GOP activist uses Facebook to compare first lady to gorilla

Jokes are funny things.

Sometimes the same joke works with one person and falls flat with another. Sometimes, though, the joke just isn't funny at all.

That can be forgotten when it's made in the company of friends over a gin, a tonic, and a country club bar.

Perhaps, though, it is less easily forgotten when it is made on Facebook. What is said on Facebook stays on Facebook. Often for quite some time.

You see, according to a report by WIS10 TV in Columbia, S.C., Rusty DePass, a prominent Republican Party activist, happened to see a Facebook post by an aide to state Attorney General Henry McMaster.

The post described an escape by a gorilla on Friday from the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia.

DePass, once a state Senate candidate, responded to the post with these words: "I'm sure it's just one of Michelle's ancestors - probably harmless."

First lady Michelle Obama

(Credit: CC Mike Baird/Flickr)

The TV station reported that it had received confirmation from DePass that he had, indeed, been speaking of the first lady, Michelle Obama.

One might have thought that, having written these words, he might have attempted to make a swift correction. However, it appears to have taken a blogger, Will Folks, to obtain a screen capture of the comment for an apology to be forthcoming.

Once his FITSNews.com site raised the issue, it was taken up by other media outlets.

Only then did DePass issue an apology: "I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest."

There's jest. And then there's clear jest.

Columbia Mayor Bob Coble appears to have seen no clear jest at all. He told WIS10: "You know, I think the comment is inappropriate. It's a racist comment."

DePass also reportedly suggested that it was the first lady who initially made the comment about everyone being descended from apes. However, media organizations have tried to find these comments, without--at the time of writing--any success.

WIS10 said that DePass' comment had been removed from Facebook, as had his Facebook page.

There is, as far as I am aware, no reason to believe that DePass attempted, in the vanity URL race on Saturday, to bag Facebook.com/socialmediahalfwit.

[directorblue]

These kinds of attacks must be shunned.<br /><br />David Letterman's "joke" about a sexual assault on Sarah Palin's 14-year old daughter was of a similar nature: unfunny and in extremely poor taste.

[pentest]

Too bad Letterman wastn't talking about a 14 year old.<br /><br />Too bad Palin milked it for everything she could. She put her kids out as props, especially her ignorant 18 year old and delinquent son. You can't have it both ways. <br /><br />When Obama's kids were in school, Palin's were out trying to score points for mom.<br /><br />Not surprising given the massive intellectual difference between these two.

[steel36]

I don't think this can automatically be labeled racist. My first thought was that the guy was making fun of someone who subscribed to primate evolution for humans. If this was said about a white lady, would someone call it racist? No. All comments directed toward a black person are not racist. At worst, they're generally prejudiced, but not racist.

[Sourdust]

I could see your point if Mrs Obama had just given a speech on evolution, or ever given a speech or made a statement on the subject. But that isn't the case. Can you show us a case of this person making a comment like that about a white person that has not really said much about their support of evolution?

[dk jones]

as an African-American, my 1st thought was what a racist horse's ass. so then i have to inquire of you... when was the last time you heard or heard of someone comparing white people to lesser primates? let alone had those comments broadcast over the Net/TV/Radio/Newspaper/Magazines? the officers in the Simi Valley trial referred to African-Americans as "Gorillas in the Mist" from the movie recently released @ that time, it was a few years ago but, i remember &#38; in CA, it served to perpetuate a mistrust on the part of the African-American community toward the Police. there have been numerous accounts over a long history of non-white people in this country(US of A) being referred to as lesser creatures &#38; if you know anything about the nation's history it was even written into our Constitution that African-Americans held as slaves were only valued as 3/5 of a person. i know politicians a mere mortals, but they should strive to be 1st among those to eschew such sorts of comments &#38; "jokes". i don't vote/support those who feel it necessary to denigrate others whether it be ethnic/cultural, physical (dis)ability, religious in order to elevate themselves. as a nation of immigrants-not including, but not dismissing the indigenous peoples, it will take all of us to keep our country strong, solvent &#38; moving forward into this century.<br /><br />i suggest that until such time as you have been the victim/target/object of such derision, have walked down the street &#38; someone-most likely of European descent shouts out to you w/ an ethnic/racial slur &#38; you feel your life is endangered, you have absolutely no point of reference for determining if a statement is racist or the the sort of damage it causes the recipient. a recent manifestation of this attitude &#38; behavior, if extrapolated, is the shooting @ the Holocaust Museum. this is also part of the the reason why "the GOP/Party of Inclusion" isn't. i know this site is about tech, but when tech is used for that which is perverse &#38; hurtful to anyone, it is hurtful to everyone. it's a variant of cyber-bullying.<br /><br />&#38; Mr. DePass is also probably jealous that she's better educated than he, w/ more outstanding credentials/resume &#38; made more money than him over the course of her career. not to mention she gets to live in the White House &#38; travel on Air Force One.

