Republican senator Cindy Hyde-Smith was recorded saying, "If [I were] invited to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row," while she was in Tupelo, MS. Although this comment was met with laughter and cheers at the event, her opponent Mike Espy, an African-American democrat, doesn't believe it was funny at all. He believes her comments are, "beyond disrespectful and offensive," with many people pointing out the history of African American hangings in the state. Mississippians are hoping for a public apology as her comments poorly repersent the state of Mississippi. However, Hyde-Smith stands by her statement that it was an,"exaggerated expression of regard," meaning she made an overblown statement. Trump, however, is backing her up and praised her in tweets for fighting for a seat in the sentate and staying strong on nationwide issues.
Click here to read the article
This article stated that almost 1/8 of African-American hangings in our country, took place in Mississippi. With this knowledge do you believe her comment was racist?
Although she never offically stated that she specifically wanted be in the front row of an African-American hanging, I still believe that saying something like that is dark and a little bit of a poorly thought out comment
Do you believe she needs some sort of punishment for saying this? Why or why not?
I believe she should at least apologise for making such an inappropriate joke. However, if Trump can be our president with his backgroud of crude comments, then I don't see how this is much different. Although making rude comments are immature and you should really try to avoid it, if you're a good leader that's the most important part.
Replies
Good job Sophia! -5 late
I dont think it was meant to be but knowing that fact some people may take it that way. I feel like if she goes and talks publicly about what she thinks about this situation weather it be and im sorry speech or anything like that. i do not feel she needs to get punished because we have the freedom of speech.
Its a very crude comment to make, but I don't think it deserves the reprimand its getting. Before America existed, let alone racist, people were hung many an occasion during the dark ages, even into the late 19th century, there was not race choice in the hanging of a man in that time, so I feel that it can be taken a rude, but not racist.
I definetly think this particular sort of comment is not very respectful, regarding any race. It's just very morbid and brutal. I think she should be put on some sort of benching (I don't really understand politics, so I'm not sure how they do that) or probation. The least she could do is apologize.
I don't think it was a good idea to say that in a state where public hanging commonly occurred back then. It was foolish, especially when we know that 1/8th of African-American hangings took place in that state. She had to know that it would make a lot of people mad. I think she should apologize for saying these. A public apology would be suitable.
I agree that what she said was poorly thought out by her even though she never clearly stated anything about African-Americans. I also agree that there may not be any punishment that is necessary, but she should apologize.
I think that this is just being blown way out of proportion by the guy she's running against because he wants to create controversy around her so he can win.
Yes i do belive that and that being the senator of that state you should know its backround and not make those comments. I belive she should atleast have to apoligise for making a racist joke.
I don't think she tried to sound racist, but I can also see how it is a little racist. Many people take things differently than what she was trying to get across. I don;t think she needs to be punished just maybe apologize since the joke was a bit inappropriate.
I agree, I think without context in a state with such a history, her comments can definitely be taken out of turn. I believe she should apologize, whether or not it had anything to do with specifically African-American hangings is neither here nor there, it was an offensive and unnecessary joke otherwise
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next