Police investigate 'racist' Cool Runnings carnival float

by Guest Wed Aug 30, 2017 4:54 pm

Four carnival revellers who "blacked up" to look like a Jamaican bobsleigh team are being investigated by police for racism. The four men covered themselves in black bodypaint and Lycra bodysuits to dress up as characters from hit comedy Cool Runnings.

But the men - who used a bobsleigh made of wood - sparked a police probe after the complaints their outfits in the street parade were racist. The four men covered themselves in black body paint and Lycra bodysuits to dress up as characters from Cool Runnings at Aberaeron Carnival in West Wales CREDIT: CASCADE NEWS
Their float was one of around 20 that joined in the parade in the seaside town of Aberaeron Carnival, west Wales.

The men also wore dreadlock wigs and rasta hats, waved Jamaican flags as their bobsled-float was carried on a JCB. But Dinah Mulholland - who stood for Labour at this year's General Election - said their fancy dress choice was "unacceptable".

She said: "Utterly horrified to see this from Aberaeron Carnival today. How could this have been considered acceptable, or even legal, by the Carnival organisers?

"There may have been no conscious agenda or racist intent towards involved people of African or Caribbean heritage in the Cool Runnings float.

"But there is no doubt that offence has been caused and that there is a danger that, unchallenged, such behaviour makes casual racism seem okay."
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She said that "blacking up": "Continues to be used today to belittle and mock people of colour."

Police confirmed they had received a racism complaint and are investigating. A spokeswoman said: "Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a perceived hate incident which occurred at Aberaeron carnival on Monday, August 28.

"An entry to the carnival parade was considered racist. Enquiries are being made by local officers."
But other residents in Aberaeron backed the fancy dress revellers - and slammed Miss Mulholland for "overreacting".

Luke Summerfield said: "So are we now living in an era where we can't dress up as our favourite movie characters? You are creating more of a problem instead of living in harmony."

Tom Bow said: "Wow this shouldn't of even brought up. This shouldn't even be in the minds of people. This isn't any sort of racism.

"This is why our world has so many problems because of people taking things too seriously and just not enjoying the culture and the icons that were Cool Runnings."

Lewis Jones said: "How is this in any sense or form wrong? They are literally portraying characters who are black. It's not bullying.

"It's not targeted at anyone or anything. The only people being offended are the people who assume someone is going to get offended."

Cool Runnings was the story of four Jamaican athletes who dream of becoming Jamaica's first ever bobsleigh team to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Japan.

The 1993 movie's cast included Canadian actor John Candy, also known for his roles in Uncle Buck and Planes Trains & Automobiles.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/30/police-investigate-racist-coolrunnings-carnival-float/

by Syl Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:25 pm

Pathetic.
Its the same sort of imagined racism that prevented a girl from performing as a Beyoncé tribute act in Durham a few weeks ago...apparently her makeup was too dark. Rolling Eyes

by Guest Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:27 pm

Syl wrote:Pathetic.
Its the same sort of imagined racism that prevented a girl from performing as a Beyoncé tribute act in Durham a few weeks ago...apparently her makeup was too dark.

Yep, yet again people seeing racism, when none exists.

by Miffs2 Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:35 pm

What a stupid woman. I hate those who fake offence on behalf of others.

by Syl Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:37 pm

I am betting most of the people who see racism in the UK where none exist...are white themselves.
Bloody pc do gooders who actually do more harm than good.

by Tommy Monk Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:40 pm

Syl wrote:Pathetic.
Its the same sort of imagined racism that prevented a girl from performing as a Beyoncé tribute act in Durham a few weeks ago...apparently her makeup was too dark.

Really...?

I didn't hear about that...

PC madness!

by Syl Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:46 pm

Tommy Monk wrote:
Syl wrote:Pathetic.
Its the same sort of imagined racism that prevented a girl from performing as a Beyoncé tribute act in Durham a few weeks ago...apparently her makeup was too dark.

Really...?

I didn't hear about that...

PC madness!

There was a thread about it Tommy...this was the story.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/beyonce-tribute-act-axed-pride-10524957

by nicko Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:59 pm

In the Military, do not fire unless you are being shot at, so, if one hits you in the head you can shoot back, Madness !

by Guest Wed Aug 30, 2017 6:00 pm

for the last 30 years we have been told explicitly that we 'should' embrace other cultures,,,,,so when we do we are told we are racist

nice

by Tommy Monk Wed Aug 30, 2017 6:15 pm

Syl wrote:
Tommy Monk wrote:

Really...?

I didn't hear about that...

PC madness!

There was a thread about it Tommy...this was the story.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/beyonce-tribute-act-axed-pride-10524957

Thanks for that Syl... I must have missed the thread...

Article says the leftys at Durham uni labour club were kicking up a big fuss about it...!

by eddie Wed Aug 30, 2017 6:23 pm

It's not as if they were mocking anyone. They were paying tribute to what they obviously considered a good film and some great actors who happened to be black.

I'm sure I would find it funny and quite a touching sight, if it were the other way round.

The labour MP probably likes being offended. Keeps her moist I would guess.

by magica Wed Aug 30, 2017 6:24 pm

Bloody ridiculous. Yes Syl is right, many who cry racist are white. They cause problems where there isn't any.

by Guest Wed Aug 30, 2017 6:24 pm

eddie wrote:

The labour MP probably likes being offended. Keeps her moist I would guess.

oh eddie

Police investigate 'racist' Cool Runnings carnival float 3489511464

by Syl Wed Aug 30, 2017 8:09 pm

gelico wrote:
eddie wrote:

The labour MP probably likes being offended. Keeps her moist I would guess.

oh eddie

Maybe she could manufacture and market it...tubes of faux outrage to aid women of a certain age.

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