[Fernyyy]

As a white male in this culture I am persecuted more than anyone else. My persecution is both legally and socially acceptable, and when I disagree with it I am called a racist, white supremacist, bigot and the target of any number of racial slurs.<br /><br />This story is the result of a person making a ill-conceived statement. Unfortunately, with the socially acceptable level of bigotry against white males being what it is, this man must obviously be a racist and be shunned from our society. This is, after all, the highest crime in the Land: A statement that can be made to seem intolerant of a person who is female and/or non-white. A post in this thread proves this out.<br /><br />My ancestors didn't write the Constitution (the great racist document). My ancestors didn't own slaves. I have been threatened with bodily harm by people with a skin color other than my own on more than a few occasions for being white.<br /><br />Skin color is as meaningless to me as eye color. Being from the other side of the world is as meaningless as being from the other side of the street. People should be treated equally. Individuals through their actions can be smart, stupid, good, evil, etc. Races and sexes can't be and shouldn't be prejudged by individual representatives of their group.<br /><br />Ahh well, I suppose I'm part of the problem now...

[Random_Walk]

"when was the last time you heard or heard of someone comparing white people to lesser primates?"<br /><br />http://images.google.com/images?client=firefox-a&#38;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&#38;channel=s&#38;hl=en&#38;q=bush+monkey&#38;um=1&#38;ie=UTF-8&#38;ei=gWo2StT-CIzMMs266IYK&#38;sa=X&#38;oi=image_result_group&#38;resnum=1&#38;ct=title<br /><br />(Google Images. Term: "bush monkey" )<br /><br />There you are... Cheers! :)

[lordmorgul]

To dj jones:<br />Your prejudgement regarding a comment like this is one of the primary reasons racial tensions continue to plague American society. Racism, both driven by true prejudice and by perceived (assumed) prejudice, is dangerous and promoting either of them leads to the other. You should be taking a very deep look at how your sense of being wronged, and how other examples of racial slurs in the media, pre-conditions you to assume racism is the issue before anything else. It could be that her skin color had nothing at all to do with this comment; it was definitely insensitive either way, but as long as you first assume the 'race card' play has been made you will see racists walking down every street.

[Renegade Knight]

Agreed. Assumptions of racism due to stereotypes are actually racist. At least if we want to live in a world without racism.

[Renegade Knight]

@dk jones <br /> <br />As a mixed race American. I really don't care for automaic assumptions of racism that start with "As a (insert race here)". It's so easy to fall into that blame game. I hear references to trained monkeys all the time. Then there are the 'hey she look like your sister' ape jokes and what not. They are there if you listen. However they are not generally notworthy moments of life. If memory serves I recall several drawings of a former president Bush that looked a heck of a lot like a chimp. Apparently chimps and apes are political fodder. <br /> <br />So, here is the question to you. Why assume racism on the one hand and then talk about what it would actually take to live in a non racist society in the other? <br /> <br />As for jokes, that's my living defintion of non racist. If you as a black and me as whatever can tell a race joke to a race and they laugh. That's success in being non racist.

[pentest]

What is funny is how you don't understand that evolution doesn't say we evolved from apes. We share a common ancestor. That is more then a subtle difference. The flat-earth society doesn't even understand what it is railing against.

[Jeremy Chappell]

I think we all know what he was implying. However, I do think we're making too much of this. He's ignorant, stupid and a fool. This has no barring on Mrs Obama, who seems (from her public appearances) to be the exact opposite.<br /><br />I'm not an American, I'd hope that she's more representative of Americans than he is. Fortunately that's been true of the (admittedly few) Americans I've met.<br /><br />Let's not waste anymore time on this "joke".

