits from your kindness and caring. Those of us that pay any attention at all, know this, and we thank you. Personally, I've known you for some time now. You offered me my first shot in Louisville. And although I declined you still mentored me. Some think we should have some sort of beef with each other. I'm quick to point out the respect I have for you. You mean more to me than you may realize. I'll have your back everyday and twice on Sunday. Lastly. The part of this that should hurt the most should be anyone fool enough to mention you and David Norton in the same breath. You sir are no David Norton and we are all very aware of that. Once again, I say this with absolute respect and with love.
Indeed, if you haven't determined your area of specialty yet, perhaps you should become a psychatrist and Curt could keep you and chris in Guccis for life :)
Mike Flatt
I am hurt also - - - hurt that some of you took it upon yourself to judge my post without talking to me or knowing who I am and what I'm about! Hurt that you posted publically on my wall rather than messaging me to ask my thoughts! (although you certainly have the right to do so). I have always supported the gay/black community in Louisville. You all know that! I removed the post as not to cause any more confusion in the community. But all you of all people should know where my heart is!
By the way, my grandaughter who is black is one of the loves of my life!!!
By the way, Thanks Curtis Morrison for deleting my friendship!
A friend who works for Tryangles just told me this whole thing was a publicity ploy on the part of the bar to drum up some business? Seems fewer and fewer customers are frequenting the place given the broader acceptance of gays in the community. It true, it's sad they had to resort to this to get people to remember they're still in business. It's an unfortunate trend that the gay bars are closing but I guess it's good that they are not as needed as much as they used to be.
DeleteAnonymous here is a CRAZY fool !!! YEAH, nothing gets more people to a gay bar more than so called racist remarks !!
DeleteWhoever is publishing my comments, please feel free to use my name, I made them, and stand behind them
DeleteI think one thing everyone in these posts need to recognize is their white privilege. As people from the white community we must recognize that just glossing over this issue will not fix anything. Mike Flatt posted a racist thing. It's as simple as that. The answer does not include closing the case. What it includes is a public apology. Idc how much money he donates to the AIDS walk. That is not comphensation for this ignorant post on Facebook. Personally, I do not want to see another bar closed in Louisville that has LGBT patronage. But running away from what he has done is not Going to solve the problem. People that saw this on Mike's profile were hurt. LGBTQ people of color were hurt. I, as a white gay man, was hurt because of his insensitivity. The covert racism that runs rampant in our community has got to stop. If anyone has any issue with what I have said then address me directly. You have my name.
ReplyDeleteGet real. Even some African American friends of his have already stated they didn't consider it a big deal. Apologize? Hell no.
DeleteHe didn't create the image. He found it funny - which I would venture to say most would. Does that mean he thinks less of African American people (whom his grand daughter is one)? NO.
Would my actual life story that my grandmother about collapsed thinking I was black when she saw my feet sticking out as a baby (they were black from having been dipped in ink for footprinting) be funny? Yes. Would laughing at it be racist? No.
He literally posted a picture comparing a black person to a chimp. How are you so fucking retarded as to not see this as be racist?
DeleteMichael Moore
ReplyDeletei also wanna public add and this will be the end of it . Mike flatt is a stand up guy and his dealings with the community . Now who is the shady character and also the skeletons in the closet and coward . He didnt have a open discussion or a private discussion just a smear campain against Mike Flatt and then left . Now is that who want in public office someone who doesn't take the time to consider the person and then not see both sides and smear someone . and... wait for it ....wait for it .. DONE
You know something, I have personally observed several African-American customers at Tryangles -- including one of my closest friends. I've NEVER heard the staff at Tryangles being accused of rudeness or discriminating against my friend or others. Never. So to those who choose to take ONE picture to judge someone's entire life as being racist when the manner he conducts his professional business in any way but racist, y'all are the ones with a problem and not Mike Flatt!
ReplyDeleteThis is nothing more than a witch hunt from a worthless poitician that will NEVER be elected to anything other than a possible dog catcher !!
DeleteYou didn't watch the video did you? No one is calling Mike Flatt a racist, they're questioning his judgment in posting a racist picture. Also, no one is talking about the staff at Tryangles or Teddy Bears being racist (is it really that hard to stay on topic?)
