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Why Is the New "Gangsta Life" Tag Symbol an Ape?
Why is the new "Gangsta Life" tag an ape with a gun? It used to be the same as guns, with the pistol having the barrel facing the shooter, and now it's a chimpanzee holding a gun. I can understand wanting them to to be separate, but is this the best symbol? It seems racially charged to me, but as a Black lady, I know I'm very sensitive. So I want the moderators of M&C to tell me why this is appropriate.
Attached is the graphic that is even called "Thug life primate" on M&C. Racism is one of the exclusions for submission of clips to M&C. If I'm going from his outfit, though, he isn't dressed as a thug, he's dressed for wall street. Huh.
I also know I'm not the only one who has noticed the change in tag; see the following link for discussion on both sides.
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/12...
Yeah . . . just tell me why this is okay with you, and why it's okay with the community as a whole (two-part question).
I know there are things that don't bother me that I feel are valid in the eyes of others, and aren't hard for me to pay attention to. Part of that is remembering I come from a place of experience and knowing, and trying not to force that onto others.
Attached is the graphic that is even called "Thug life primate" on M&C. Racism is one of the exclusions for submission of clips to M&C. If I'm going from his outfit, though, he isn't dressed as a thug, he's dressed for wall street. Huh.
I also know I'm not the only one who has noticed the change in tag; see the following link for discussion on both sides.
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/12...
Yeah . . . just tell me why this is okay with you, and why it's okay with the community as a whole (two-part question).
I know there are things that don't bother me that I feel are valid in the eyes of others, and aren't hard for me to pay attention to. Part of that is remembering I come from a place of experience and knowing, and trying not to force that onto others.
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I selected this image mostly out of my inability to find something better. I searched for terms like Thug and Gangster using Google Image Search and didn't find any suitable images.
I thought the chimp was kind of cute in a way that beguiled the expression on his face. And an anthropomorphizing animals is usually adorable. I thought the suit was like a Mafia suit and the gun just seemed to go with the who gangster theme.
But I see how this could all be taken in a different way that I intended. I don't associate primates with any race, they are genetic similarity to all humans. But there is definitely a cultural connection that I was insensitive and I whole heatedly apologize for the implications.
Truth is, I don't even like the term Gangsta Life, I just don't know how else to tag the phenomenon. I was going for the whole Gangster Rap, Thug Life idea as a pop culture phenomenon in the vein of everything from NWA and Vanilla Ice to Ol' Dirty Bastard and Eminem; from movies like New Jack City and Colors; and especially the way that the media tries to monopolize on it and, in pathetic and hilarious ways, tries to make it palatable.
I will change the image to something else, but I welcome all to submit an image to the web and link it here. I will run the images by the Moderators to make the best selection.
Same with the name, Gangsta Life. If you have a better tag, please suggest one.
I need to fit it into 5 height x 3 width portrait ratio, so just make sure it could be cropped in a away that it works for this format.
No need to do any photo manipulation, I will take care of that.
Additionally, I want to thank everyone here and on the site, who took the time to share their options. Feedback is always welcome.
Note: The image in question is, I believe, a Chimpanzee, which are known to be violent. Apes, which are gentle, would never brandish a weapon.
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Inappropriate?Hi Boogeboogieston,
My first reaction when I saw the tag was 'Eh? That is a little rude.' I read the comments and noticed people's concerns, though some didn't mind. Well, I'm not the person who selects tags or pictures that go along with them, and am in no position to do so, either. I've been granted moderator status, though. This moderator thing gives me some privileges and responsibilities at the website. Therefore, I feel the need to express my opinion on the matter.
Now, I've been sort of waiting for Jaxon's reply on this matter. It's his decision. Anyway, the picture is some reference, so is meant to be humorous. Still, the reference may be a little too obscure. My advice to Jaxon would be to change the picture. Maybe it goes a little bit too far for the purpose. I say maybe, because I haven't really thought about it thoroughly yet. Again, my gut reaction suggests that changing the picture would be more appropriate.
I'm sure your concerns will not be taken lightly. I myself enjoy your contributions to M&Cs. I hope the final decision will be good for all.
Best of wishes,
W_W -
Inappropriate?I selected this image mostly out of my inability to find something better. I searched for terms like Thug and Gangster using Google Image Search and didn't find any suitable images.
I thought the chimp was kind of cute in a way that beguiled the expression on his face. And an anthropomorphizing animals is usually adorable. I thought the suit was like a Mafia suit and the gun just seemed to go with the who gangster theme.
But I see how this could all be taken in a different way that I intended. I don't associate primates with any race, they are genetic similarity to all humans. But there is definitely a cultural connection that I was insensitive and I whole heatedly apologize for the implications.
Truth is, I don't even like the term Gangsta Life, I just don't know how else to tag the phenomenon. I was going for the whole Gangster Rap, Thug Life idea as a pop culture phenomenon in the vein of everything from NWA and Vanilla Ice to Ol' Dirty Bastard and Eminem; from movies like New Jack City and Colors; and especially the way that the media tries to monopolize on it and, in pathetic and hilarious ways, tries to make it palatable.
I will change the image to something else, but I welcome all to submit an image to the web and link it here. I will run the images by the Moderators to make the best selection.
Same with the name, Gangsta Life. If you have a better tag, please suggest one.
I need to fit it into 5 height x 3 width portrait ratio, so just make sure it could be cropped in a away that it works for this format.
No need to do any photo manipulation, I will take care of that.
Additionally, I want to thank everyone here and on the site, who took the time to share their options. Feedback is always welcome.
Note: The image in question is, I believe, a Chimpanzee, which are known to be violent. Apes, which are gentle, would never brandish a weapon.
I’m thankful
The company thinks
this is one of the best points
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Inappropriate?Jaxon, I did some quick searching and stumbled across this:
I hope the picture turned out well.
As to the Chimp, yes they can be violent, but they are in fact a member of the ape family. To be precise, chimps belong to the great apes.
Best,
W_W1 Comment Add a comment
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That's awesome. Another case of the healing power of kittens. I corrected the image and used if tor the thumb. Nice work. ;) -
Inappropriate?Thanks for listening and taking me seriously. I wasn't necessarily looking for a change of the image, though I am glad to see it change. But I do appreciate being heard. I feel people often assume they're right (and the comments on the "Freestyle Rap Translated" thread seem to confirm this for me) without considering another opinion. The anonymity of the Internets makes this worse.
Thanks much.
your pal
Booge
I’m glad I was heard out.
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