[odubtaig]

Maaaan, every time I see anyone claiming that white men are somehow the most persecuted group I have to fight the urge to slap my computer for letting me see such utter *****.<br /><br />Seriously.<br /><br />For the record, yes, I am both white and male. Every single white male who I've ever seen claim to be of 'the most persecuted minority' is a lazy dossbag. The political party in this country which repeatedly makes this claim is racist, homophobic and misogynistic in the extreme (aiming to roll back womans rights to the 19th Century, yo).<br /><br />What is so hard about this simple concept?<br /><br />You don't make jokes about domestic animals in the food at a Chinese restaurant.<br />You don't crack one about nuking the Japanese.<br />You don't do comedy NAZI impersonations in Germany.<br />You don't, under any circumstances, in any context, compare a black person to a primate.<br /><br />Doing so in the first place marks you out as ignorant at best.

[andyengle]

Oh, those Republicans. They are so evil. I can't imagine a Democrat saying anything like that, no!<br /><br />I would not have heard this story had it not graced your (digital) pages. So, in telling us about how bad Mr. DePass' comment was (and yes, it was out of taste), now millions more have heard it. And really, how prominent is Rusty DePass? I've never heard of him. Nor have I heard of the SC Attorney General Henry McMaster. Nor have I heard of Will Folks. Are all these people really so prominent? I am not so sure they are. The thing is, there are probably thousands of people out there, on both sides of the aisle, saying similar things and worse.

[lordmorgul]

"now millions more have heard it"<br /><br />Yes, precisely. Racism is big business in America, and allowing it to naturally decline is not good enough for the media. The simple fact is that truly minor issues, possibly not even racially driven, are highlighted and discussed to such lengths that we keep racism front and center in the public eye on purpose... and NOT to bring exposure to something the public does not realize, but instead to promote its presence and bring exposure to something the average citizen experiences less every day... as soon as the media shuts up about it.

[wahoospa]

Is this the same Will Folks that was press secretary to Gov. Mark Sanford?

[Inconnux]

And how many democrats laughed at the 'morphing' picture of G. Bush and a chimp scratching his head... very hypocritical...

[pentest]

I agree, that was very insensitive to the chimp. To imply that a chimp is the intellectual equal of Bush is wrong.<br /><br />They should have morphed Bush's head with a slug.

[pghcoder]

This is tech news? Someone says something nasty on the internet about a public figure? Give me a break.

[pghcoder]

I totally forgot about the Bush/chimp picture. OK, so not only isn't this story news, I give a total pass to whoever did the gorilla post on facebook. Not that I really give a rat's @ss about either case.

Let me get this straight, comparing a black person to a gorilla isn't racist if you pretend it's about evolution? Channeling Ripley for a moment, have IQs suddenly dropped around here? Historically, anytime a white person wanted to insult a black person they'd pull out the monkey or gorilla card. How is this remark NOT racist? On what dumb planet?<br /><br />And since no one can find any remarks by Ms Obama on the subject of evolution, this is even a more pathetic attempt by a racist lunkhead to try to avoid responsibility for his racist remark with a little snicker and wink to all his racist buddies, including apparently a couple who posted here.<br /><br />Stupid is as stupid does.

[Belinus]

Republicans are just grasping at straws as they fade into oblivion.

[jmartinbsu]

And Democrats are total hypocrites...<br /><br />God forbid someone should start criticizing democrats and our current president after the poo-flinging that happened the last 8 years. Republicans are just trying to "grasp" at what has made this country great that's now being taken away from us. They are trying to keep this country from going to hell in a hand basket since our leftist government feels that spending more money to the point of putting our great-grand children in debt is what you should do when you don't have enough money... <br /><br />I understand the Taboo of any reference comparing an Afro-American to any sort of primate. . . Maybe you should get out of the kitchen if you can't stand the heat.... The shoe is on the other foot now.