DeleteFinally, as a defense attorney I often use good things people do to mitigate the bad things they do. But that doesn't mean the bad things go away.
So which is it? An open conversation or a private conversation? What is this other side? People somehow need to have private conversations with Mike Flatt over things he VOLUNTARILY posted for thousands of people to see on a public access website himself being a public individual?
ReplyDeleteThis whole situation is annoying, but one person started it, and it wasn't Curt Morrison.
Chris, I think we can all agree that Mike made a mistake that he's already apologized for. I think it would be in the best intrest of the entire gay community to end this now before it blows up into something that may never be fixed among us !!
DeleteAll of you courageous defenders of Mike Flatt who insist on fighting his battles for him may want to ask him about this on his Facebook:
ReplyDeleteMike likes Curtis Morrison for State Senate.
Something tells me he's taking a higher road than you guys coming on here and mudslinging for something that you claim even Mr. Flatt admits was wrong.
To be fair, Mike Flatt liked my campaign's Facebook page early this morning, prior to when this entry was published. I don't think I'd take his support for granted now.
DeleteAlso, Chris, thanks for being a voice of reason, especially when it's not very popular.
YEP! It's better than blowing it out of perportion even after Flat removed it and appolagized on FaceBook.
ReplyDeleteLet it go
I think I may have to jump into this election now !! Won't be to hard to beat a man that uses this stunt for his political campaign. This whole event is starting to remind me of the current republican party running for president - DESPERATE at least !!
ReplyDeleteIf some of y'all don't believe Mike Flatt is a racist (and that he guilty of "poor judgement" for posting a questionable graphic on his Facebook page, then WHY all of this hostility? Some of you really need to get a life and stop obsessing about the imperfections of others. A quote to fit this situation goes, "There's just so much good in the worst of us and just so much bad in the best of us that it hardly makes sense for any of us to judge the rest of us."
ReplyDeleteYes, and certainly none of us should take the time to be creeped out by adult men who have an obsession for teenage boys.
DeleteMike Flatt is NO David Norton !! I think we all know what's going on here folks !!
ReplyDeleteWhat I really wanna know is who is Anonymous??? Why are you anonymous??? What's to hide???
ReplyDeleteYou just answered your own question !!
DeleteI find it humerous no one has mentioned that the banner of this website reminds readers that the Not-So-Honorable Mr. Morrison from Kentucky is running for public office and his over dramatizing a freakikng cartoon is nothing more than an attempt to draw attention to his name.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading some pretty interesting accusations on FB about a certain politician tonight that I may never had known before all this started!! This is sure getting ugly on FB !
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to hide behind an "anonymous" screen name but can you say the things you said with your actual name listed???
ReplyDeleteAll of this discussion is doing is making think of CUPCAKES darlings! Cupcakes for votes!!!
ReplyDeleteHey anonymous, my name is anonymous too !! How many people are out there with my name ? If you don't like the anonymous option then don't make it available to the reader !!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't even close to all the posts that I read this evening on this subject. Just thought I would let you see how some in the community are reacting to your posts about Mike Flatt.
ReplyDeleteJim Rieber
People need to learn how to chuckle and move on. That is all.
Alex Woodworth
Never discount the ego of a politician.
hristopher Barton
Mike, Thank you for all you do for the community! Don't let attention seeking queens bring you down.
Dave VanderPol
@Scott: I was not attempting to defend the "monkey illustration" that Mike posted. I was -- and still do -- defend the honor of Mike because of his reputation and I take "the whole picture" of his reputation (including his very generous donations to many GLBT community groups) as a sign he is someone worth defending from the charge that he is a racist since I've never personally seen or heard any prior evidence to even remotely suggest Mike is a racist. I've never seen an African-American customer at Tryangles kicked out of the bar or refused to be served. I saw one "monkey illustration" being made into something much bigger that I thought it needed to be.
