Sarah
March 12, 2010 / 17:16

Wow, Mike. Wow. What else is there to say to this? Ignorance reigns I guess.

James
March 12, 2010 / 17:45

It's amazing how offensive this is! I can't believe they left the house like that.

brad
March 12, 2010 / 17:50

that deadspin link reminds us that these same clowns threw a banana at kevin weekes

Tee
March 12, 2010 / 17:51

You think that's bad, check out this racist son of a bitch.

http://www.snotr.com/video/422

dale
March 12, 2010 / 18:59

Absolutely revolting.
PK Subban is an awesome hockey player & I'm sure Burkie would take him in a minute.

Was this game in the U.S. South??

xmod
March 12, 2010 / 20:38

racist?!? WTF r u guys talking about, he his showing support for the new guy, how is that offensive?

whatever the media can get their hands on and you guys are chewing it up like dumbasses.

andrew
March 12, 2010 / 20:45

xmod - A$$Hole

Ryan
March 12, 2010 / 22:39

I am surprised they did not get beat down.

I may have taken a few licks at them myself. That is just DUMB.

Irvine
March 12, 2010 / 23:02

Great Mike, now maybe you should pick on Don Cherry for his 15+ years of blatant bigotry towards Europeans and "visor wearers"

Oh wait, i thought Alberta was all the rednecks were.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 00:06

As much as I agree with dissing on astonishingly douchey Habs fans, I have to ask, doesn't anyone else think the guy in front looks a whole lot like Sam Worthington of Avatar fame?

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 00:20

the media has you guys by the balls and you are lovin it.

These are friends of mine and fans wanted their picture taken with them, THEY understood what was going on, unlike the way the media feed you babies.

I have connections... ddos... ever heard of that..

lmfao

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 00:31

Xmod: You should go to bed and stop perpetuating the notion that Habs fans are ALL badly brain damaged alcoholics with a horribly dubious grasp on reality. Really, you should.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 00:41

No, its more the fact that my friend is going through hell right now cuz of stupid sites like this that dont get what they where doing. they were showing SUPPORT for the guy. the name subbanator is actually going around already, and fans LOVED what they did at the game. NO one said anything there or kick them out! it took them 30 minutes to get to their car cuz of all the fans that wanted pics with them. The media found a way to turn it around and make this into a whole new ball game just to get hits. put yourself in my friends shoes.

toronto mike should view this as it is or maybe even get their side of the story before bashing TRUE fans.

too bad

chris
March 13, 2010 / 00:49

xmod you're a JERK like your racists friends.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 01:04

tell me how this is racist if they are showing support for the guy ?

thought so, you guys have nothin, toronto mike is just using FAKE stuff to get hits.

this site as sunk to a new low, attacking true fans to get hits.

sad.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 01:10

I don't want to kill this hilarious thread but I have to say:

wOw

and also:

0_0 ...w0w!

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 01:20

"But rather for the RDS cameraman and producer, who decided to put them on camera for close to ten seconds"

the perfect proof that it is JUST media fire.

I want someone to tell me WHY this is racist or even just a bad thing. Can you even explain that. Cuz honestly, if you cant, you shouldn't own a website and publish shit.

If i hear a good reason for this, i will go to bed.

promise.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 01:24

"But rather for the RDS cameraman and producer, who decided to put them on camera for close to ten seconds"

the perfect proof that it is JUST media fire.

I want someone to tell me WHY this is racist or even just a bad thing. Can you even explain that. Cuz honestly, if you cant, you shouldn't own a website and publish shit.

If i hear a good reason for this, i will go to bed.

promise.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 01:26

sorry for double post, the site was little slow.

lmao

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 01:30

Well, everyone including xmod, start reading this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackface

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 01:32

... and tell me when you start to feel disgusted.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 01:45

you have to come up with something better than that dude.

Some known actor can do it in a movie and get nominated for an oscar but 2 fans cant do it to show support.

Look, im a reasonable person, and this is NOT what it was. and people like you and this site that dwell on PAST events actually PREVENT the evolution of mankind. its freakin 2010 and time to move forward and upward.

they came up with the idea and the name, and it was to show support.

see it like you want, we know the truth.

good night and good bye toronto mike.

i tried.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 02:00

oh, and just to close this.

If they had a red X in their face and the shirt would say something like "we dont want black players" then maybe, but where is the racist thing in the picture? i dont see it.

its only racist if you believe it is.

and the best part of all, my friend is not even a white guy, so i guess he insulted his own race! lol

go get educated instead of googleling through life.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 02:39

.... and there you have it, folks.

Another stunning display of intelligence by another Habs fan.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 10:03

DUDE! its 2 guys having fun at a hockey game!

get a life.

sein
March 13, 2010 / 10:09

best quote so far.