[pjhenry1216]

@jmartinbsu: dude... what does the comment this guy make have ANYTHING to do with Republicans somehow trying to save the country from an arguably non-existent problem? I don't understand the need to say "leftist government" instead of "government." <br /><br />plus, you gotta keep in mind that Rusty didn't "criticize" anybody. You really should learn your own language and the meanings of words. There was no critique in that guy's statement.<br /><br />Obviously, you and and your genius intellect are going to save us from ourselves by your witty use of a paragraph that is mainly just a bunch of cliché phrases that honestly don't mean that much.

[odubtaig]

"Republicans are just trying to "grasp" at what has made this country great that's now being taken away from us."<br /><br />Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!<br /><br />Oh, that was a good one.<br /><br />A party full of sock puppets (actual ones) would be better than those muppets.

[johnreg]

What makes Rusty DePass an activist?

[lordmorgul]

Having any ethical, moral, or cultural issue which you feel is worth protecting makes you an activist. This is especially true if the political powers at present want to change your beliefs.

[johnreg]

It seems that any member of a political party would be considered a activist. In that case, why bring it up in the title of article. I feel the article did not live up to the title.

[stefanbp]

At the end of the day, DePass and his supporters can claim anything --- they can claim that the comment was merely a poke at the first lady due to her (presumed) support of Darwin's research... and that anyone who finds the comment 'offensive' is just being too sensitive. <br />But let's face it; DePass is obviously an idiot if he didn't understand how people would interpret the remark. And making the 'joke' probably scores Mr. DePass points with a certain type of person who resent the First Family because of their race. <br />If the people that Mr. DePass wants to make common cause with are the kind who think that this joke is funny, then the voter deserves to know. He's got the freedom to say and think whatever he wants; but the rest of us have the freedom to judge him on the basis of what he says and what we think it means.

[TX-Sunset]

I find it funny that Democrats can say stupid things all the time and turn around and say they were joking or their comments were taken out of context or any of 100 other lame excuses and the media accepts that, but when a republican does it, it becomes an all out witch hunt. <br /> <br />Look, people say stupid things. No one knows who this dork is and had it not been for all the leftist that have made a big deal out of this, this guy would have dissappeared into history's anus. <br /> <br />Another great example of the media making news out of nothing.

[pjhenry1216]

Honestly, usually the phrase really is taken out of context as in if you actually listen to what words were said before and after the statement, the phrase makes a bit more sense and is generally not offensive. So, yes, normally, it literally is taken out of context. Here, there really is no context other than someone said a gorilla was lose and this guy said it was one of Michelle Obama's ancestors and is therefore harmless. There was no context of, hey, did you hear who supports evolution? In fact, I'd assume this would only be a joke if all the folks involved actually didn't believe in evolution, otherwise, it can't be taken any other way other than as a racist remark.<br /><br />In any case, I have no problem with what this guy said. If he did mean it as a joke about evolution, it was still a very poor one and not all that intelligently made and therefore I wouldn't support him. I'll take his word for it only if it ends up he doesn't support evolution and the folks he responded to don't support evolution as well. Otherwise, it wasn't an evolution joke. I don't care enough to research it, so in general, he's safe for now, but he's still terrible at humor.<br /><br />Its true though, I think a bigger deal is being made out of this than is necessary. However, I haven't seen it on any major news sites other than this site and the linked site. So to say that its being made a big deal out of is kinda ridiculous. When the conservatives twist liberal's words, you'll usually see it in the NY Times or something like that.

[crazyfortheblue]

While these comments should be shunned... can we please be more consistent with the outrage. Just head on over to DailyKos or DemocratUnderground for the latest scurrilous charge and outrageous comment/comments. And don't give me the "they're just a bunch of kooks on those sites" for which I generally agree anyway. They're filled with actual Dem activists and party apparatchiks with sway over policy... the average liberal wack-job shows/showed more rage and vile toward Bush/Cheney/Palin/Limbaugh (and generally anyone that disagrees with them on the most basic of issues) with language and nasty comments that would receive an NC17 rating. And when anyone complains about their comments (or comment from any lefty goon in hollywood) we're told to just grin and bear it, because it's comedy and can't we grow a sense of humor already.

[crkranz]

Can someone explain for me why pointing out something that it obvious (to a lot of people) like that is automatically racist? Some people just resemble animals. In her case it is an ape. In our city there was a contest to see what owner most resembled their dog. Was this guys comment smart or nice? No. Is he a racist? It is impossible to know by this comment.