Richard Mclargin Grow up people there isn't a saint among you all that hasn't said something about some one or group of some ones that I just wanted to bitch slap you from behind that bar none of what was said was in jest or good humor but mike and Charlie always settled me down by explaining ignorance is a taught thing. Some of the things dad says or posts may not be to your liking but trust when I say this, it's all in fun like mike says life is to short to sweat the little shit! So grow up and hit the little delete button or unfriend him but get off his ass bitches love turtle
ank Burkhardt Mike I missed the posting but any one that truly knows you knows you have supported this community since you have moved here so many years ago ! Prayers are with you ! Big hugs
Woody Gray It's not that serious to me. Woody has other things to worry about other then Facebook. But I personally don't get offended cause it's not that serious to me. I have had people comment and say things about some of the things you post but I don't care. People some times take Facebook to serious. So I will let them take it serious and woody will keep trying to take over the world!!! Smiles
DeleteDemario Willett Damn! This seems like the topic of the day. I wanna play too!
Ok. This is how I feel about "some" of the postings. First of all, Mike, what is the purpose of the postings that you send out? I know that you are not racist, however, if I was person that did not know you, I would think you that you are racist. Also, why would you: 1.) Joke about someone else's mishaps (I won't say any names), when instead we should encourage him. I know you know him well, but at least ask how are you doing? If that person is publicly joking about himself, then I think that gives you a reason to do it as well. 2.) You have a lot of people that see these post. Even I get comments from people as to why are you posting things like that about me in that way, and they say it is not right (for me it doesn't bother me much). Now, the problem is when you have a lot of people saying this, then I think that is when you should digress on some of the things that you post in a derogatory way: you friends should de-friend you; or just send you pics to them privately.
I will stop there....smiles....From a black (african american, whatever is politically correct to people) man's point of view and someone that knows you. You don't offend me, however the postings are offensive. If that makes sense to you?
8 hours ago · Like · 2.
Demario Willett Love ya boo!
8 hours ago · Like · 1.
Mike Flatt and Demario I sent you and Woody and personal message that if it offended any of my black friends, I appoligze - - - did I not?
8 hours ago · Like.
Demario Willett yes you did...and I thank you for that
8 hours ago · Like · 1
Reva Shank Hobbs Our families were very close. My parents and his parents camped and fished together on Kentucky Lake. They were good people, and I'm not just saying that because they were related. They had a lot of goodness in their hearts much like Mike has. He might be an evil beotch at times, but so am I!! lol....maybe that's why we can get along...at least on FB. hahahaha
DeleteDarrell Robinson JUDGE me & I'll prove you wrong.
TELL me what to do & I'll tell you off.
SAY I'm not worth it & watch where I end up.
CALL me a b!tch & I'll show you one.
FU@K me over & I'll do it to you twice as bad.
CALL me crazy but you really have no idea.
Love me as I am and we are friends forever.
Sounds like something Michael might....does for me anyway
ean Fagan Im more shocked that you had Curtis as a Friend on Facebook!
Darrell Robinson Michael, it drives me crazy for these crazy ass self absorbed insecure pitiful bitches TRY to attack a good heart, Yes, it hurts, BUT with a strong heart and the truth on your side, I say to you what I say to them...."Get a life and get the fuck out of mine." Or as the late Joan Crawford would say "Don't FUCK with me fellows."
Nate Hankins Mike, I don't know you personally, but know of you in a very positive manner, and often enjoy what you share with others. Keep smiling and doing what you're doing. Obviously, someone else is jealous of that piece of sunshine you enjoy and deserve!
David Carney People are just stupid!!!
Starvin Artist We LOVE you, Big Daddy!
Apparently you don't get that publishing random comments from people that are irrelevant to the argument at hand is, well, IRRELEVANT. In the words of Chris Coffman above, is it that hard to stay on topic?
DeleteI beg to differ, but you're most wrong about that !!
ReplyDeleteFrom Wikipedia:
DeleteIn logic, an argumentum ad populum (Latin for "appeal to the people") is a fallacious argument that concludes a proposition to be true because many or most people believe it; which alleges: "If many believe so, it is so."
This type of argument is known by several names,[1] including appeal to the masses, appeal to belief, appeal to the majority, argument by consensus, consensus fallacy, authority of the many, and bandwagon fallacy, and in Latin as argumentum ad numerum ("appeal to the number"), and consensus gentium ("agreement of the clans"). It is also the basis of a number of social phenomena, including communal reinforcement and the bandwagon effect. The Chinese proverb "three men make a tiger" concerns the same idea.
I would've voted for this guy too. Now I think I'll vote for the republican running against him, that would be a first too !!!
