I attended a Reds game over the 4th of July weekend. A family was sitting next to us that included a mom and dad and teen-age son. The son was wearing a t-shirt with a racist comment (think white supremacy type message). My family and I were surprised he was allowed into the game wearing the t-shirt but can only assume the ticket taker was busy or didn’t notice.

 

I wanted to say something so bad but didn’t. I just really wanted to tell them how offensive it was and given the 4th of July weekend seemed especially inappropriate and unpatriotic.

Anyway it’s been gnawing on me all week (that I didn't say anything) and really just wanted to vent. Any thoughts? Anyone care to say how you may have handled?

I attended a Reds game over the 4th of July weekend. A family was sitting next to us that included a mom and dad and teen-age son. The son was wearing a t-shirt with a racist comment (think white supremacy type message). My family and I were surprised he was allowed into the game wearing the t-shirt but can only assume the ticket taker was busy or didn’t notice.

 

I wanted to say something so bad but didn’t. I just really wanted to tell them how offensive it was and given the 4th of July weekend seemed especially inappropriate and unpatriotic.

Anyway it’s been gnawing on me all week (that I didn't say anything) and really just wanted to vent. Any thoughts? Anyone care to say how you may have handled?

 

I would have left it alone. People wear stupid clothing, they make themselves look bad enough. You weren't going to change his mind. Now, when they start acting out in that way, say they were being rude to people, then I say something. Kind of a weird line to draw, but I tend to meet force with force and passive idiocy with a shake of my head. I think that you were ok.

I attended a Reds game over the 4th of July weekend. A family was sitting next to us that included a mom and dad and teen-age son. The son was wearing a t-shirt with a racist comment (think white supremacy type message). My family and I were surprised he was allowed into the game wearing the t-shirt but can only assume the ticket taker was busy or didn’t notice.

 

I wanted to say something so bad but didn’t. I just really wanted to tell them how offensive it was and given the 4th of July weekend seemed especially inappropriate and unpatriotic.

Anyway it’s been gnawing on me all week (that I didn't say anything) and really just wanted to vent. Any thoughts? Anyone care to say how you may have handled?

 

If I was the confrontational type I'd have probably said something along the lines of did Uncle Donald buy you the tickets to today's game because I know you guys are too stupid to have a job.

I would have left it alone. People wear stupid clothing, they make themselves look bad enough. You weren't going to change his mind. Now, when they start acting out in that way, say they were being rude to people, then I say something. Kind of a weird line to draw, but I tend to meet force with force and passive idiocy with a shake of my head. I think that you were ok.

 

Agreed. Unless he starts running his mouth I'm letting him be. He wore that shirt for a reason - looking to get a reaction.

For the sake of the discussion, what did the shirt say?

For the sake of the discussion, what did the shirt say?

 

Before replying you may want to read the rules to make sure you don't suspend yourself. Again, not saying don't post what the shirt said, just don't shoot yourself in the foot doing so.

Before replying you may want to read the rules to make sure you don't suspend yourself. Again, not saying don't post what the shirt said, just don't shoot yourself in the foot doing so.

 

This is in the controversial issues forum, so it shouldn't be an issue.

Agreed. Unless he starts running his mouth I'm letting him be. He wore that shirt for a reason -

1. Looking for a reaction

2. Only semi-clean shirt he had

3. Was forced to wear it as punishment for racial remark made in hopes that he'd get taught a lesson

4. Only shirt with sleeves #SunBurnShouldersHurt

5. Family is too dumb to read and just liked the pretty colors.

6. Going to Walmart after game, wanted to fit in.

7. Mom was wearing his Throwback George Wallace for President Shirt

7. Mom was wearing his Throwback George Wallace for President Shirt

 

I always love a good old-school reference.

 

"Segregation now...."

Appreciate the perspective (and humor). I guess in the end it would have fallen on deaf ears and could possibly have escalated somehow. I can’t help but wonder if red neck mom & dad worry they or their punk-a son will eventually offend the wrong person and get hurt?

For the sake of the discussion, what did the shirt say?

 

It was a picture of the Confederate flag with the words "It's a white thing, you wouldn't understand."

 

Hated it.

Before replying you may want to read the rules to make sure you don't suspend yourself. Again, not saying don't post what the shirt said, just don't shoot yourself in the foot doing so.

 

I'm a brand new poster (although previous "lurker") so I hope I don't get suspended this soon!

I'm a brand new poster (although previous "lurker") so I hope I don't get suspended this soon!

 

You should be fine, I was just wondering if the shirt had worse words on it. Didn't want a newb suspended.

It was a picture of the Confederate flag with the words "It's a white thing, you wouldn't understand."

 

Hated it.

The Reds' code of conduct (link below) states:

 

"Major League Baseball and the Cincinnati Reds are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ballpark. Our staff will act to support an environment where:

-- Guests will enjoy the baseball experience free from foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

-- Obscene or indecent clothing will not detract from the guest experience."

 

Sounds like you would have been on firm footing to call the shirt to the attention of an usher, who then could have summoned a security officer. If nothing else, security could have told the person to wear the shirt inside out or get the heck out of GABP.

 

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