[Jeremy Chappell]

Dude, you need an eye test! There is no way that Mrs Obama looks at all like an ape, I've tried squinting, looking at it upside down, everything. She still looks human. So no, I can't see it.<br /><br />And yeah, I think this guy is racist, and I'm not even black. These kinds of comments seem highly offensive, no just "in poor taste". I don't think anyone should need to put up with this. I makes me very sad that even in 2009, there are people who think this is acceptable, or even worse "funny".

[Sam Papelbon]

he is so prominent that a google search for his name turns up only articles discussing this 'scandal'.<br /><br />sorry, but real scandals only involve people of importance.

[lordmorgul]

You clearly do not understand search engines.

[baf8297]

All this because of some ridiculous name calling - Republican activist? Right! But gee, it's okay for David Letterman to say what he said about Sarah Palin's daughter(s). Give me a break.

[pjhenry1216]

::sigh:: Letterman's joke was actually about A-Rod, not Palin's daughter. In fact, you can replace it with any young girl and it won't insult that girl. The joke pokes fun at A-Rod. its ridiculous and points to a lack of comprehension to assume that any ill will was targeted towards the young lady. And it makes no difference whether it was the younger daughter or older as with jokes, reality doesn't matter and therefore you can't assume it was one or the other without actually asking Letterman (or the guy who wrote the joke if it wasn't Letterman). But, even so, there was nothing insulting about that. It implied absolutely nothing about the girl EXCEPT that A-Rod was attracted to her due to age.<br /><br />It was a joke at A-Rod's expense. Get over it. I can understand some jokes being interpreted the wrong way, but this is just ridiculous.

[duperstar]

I did notice that Fox news was all over the Palin - Letterman row, but not a word about this. Hypocritical as usual.

[jmartinbsu]

LOL....and the rest of the news media is all on the up and up and un-biased. . . <br /><br />Get your head out of your posterior <br /><br />Please.

[duperstar]

jmartinbsu- If you are a fox news fan, good for you. I watch all of the networks. I find both Fox and MSNBC appalling in their decisions on what to cover and how they cover it. When a network says "No Spin" they should really try to abide by it. I prefer BBC as they have little vested interest biased coverage. BTW, the fact is there is still nothing about it on Fox's webpage and they did give a ton of coverage to Palin.You comment is also childish, grow up buddy.

[jmartinbsu]

Seriously? They can report on what ever they want. <br /><br />You also are not bringing up the fact that CBSNEWS doesn't have it on their website either...(as of the time of this post).... <br /><br />They definitely aren't reporting from the right.<br /><br />You make a mountain out of a mole hill.... Your comment is skewed, biased (which you have the right to be) and one-sided. Just pointing out your mistake. <br /><br />Your grow up comment is clearly a response to the fact that I called you out...Please get your head out of your posterior.

[duperstar]

Please try to reply like an adult. 2 of the 3 major cable news networks had it on their sites when I made my post. I would not have known of this story if I didn't check out cnet. I went to the cable news sites to get the full story and Fox did not have it. I am making this up? No, just stating the facts. The funny thing is Palin- Letterman is still on the front page. Your comment about "they can report what they want" is exactly what i'm talking about. Tell the "fans" what they want to hear. News should not be entertainment, it should be news. BTW, I am a fan of Shepherd Smith's show which I watch daily. He is the only real presenter on that station, just like Blitzer on CNN.

[bjc23]

Racism isn't a republican vs. democrat issue. Just as the entire Spanish olympic teams... particularly their basketball team and tennis teams. If you don't know what I'm talking about, well, that's because the media only cares about "racism" when it has to do with blacks. Just google the Spanish olympic basketball team and tennis teams to see their slanty eyed pictures. But of course they are sorry "IF anyone was offended".

[duperstar]

Are you kidding? Racism against Latinos, Asians and Jews are well covered in this country. As a New Yorker, any kind of racist issues or potential hate crime issues are all over the news. The Spanish Olympic team picture was well covered in the media and the team's explanation was quite lame.