ReplyDeleteChris Rothbaur:
ReplyDeleteThe topic of this blog should include true motivations for even taking a FB snapshop and writing a story about it. It is all about VOTES for an already doomed Senate run. Look at Mr. Morrison's fb page to see the glee with which he states how many website hits he is getting.
Also, as we have seen, some members of the African American community do not see this as an issue (Woody/Demario) and know Mr. Flatt isn't racist and even has an African American grandchild. So demanding an apology on behalf of a community to which you aren't even a member (since you are white)is quite ironic.
Righteous indignation needs to be saved for moments when it is truly needed. Do we hear an outcry for the Obama photo-shopped same sex kiss picture making rounds? No. It reeks of homophobia, but I do not hear you demanding an apology on behalf of the gay community.
To unequally apply standards only weakens your arguments
Well said, sir.
DeleteHell this loser has only 40 likes on his FB senate website page !! He will never hold office in this state with numbers that low !!
DeleteWell, I guess I can't argue with someone who refuses to accept rules of logic and reason that have been around for 2000 years.
DeleteI guess next you will say that Jesus gave you those rules of logic and reason.
DeleteAnonymous, actually, it was more like Aristotle.
DeleteLove ya Daddy M!! Keep on Keepin on!
ReplyDelete"I think TB's and Try's should have a fundraiser for whoever is oppsing Curtis Morrison for Kentucky's 35 District Senate Seat :)"
ReplyDeleteI don't think that will be necessary. Curtis is not electable. We're talking about someone who came in dead last in the primary for Jefferson County Judge Executive, an office that holds no duties. If the people of Jefferson County don't trust him to do nothing, do you really think they'd trust him to do something? Also, how do you think he will fund this campaign? Does he have a real job? I know at one time he was delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut. Of all the people I've asked, nobody knows what he does. There's a problem when this is the case for a man in his 40's.
And yes, I'm posting this as anonymous because of Mr. Morrison's gestapo-like tactics. Left-wing McCarthyism is still McCarthyism.
Ignorance should never be ignored or tolerated, no matter who said what or did what, no matter how much money one can donate. Ignorance is unacceptable!
ReplyDeleteI removed the post, appoligized numerous times on my FB page and tried to explain the intent. I have not posted before on Curtis page because he may twist or turn or take inappriate action without first opening up dialogue with the individual about it. I thanked him for unfriending me, and removed my Like on his senate run - - - that was only trying to be gay supportive.......but obviously, he isn't worth mine nor in my opion, anyones support. He is obviously braggin about the number of hits on his page, thus showing his true intent. He has caused confusion and disruption in this community that he should appolgize for his actions. He has turned our community (black/white/red/straight/gay) upside down. For my part in that I am truly sorry. I love each and every one of you! Even those of you that have posted negative things about me that don't even know me.
ReplyDeleteI have reached out to my black friends and have also appoligized to them personally for any misunderstanding or hurtful feelings. I have appolgized to those that have written to me personally. If I could give blood, I would!!!!
I have devoted most of my life promoting Fairness, equality, helping build gay churchs, raising money for charities regardless of race (sorry, I don't see black and white - - we are all equal and one), I have supported most gay activities in Louisville, Pride Fair, aids walk, Pride picnic, Pride Parade, Halloween Belle Cruise, raised money for childrens Christmas presents, donated monies to Glade House, House of Ruth, support gay sports activities - - I could go on and on......all without thinking even one drop about race or color!
I too have been hurt over this.....hurt to think (not because of the monies given, that's not the issue) but that someone would ever, ever think of me as racist!
For those that have supported me and stood by me I thank you all dearly, YOU truly know my heart and my intent.
In ending this......I hope it is now dropped! Please, please for the sake of our community -
Be Happy, Love, show fellowship and friendship, give up and forward, judge no one less you be judged and trying walking in someone elses shoes before you start passing judgement.
I love you all......thanks for listening to me blab on.......HUGS, KISSES, and BEST WISHES to all of you and GOD BLESS!!!
We all love you Mike !!!
DeleteThanks Mike for all that you've done for this community. As for you Curtis, I will be defriending you and will we will no longer support your already failing campaign !!
DeleteMike, I personally am inclined to accept your apology, but conditionally. I do not believe your intention was malicious, but I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to educate the public on why the photo was not appropriate and encourage your friends to quit defending it. I speak for no one but myself but more disturbing than your lapse in judgement is the numerous comments that have tried to rationalize the picture as being appropriate humor, not to mention the personal attacks on Curt Morrison.
