...one that has been reviled and mocked for a century or more, with its participants and proprietors subject to public ridicule, scorn, and second-class treatment.
I'm talking about...the carnival industry. They are none to pleased about Obama's derogatory reference to their trade at the president's now-infamous "birther" news conference:
"We’re not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers.”
The response to Barack Obama's ugly and slanderous slur was fast and furious:
"I am extremely upset by the reference," said Frank Zaitshik, who runs Wade Shows, a carnival business with over 100 amusement rides and attractions that entertains over 15 million people each year.
Zaitshik, a second generation carnival worker -- a term he prefers to the word "carny," which is used as a pejorative -- has spent much of his life battling negative stereotypes about his industry.
"I think what Obama said is the same type of stereotype that has been placed on African Americans." Zaitshik said. "You wouldn't expect those comments from someone who is a minority and has faced prejudice."
Ron Weber, editor of Carnival Warehouse.com, a website dealing with the industry, thought the president should be more sensitive about singling out groups when making disparaging comments..."A person who has fought for equal rights may not realize he's hurting a group of people," Weber said. "Maybe carnival people are the last safe stereotype to attack."
And as to be expected, Obama even got the terminology wrong. What an intellectual lightweight:
In fact, the correct term is "talker," according to Scott Baker, who has been doing this sort of work for 16 years, currently with the Coney Island Sideshow.
"Anyone who uses the term 'barker' is betraying their ignorance," Baker said. "You have 'inside talkers' and 'outside talkers,' and sometimes the term 'lecturer' is used. But the term 'barker' has never been used."
Baker said he has a bone to pick with people who use the term "carnival barker" and admitted to being shocked when the President singled out his industry.
"Our jaws did drop," Baker said. "This silliness has gone on for years, but, the fact is, we work very hard to create a great show. We pride ourselves in Class A entertainment."
And the final humiliation for the president: An job offer that seems to be a perfect match for his intellectual capabilities and warped worldview...
If Obama wants to make it up to Baker, he said he's got just the solution.
"I think the President should come see our show," he said. "We'll let him in for the kid's price. Maybe we can use his birth certificate as the 'blow-off,' which is the extra entertainment that's not officially part of the show...
Barack Obama as a sideshow freak? Wikipedia describes "blow-off" thusly:
The ten-in-one would often end in a "blowoff" or "ding," an extra act not advertised on the outside, which could be viewed for an additional fee. The blowoff act would be described provocatively, often as something deemed too strong for women and children,....
An extra fee? Too offensive for woman and children? Seems like the perfect fit for Baracky, who, after all, will in fact be looking for work in late 2012....
Lady, if you want to see a real contortionist, check out the guy in the Oval Office...
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