[dlauber]

A joke? Come on, it's simply a reflection of some pretty intense racial bigotry. Then again, the Republican Party has built itself based on racial bigotry since the Nixon years. This blatant example should come as no surprise.

[duperstar]

It's even more a shame that the Republicans are seen this way as they were the party for emancipation in the 1800's. How the times have changed.

[lordmorgul]

@dupenstar: The democratic party has done the changing by brainwashing the lower class into thinking they are the party that protects their interests. The truth is never clear to those uninterested in fact.

[jmartinbsu]

Typically the Democrat party is the one that creates racial tension in this country by driving the idea of people being entitled to things vs having the right to it (but needing to earn it)...<br /><br />For example: <br /><br />You have the right to health care. You are not entitled to it. Doctors want to be paid. <br />You have the right to drive a car. You are not entitled to owning a car. They must be earned/purchased. A license and insurance is also needed (to do it legally).<br />You have the right to play video games. You are not entitled to them. You must find someone that will share their equipment with you, drop a quarter (or 4) into a video game machine or buy a TV, Game System, Games, etc so you can play them. You are not entitled to going to a store, taking a game system off the shelf and walking out the door. The store will have you arrested (assuming they're half aware and stop you from taking it..)<br /><br />Racial Bigotry is universal. So is your whining. It's your right. So is your right to spread racial tension even though it's wrong.

[jasonaorr]

This just in: person is offensive on the internet!

[warpsix]

As always , Notice the media leans to the left. letterman can say Anything at all about anyone on the right But don't pick on the left.

[dadburnit]

Evolutionists are funny (i.e. peculiar not ha ha). They postulate/perpetuate/indoctrinate a worldview that belittles the dignity of humanity and then b!tch about the consequences of their philosophy. Neither the "jest" nor this headline make sense unless one assumes (macro)evolution. Think about it.

[lordmorgul]

The reality people that are willing to assume in order to explain the cosmos without God is truly incredible is it not?

[pjhenry1216]

@dadburnit: Folks who believe in evolution don't perpetuate anything that belittles the dignity of humanity. The rest of humanity does a good job of that on its own and doesn't need any help. Also, this "jest" could actually make sense without assuming evolution (i wonder at your purpose of distinguishing macro and micro, as if one is clearly logical and another isn't) if you just assume he meant that she looks like a gorilla in his opinion, which isn't racist at all if he honestly believes that. People said that Dubya looked like a Chimp. However, its racist when one assumes that someone who is black is less evolved than those that are not. If this was his intent, then its racist. While yes, that only makes sense when you assume evolution, its not an inherent problem. Its a matter of someone saying someone else is less evolved. It has nothing to do with the "consequences" of the *theory*.<br /><br />@lordmogul: To assume that evolution and (a/your/someone else's) God are mutually exclusive shows a lack of creativity and a lack of faith in what *your* God is capable of. I'd imagine there are folks who believe their God to be completely capable of this and not question their God's methods. If evidence shows you one thing is true and you had believed your God to do something in an otherwise different fashion based on no evidence, is it your place to question what evidence has shown your God has actually done? At what point did you decide you were able to better understand God more so than God itself?<br /><br />I find creationist's positions to be particularly contradictory and blasphemous in this regard. Your God shows you something truly beautiful and complex as nature and you assume its the work of the devil or is false information because it doesn't fit into what *you* think should be the case. Stop trying to define God and let God define itself. God doesn't need your approval, permission, or faith to know who It is and what It is capable of doing.

[Jeremy Chappell]

So what are all those old bones about? God put them there to throw us off? Be serious. Just because one believes Genesis is allegorical doesn't make one "God-less". Seriously, you were made from clay? The universe was made in seven days? The dinosaurs didn't exist? What the heck are you smoking?<br /><br />Evolution is the best scientific theory to explain the world as we find it. Are there wholes in it? Sure, it doesn't explain everything, but nothing else comes close. Animals (and humans) have adapted over time.<br /><br />What I don't understand is where the heck human dignity comes into it? So we're all a product of "step wise refinement" where is the lack of dignity? Why do you cling to the belief that humans were always as they are now, when so clearly that wasn't the case, proto-humans existed (we find their bones, but we don't find "human" bones from the same timeframe - where were the humans?)<br /><br />Why does this argument mean God can't exist?