Delete@ CR: Wow... so now an apology is not enough - now he has to take actions to re-inforce your point of view? Now that is a prime example of intolerance of another's viewpoint.
DeleteThere are many here (including African Americans) with valid views that this matter was blown out of hand. Instead of being tolerant of their opinions, you wish to use Mike Flatt as an instrument to stop them from speaking out ("encourage your friends to quit defending it").
That is hypocrisy of the worst kind. You want tolerance from straight people for the way you think and act, yet want to use someone else to try to police the opinions of their friends. I think that YOU should apologize to the gay community at large for being a hypocrite.
Anonymous, I didn't ask him to police the opinions of his friends. I asked him to encourage them to quit defending an unquestionably racist photo. He is not your mother obviously so you should read what I said rather than adding your inflections of what you want to believe it said. I notice you conveniently forgot the about the part where the personal attacks against Curtis Morrison have gotten out of control. THAT is hypocrisy of the worst kind.
DeleteAnd yes, if he still doesn't understand why the photo is racist, he still hasn't gotten the point. I can accept he had a lapse of judgement and wasn't trying to be malicious, but that doesn't mean he can continue to pretend that it's up for debate whether the photo was racist or not.
Delete@ CR: EVERYONE has agreed it was racially charged and inappropriate. However, 99% of the "defenders" are those who think that while it was charged, it was blown out of proportions and mishandled by Mr. Morrison.
DeleteFurthermore, asking him to "encourage" his friends to do ANYTHING as a condition of your "forgiveness" IS in fact seeking him to validate you and take actions to spread your opinion. Whether you want to admit it or not, that is the practical implication of your statement. Most people haven't defended the photo, but instead have defended the MAN who has had a situation blown completely out of proportion.
Incidentally, the personal attacks on Curt are being spurred on by Curt by: (1)his glee in getting blog views and (2)his insinuations that anyone who didn't agree with him is a racist (just check out his FB post about the sales of white sheets). MANY in this community have personal dealing with Curt and know he isn't a paragon of saintly virtue by any sense of the word - so for him to take actions which have lead to publicly denounce another member of the gay community is hypocritical at best, malicious at worst.
It appears that neither you nor Curt understand that people are more upset over the way Curt handled it than the post itself (which was promptly removed and apologized for).
I never said that encouraging his friends was a condition of forgiveness. I said I would hope he did so. Once again, you are reading in what you want to see. And no, not everyone seems to agree this photo was racially charged or inappropriate--just read the valiant defenders above who claim we need to get a sense of humor.
DeleteAnd half of the problem seems to be you all are so busy attacking Curt Morrison, you don't seem to understand that there are people who take offense to anyone thinking the photo was "funny" who have nothing to do with Curt Morrison. Threatening to reveal his "secrets" is just as childish as you claim he's being.
Actually you said:
Delete"I personally am inclined to accept your apology, but conditionally. I do not believe your intention was malicious, but I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to educate the public on why the photo was not appropriate and encourage your friends to quit defending it"
You say "but conditionally," then set your condition, which includes "encouraging". It is a logical follow through in your paragraph.
And if people take offense to what another actually person is thinking, then Houston, we have a problem. This would mean that people are expecting conformity and "acceptance" of their own views rather than "tolerance" of those who may have different views.
Unfortunately, Curt has made the error of putting a spotlight on himself in a way that he didn't expect. If he wasn't ready for his prior actions and indiscretion in prior relationships to be made public, he shouldn't have made himself a potential public figure and then made a spectacle by causing a firestorm around someone a lot of people like.
It is unfortunately a case of glass houses and big ol stones being chucked.
Number one, I never said that was a condition. I said it was a hope. You're the one who keeps saying it is a condition. It is a conditional forgiveness--conditional on him showing it really was a lapse of judgement. One way he could show that is by educating the public but that's certainly not the only way.
DeleteAnd get real. You're taking offense to what people are thinking right now or you would drop the whole Curt thing, which is nothing but an attempt at petty revenge.
Revenge no, fairness yes. A hypocrite has no business representing ANYONE. If Curt wanted to man up, he would apologize to Mike for not handling this in a more discrete way. Curt took his actions in an attempt to get attention. And he is getting attention.
