Why are people offended?
“At best, this, to me, exhibits someone without a sensitivity to some of the background within the country to which he or she lives,” said Gwendolyn Bookman, director of Global Studies at Bennett College. “When I look at this, I don’t personally find it offensive. But, again, with today’s climate and politically-charged issues, I can see how other folks could take offense to it,” said Doug Carter. He and his wife, Caroline, said they call their own children “monkeys.” “It’s one of our many little cute pet names for them. And, that’s probably part of the reason why we don’t see anything necessarily wrong with it just on its face,” he said. Bookman said the “Lil’ Monkey” label is a reminder of racist remarks in the past comparing African Americans to monkeys. “We have an obligation, I think as citizens of this country, to be aware of our history and to be aware of the kinds of things that raise concerns for those of us who live in this society,” she said. What other versions were availab
