Olympic skater outfits continue to trigger protests. First there was the controversy over U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir’s wearing real fur as part of his outfit, here. Now aboriginal advocates in Australia are protesting the costumes of Russian ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maksim Shabalin. While I thought Weir’s costume was the ugliest that I had seen, that was before I saw the Russian costumes. I am not sure if it is a case of “cultural offense” but it is certainly offensive to the eye. The costume is shown in the linked articles below.
Not only do the costumes sport a bony aboriginal style but the original dance includes a didgeridoo riff, Russian officials insist that they are trying to honor, not degrade, the culture.
For the full story, click here.
Much ado about nothing … but then, I’m a Cleveland Indians fan …. (Chief Wahoo)
I have always thought most indoor Olympic sports (and some outdoor sport’s like track events) would benefit if all of the contestants were dressed in black leotards painted as a skeleton with the arena black-lit. That’s just me though 🙂
Clothing falls under freedom of speech, they better suck it up.
AY,
I agree. It’s pretty obvious when people are trying to be offensive. Recently a lady doctor found the word “sucks” to be offensive. I had to explain to her that ’round these parts, it was a very common term, and the person using it did not mean for it to be offensive.
If you speak your mind, you’re going to eventually offend just about everyone, and if you remain quiet, somebody will be offended by that too.
Even if you end every statement with “no offense intended”, somebody will be offended.
“Be who you are & say what you feel. Those that matter don’t mind & those that mind don’t matter.” -Dr. Seuss
(If only that was really the way things worked out)
I guess the chicken ranch is offensive to some and illusive to others……
Paddy Wagon? It could mean a derogatory term to the Irish. But please do tell, as I heard this from someone else on this blog. What the Hell does FIGHTING IRISH MEAN? Should Notre Dame be forced to change this as it is a derogatory term? What about the following terms: Chippewa or Seminoles? Red Raiders? Should the schools be forced to change the school mascots?
Lookie Duh,
The babys momma daddys hand is stretched out about as far as it can go to slap you.
Because I was introduced to the term by a J.A.P. and she was quite wealthy, I offer you no apology’s or the person that was offended no apology. I am sorry that they were offended though. If one holds true to the conviction of free speech and these evidences be true. Then what part of the free speech am I missing? Is it only free when I don’t offend someone. Then what is the use?
Thanks AY.
Additional searches reveal the same costume was worn 2 months ago.
As you found with “J.A.P.” and JT with “Paddy Wagon”, somebody, somewhere, is bound to be offended by just about anything these days. I propose an obligatory “flipping of the bird” at the start of all speeches and performances. That way nobody will be offended that nobody took the time to offend them. 🙂
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at9saKv_kUc&hl=en_US&fs=1&]
Duh,
If you will go to the main article and look at that photo. You might see a remarkably stark difference.
This wasn’t some new costume. Here they are wearing the same costume at the 2009 World Championships.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z01cavZA6Ok&hl=en_US&fs=1&]
That’s right, AY, we clothed them and introduced them to cheap liquor and the fast food hamburger. Now they’re offended. Unbelievable.
Aboriginal? Offensive? You have got to be kidding me. Were they not naked before we civilized them?
Insulting and disrespectful fashions?
I see your skaters and raise an English comic.
It’s the Fashion Police.
(Warning: Equal Opportunity Offensive)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2lKq794fII&hl=en_US&fs=1&]