DeleteAlso, I don't take offense to your self-righteous indignation. That is your right to believe that way. But trying to change the meaning of your paragraph AFTER you have written it is disingenuous.
Curt wants to call out someone for their "public" actions, then he should be able to handle the heat from his own "public" actions - which many in this community know about.
DeleteI've told you what I meant three times. If you can't accept that, then just stop responding for Christ's sake. Is it that hard to accept things can be interpreted in more than one way.
DeleteAwwww.. someone frustrated eh? Not liking that you were ambiguous and got called on it? Then you should stop responding. You seem to be really adept at wanting people who have a different opinion to be quiet. It seems you want everyone to listen to your 2 cents, but then discount everyone else's if they don't agree.
DeleteWow. This thread became VERY ironic in that CR was called out on some statement he made, then he claimed he didn't mean it the way others took it. Then he told them to shut up when they pointed out the plain meaning of what he said. Sounds like the intent of MANY things can be misinterpreted.
DeleteMike. If you are truly sorry, what's the grudge against me all about? Shouldn't you be grateful to me for calling you out?
DeleteThat's why I question your sincerity. The only reason I need to apologize to you is for calling you a Wizard. I'm sorry for calling you a Wizard.
As for the thugs that are attempting to blackmail and bully me on your behalf, I notice you haven't directed them to stop?. Is that funny, too?
I published another post on those topics and a little audio I had handy about an hour ago. Maybe you can find a way to not disparage me in your next attempt to apologize.
Where is your support for Gay Black Pride? Where is your standing up for the fact that there is a need for a seperate gay pride org in this town, because fairness often feels "Uncomfortable" doing activities west of 9th street. Where is the support of the gay latin community? Why does your business intentionally disrespect female patrons, regardless of their orientation?
DeleteWho would be grateful over having a public spectacle made of their facebook post? You didn't call him out, you triggered a shit storm. I think someone needs to get with reality. Sometimes it is the way the "message" is delivered as opposed to the "message" itself.
DeleteThen you continue posting clips saying he is racist even after he apologized. Not everyone will kowtow to you Curt.
I can fart and get more response on FB than you Curtis, but this post from your FB page shows how pathetic you really are !!
ReplyDeleteCurtis Morrison
I wonder how many 1500 count Egyptian Cotton plain white sheet sets were sold at the Dutchman's Ln Bed Bath & Beyond today?
This is just about the very same thing that got Howard Cosell fired from ABC Sports 20+ years ago and ended his carrier. Unintentional remarks that had very serious annotations. This is just history repeating its self.
ReplyDeleteI agree that's why I've been posting anonymously too. This nasty Curtis is EVIL and will use any means to destroy those he doesn't like or agree with !! Trust me when he runs for office all of this will come out to the public !!
ReplyDeletePeople in glass houses...
ReplyDeleteDave Poland
ReplyDeleteMike & Friends: Just so you know, Louisville's Fairness Campaign is -not- calling for a boycott of Tryangles over the situation. Others on FB appear to be calling for boycott. So at around 4:30 or 5:00 this afternoon I'm going to stop in at Tryangles and buy a Diet Cock...I mean Diet COKE to do my small part to negate any "economic damage" caused by certain individuals. :-D
Of course they're not boycotting or even taking a stand on this outrage. The Fairness Campaign only stands up against racism when it's politically expedient for them and when it can earn them donations. Limp dick mother f*ckers.
DeleteWhat A Drama Queen !!
DeleteYou lost my vote for Senate, don't want a idiot in office. " although most are anyway"
ReplyDeleteLost mine & my partners votes, that's too bad !!
ReplyDeleteA little off topic, but relevant--today in child psychology class, I learned that a child should not be called bad. Instead, it's the child's actions that should be condemned. Basically, the moral--no one is all good or all evil.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, to the gist, Mike Flatt has a track record of generous donations to numerous charities in the local community. Condemn this isolated vile 'joke' he posted. But, realize his contributions to the Louisville LGBT community are paramount.
If you don't agree with any of the above, atleast know this-- Mike Flatt doesn't manage those bars. This post by Flatt is not worth having any more LGBT businesses in Louisville close doors.
