Once Spoken (And In Writing) Can’t Be Taken Back
Okay, I'll admit it – I am a huge fan of The Bachelor on ABC.
I missed the first season but haven't missed one since and although I don't necessarily think there will be a love connection each time, I think it is one of the best comedy shows on television.
This season with Andy Baldwin and Tessa Horst, I felt like they really did have a connection and in the end he proposed.
All season long their thoughts and concerns were voiced on national television and then debated in chatrooms across the net.
On May 26 in an article on MSN Entertainment News Andy opened his mouth and put his foot in it so far that I doubt he'll ever walk the same again.
Here is the excerpt:
As Baldwin answered questions about his cheesy lines on the show, one reporter asked Horst about her ethnic background. Horst is of Chinese and Polish ancestry.
"I always say the mutts are the most exotic and beautiful," Baldwin joked.
The reporter must have moved on – not wanting to touch that line with any politically correct pole, because no further mention was made, but OH MY GOSH.
A mutt?
Once again, A MUTT????
With the "forever" nature of the Internet their grandkids will get to see what he thought of his beloved 50 years from now, that is if Tessa is able to move on from that comment to continue a relationship.
Did he think the words "exotic" and "beautiful" would negate the MUTT comment?
We have all said something we wish we could take back. Many may have even put it in writing. And the sad thing is – we will do it again in the future.
Question – with the Internet being so permanent – has it changed what you say? Do you think before you blog or write articles: gee is there a way this could come back and bite me a few years down the line?
We've told the young over and over that what they write about as junior high and high school students on MySpace will still be there 10 years from now when they look for a job and employers Goggle their name.
Have your behaviors changed?
Should they?
Deborah Chaddock Brown
Professional Writer, Having Trouble Getting Past The MUTT comment
AllWrite Ink
Communications | admin | 28 May 2007 |
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By ct, June 1, 2007 @ 8:51 pm
Just for those who are offended by Andy Baldwin’s “mutt” comment: In Hawai’i, where I’m from and Baldwin is currently stationed, the term “mutt” (or “poi dog”) is more or less a light-hearted description of those with mixed ancestry. It’s not a put-down to be called a “mutt” when referring to the various heritages of most local people from Hawai’i. I, for one, am of Hawaiian, Portuguese, Tahitian, French, Irish, Filipino, and German descent. That makes me a certified “mutt”!
I know it might seem strange to those not from Hawai’i but everyone has their inside jokes. Just FYI!
By Deborah, June 2, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Hey CT,
Thanks for the clarification. For those of us not lucky enough to live in the islands – the education is much appreciated. I have to tell you – you have restored my faith in Andy. I guess we could all be called mutts given that definition.
Thanks!
By Smokey2, June 13, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
I don’t think “mutt” is offensive at all. I am Chinese & married a Caucasian & I always say that the “arfers” are the most beautiful & exotic – “arfer” being a half Caucasian & half Asian. My daughter is unbelievably gorgeous & was once a model but found it too shallow so became a policewoman, hoping she could make the world a safer place. So getting back to Andy’s “mutt” remark, it’s not insulting or degrading & I think our society has become too ultra-sensitive about being PC & non-racist, etc.
By Deborah, June 14, 2007 @ 6:14 am
Thanks for your comment, Smokey. Clearly I over reacted. Guess it was those middle school years of having the boys call me a “dog” that were impacting my response!
By online game, May 5, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Its not a put-down to be called a mutt when referring to the various heritages of most local people from Hawaii. I, for one, am of Hawaiian, Portuguese, Tahitian, French, Irish, Filipino, and German descent.