The other day I posted about some of the covert racism I noticed at the DNC. As I mentioned, I wrote the guy who created the Obama action figure because I was concerned that the brand name was "Jailbreak Toys."To his credit, he did write me back and explain. Though I buy his explanation, I still think it is important to be sensitive. Perception, whether real or perceived, needs to be valued. What is the message being sent to so many kids and adults (of all ethnicities) who don't write in and find out the real meaning behind the brand name of his toys?
I believe the name should be changed.
You can read his explanation below. If you are still concerned, though, I would highly recommend writing a letter to the creator of the Obama figure to encourage him to change the name.
Evidently, he's already gotten several calls/emails before. If he gets a bunch more expressing concern, he may be more likely to think about it a little more and possibly change the name.
This is the opportunity to show off our "community organizing" skills and come out in numbers to (hopefully) influence him.
Hi Janet,
I've received this question many times since starting the Obama project. Below, I've pasted the answer that was given to Essence magazine when they inquired. I hope this dispels any doubts you may have about the name:
It's funny because it's gotten more notice than I ever intended or thought it would but here's the story of the name, in a nutshell;
I started the company when I was 27 years old working as a waiter at Harry's Burritos on W. 3rd. At that point I'd spent five years working various jobs; as a teacher, a temp, a hospital worker, a waiter, and a film crew member, among other things. The name of the company came from a pact I'd made with myself in writing. I promised to free myself from that situation of working long hard hours at tough jobs for low pay... all so someone else could get richer. At 27, I determined that if I didn't break myself out of that "jail" through patience, hard work and a smart plan, I'd have no one but myself to blame if I stayed down there forever. And thus, Jailbreak was born. So, as you can see it's very symbolic but purely on a personal level. It reminds where I came from and where I'm trying to get to.
Hope that clears things up.
Yours,
Jason
1 comment:
I don't usually leave comments on blogs but in this case I couldn't help myself.
I ran across your quotes because a friend had told me about the Obama figure and in looking it up, I ran across your blog.
Here's my comment.
Are you kidding???
Since when does the word "jailbreak" have some kind of ethinic connotation? Have you seen the guys website? It's very obvious that the Obama figure is one of many icons he has created. Did you see where he is a huge Obama supporter and gives money from the sales to the campaign?
Everything about your position is just wrong. Period. A knee-jerk reaction from someone trying to push an agenda. I have ZERO problem with anyone pointing out true insensitivites or overt racism but this kind of messaging does so much more to harm OUR position than to help it.
Think before you write.
I'm going to write the owner now and tell him that in no way should he change the name. I'll let him know that some African-American women aren't threatened by innocuous words.
Thanks for providing this forum.
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