And now Mr. Morrison is calling Mr. Flatt a "wizard" -as in KKK - on his FB page. (and that is just a few minutes ago - well after multiple apologies).
ReplyDeleteIs this really someone who needs to be in ANY political office?
Why are you making excuses for his racism? The photo was not simply offensive and insensitive. It is RACIST. You do not get to define what is racist towards people of colour.
ReplyDeleteWhite people have been defining things since before Rome was founded. I wish we could convince them that isn't the case, but alas, that may never happen.
Delete"You do not get to define what is racist towards people of colour."
DeleteI think what you mean to say is "You do not get to define what is OFFENSIVE towards people of color." Whether it's racist or not depends solely on Mike Flatt's intentions and only Mike Flatt knows what his intentions are. You can deem his actions inappropriate, offensive, or however you see them, but only Mike Flatt knows what he believes and can say whether he is racist or not.
Excuses aren't being made, but calling someone a Wizard is not becoming of someone claiming to want to represent "the people."
ReplyDeleteAnd guess what? Many people of colour have had no problem with it - as it was satire. And you don't get to define what is racist either - as you can't prove you are a person of color.
Name those many of people of color. Because I can tell you that every single person of color I've talked to thinks Mike Flatt is a racist. There's no reason to find the picture in question funny except for racism.
DeleteWoody - Demario
DeletePlease see their above comments.
And finding something offensive funny because you are already frustrated with that person's performance is not racist. Maybe to you Mr. Coffman - but luckily you don't speak for everyone's thoughts and inner feelings.
So you're offering two people?
ReplyDeleteI'm frustrated with President Obama's performance. I don't feel the need to use historically racist labels or stereotypes to voice that.
1. Did he make the photo? No.
ReplyDelete2. Did he get a chuckle? Yes.
3. Did he apologize? Yes.
4. Did Curt mishandle it? Yes.
5. Was Curt gleeful over his site getting views and posts for political reasons? Yes.
6. Did Curt call him a Wizard? Yes.
7. Did Curt insinuate those who think he mishandled it are all racists? Yes.
8. Should Curt realize his own past makes him NO ONE to be trying to make a public spectacle of someone else who helps our community? YES.
9. Do two people make a majority? No.
10. Do two people show that not everyone is as overly sensitive as you, who already has white privilege? Yes.
11. Should your righteous indignation be better used somewhere else? Yes.
12. Does defending Curt's actions of trying to crucify someone over inappropriate humor paint you in just as bad a light for wanting to push an issue that should have been handled privately? Yes.
1) Is this just one person's opinion? Yes.
DeleteBecause when white people handle things privately, everything always works out, right? You don't have to vote for me, but if you thought you were going to intimidate me, you were mistaken. And there's more:
ReplyDeletehttp://louisvillecourant.com
They don't always work out, but it is normally a good first step before trying to publicly shame someone.
DeleteNo attempts to intimidate going on here from me - just voicing that in my opinion you seriously mishandled this and your subsequent blog verifies it. As hard as it is to form a strong community within Louisville, taking it to the public at large before even attempting to handle it privately only further splinters our community more.
You view those wanting to now discuss your character as trying to "intimidate" you after you took glee in trying to cause a stink. However, I think you fail to see the irony in the situation.
I wouldn't waste anymore time or energy arguing with Curt. He is psychotic and everyone has known it for years. Maybe one good thing will come out of this whole mess - people will see him for what he really is.
DeleteCurtis Morrison your already failing political career is now over, please do us all a favor and leave Kentucky !! You're no longer welcome in this community and when we all see you in public just know that we're all talking badly about you because you deserve it sir !!
ReplyDeleteThom Hicks I am curious as to how the attached recording shows that the customer in question is black. Could someone please help me with that?
ReplyDelete3 minutes ago · Like.
Thom Hicks Curtis, would you be able to weigh in on that? I would very much appreciate a response.
I am "friends" with Mike Flatt on FB as well, though I have never met him. His posts are often humorous in nature and usually pretty inappropriate for most situations. Some people see humor in in appropriate places, racism being one of them. I remember joking once that a party I was at was "worse than the holocaust" and this, not surprisingly, offended a number of people. My purpose was not to belittle Jews or make light of the Holocaust, although that may have been the result of my actions. I was repeating something I had heard on Saturday Night Live (I'm not justifying it by any means, but merely pointing out that the joke appealed to a wider audiences, and the folks at NBC thought it was appropriate enough to air on TV). Anyways, my point is that Mike Flatt's crime here is INSENSITIVITY to racism, NOT racism. The man is not a racist. He does not believe that whites are superior to blacks or that one race of people are superior to any other. Again, I don't even know the man, but I am confident in saying this by having read his other posts and in particular his responses to this situation. The joke is offensive, no mistake, but the fact that Mike found humor in it is only a sign of his insensitivity (and to be sure, he holds this insensitivity towards most things that are inappropriate or offensive - as he stated, a lot of his jokes poke fun at the gay community, of which he is a part.)
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, our goal here should be to educate and bring communities together, not lamb baste Mike Flatt, or his establishment, Tryangles. Flatt is more than likely in a position to learn from this error in judgement and turn it into a positive impact for himself and the community, if given the opportunity. If, instead of writing him off and deleting him from FB, you said, "Mike, this was offensive to me and many others, and here's why..." I'm sure he would feel less attacked and less apt to defend his behavior and more apt to seek forgiveness and understanding. My name is Dennis Scoles. I am only posting as Anonymous because I don't have the other options available.
So your friends are now threatening people, I've copied this and sent it to WAVE 3 and I'm sending it to the proper authorities: Adam Gibson Curtis, I'm glad you're standing by the truth in the face of reprisal by members of the gay community.
ReplyDeleteI suppose they have their allegiances twisted...or are just up the ass of this Mike Flat character. Obviously I'm not an "official" member of that community but I've always supported it and it pains me to think that members of a minority that have fought very hard to reach acceptance in society would still possess those ideas and allow their racial prejudices to surface in such an ugly way. It's not completely surprising but it's unacceptable and I commend you for speaking out about it.
Also, that Justin kid sounds like a whiney bitch. Better watch out for him though. He knows, gasp...Bryan Goode! A man, who as we all know, is a vertiable Upton Sinclair of investigative reporting for the teevee.
Why don't we just beat the shit out of him? Let me know.
Adam Gibson is threatening to beat somebody up !!
ReplyDeleteI'm more than sure the producers of the news @ WAVE 3 will like to see this !! They will too !!
ReplyDeleteThere is always opportunity for a teaching moment. Here is another one. A session called "Anti-racism work in the LGBTQA community" at the upcoming Come Together Kentucky 2012 conference.
ReplyDelete"Give me my money back!
ReplyDeleteWhat the f*ck is wrong with you?
Y'all, blow it out your g-dam...
F*ck your p*ssy. F*ck your p*ssy."
- From the Upcoming Shit Black People Say at Tryangles Video
Curtis Morrison is nothing but an old pathetic creep and pedofile. He can't even hold a job, much less a political office. Speaking of jobless, lets examine Chris Coffman's track record and choices over the past few years. The two of them together are ridiculous. Great idea - let's divide our community just a little more.
ReplyDeleteAs a person of color, I can tell you this issue has been way over sensationalized. Mike Flatt is not a racist. Popular media makes fun of minorities (and majorities) on television every single night. It was a satire joke, however inappropriate. Mike Flatt should not be persecuted for something ridiculous. He took down the post and apologized. What more do you want? That's where the real answer is. Curt Morrison is using this issue, racisism, and the ethnic community in an attempt to further his own fruitless political career. That really sad part is, he is doing it at the expense of our LGBTQ community. SAD, SAD, SAD! Let it go!
ReplyDeleteMike Flatt is just a worthless P.O.S. whatever happens outta all this is what he deserves. He is hateful to everyone and talks about everyone. Looks like someone just threw a boulder on your glass house.
ReplyDeleteThat apology was utterly pathetic.
ReplyDelete"Hi, I'm DJ, and I'm calling to defend racism against African Americans because we all came from chimps. Even me, and I'm as pale as an albino. Oh wait, I perhaps shouldn't have said that. Is Albino a racist term these days as well?"
ReplyDeleteShave a chimp, I'll show you one very pale-skinned monkey.
ReplyDeleteI am a black male and have spent many years and alot of money at Tryangles. I will NEVER step foot in that dump again.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe you people would connect miss flatt against miss norton , everyone knows miss norton loves black cock.
ReplyDelete