"The Media take it well to far !!! Its only a bit of fun, soon you will not be allowed to have mascots as it might offend animals lol"

Pete Kic
March 13, 2010 / 10:19

Mike,
I think people are too easily offended these days. It's funny, they're showing their love. Man, people have become so touchy when it comes to stuff like this. I remember when I was a kid I dressed up like Cito Gaston - painted face and all. God forbid I did this today...I'd be lynched. It's ridiculous. All in good fun.

isawya
March 13, 2010 / 10:22

Would it not make sense to find out what Subban thinks/feels about it, and leave it at that? The first thing I thought when I saw the photo, was that "All in the Family" episode in which Archie Bunker calls the blackfaced entertainers, "menstruals." At least the "menstruals" didn't wear crazy fro wigs.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 10:24

ignorance is bliss x mod they dont see that my hand is brown.. they r the media's dogs and do what they have too on commande.... how can i be racist im brown myself stupid

Coon Coon Coon
March 13, 2010 / 10:24

Pete Kic
March 13, 2010 / 10:27

Anyone else remember a little movie called "White Chicks?" I guess that was ok, not racist if it's from the other side I suppose. Hmmmm, interesting.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 10:28

Mike! common man.

Im 35 and you guys have offended more than what my friend did just because you dont get what HE did.

I am one that believes that history should be left in the past and we should be able to move on. If we dwell on the past like that, we wouldn't be able to do nothin! think about it.

Mike, you are just lovin the attention this morning, sorry.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 10:28

That is soo true pete kic why dont they say anything about that....

PeteKic
March 13, 2010 / 10:29

wantthis1488 -Wait a minute!! You can't be racist because you're brown??? What on earth does that mean?!! How is that possible? You can be racist against white people, asians, indians. Where are you coming up with this stuff??

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 10:32

racist is not liking a different color then u and im trying to show i am the same colour as him if i painted my face white i would understand... bro open your mind and try to understand what people say before you speak

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 10:33

"Wait a minute!! You can't be racist because you're brown??? What on earth does that mean?!! How is that possible? You can be racist against white people, asians, indians. Where are you coming up with this stuff??"

the perfect proof of the level of intelligence on this site! lmfao he is the same color that what u guys are calling him racist for!!!

Tee
March 13, 2010 / 10:36

I posted the link of Eddie Murphy doing white face above. Nobody found that racist.

These people were doing it as an expression of love, not hate.

Just because somebody used something for racism in the past, doesn't make all uses of it racist.

I guess you guys all want displays of the cross banned since it was used by the Klan.

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 10:38

1. The term "Subbanator" isn't offensive in the least. Nobody suggested it was. It's a great term for a guy named Subban.

so you get that at leat

2. The history of blackface conjures up an immense amount of all-to-recent racist history. Blackface, has a racist history, and when white people paint their faces black, it is always racist.

like i said, fuck the past, lets move on.

3. Black people can paint their face white because that act lacks a racist history. That's why White Chicks can be made.

tropic thunder anyone>?
oh, wait, its ok for a big shot actor. goes to show the unbalance in all of this.

4. Pete, you're a friend, and I like you, and that's why I oh so wanted to delete your first comment here. I don't think you realize what you're saying and defending.

Lovin the attention and the hits hey mike.
I own websites too m8, I know how it feels... gotta fuel the fire.

Roy
March 13, 2010 / 10:38

Racism in Quebec?! Never heard that before.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 10:39

toronto mike these are not white they r black how can u say they r racist ?

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 10:50

dont you think that was the point of there joke to be satire.. i am one of those subban fans i am on the left and i am proud to say that i was there to support a player that is black and i am proud to see a black player to play in the nhl and have his name chanted .. for the reason that he is a great player not because he is a fighter... and the reason why the face is so black is for that same word u used satire so what is the problem now toronto mike ur 35 and i have seen a 14 year old that has more intelligence than you... it took us 45 min to get to our car cause everyone wanted a pic with us even a gaurd took one with us ... and no we did not get escorted out... everyone loved us there hearing us chant his name.. the media turned it wrong and like the dog you r on comand you listen

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 10:53

"Tropic Thunder was satire. It was satire because what he was doing was so obviously offensive."

satire! really! big words that mean nothing. Its a white guy painting his face black... period. from all comments here, that movie should of been banned! but instead...
"Tropic Thunder grossed $180 million in theaters before its release on home video on November 18, 2008."

my buddy was doing just that but didnt gross enough money to be accepted.

hits r hits.

Justin
March 13, 2010 / 10:53

I happen to agree with xmod here. It's not racist, it's fans showing support for a very talented player. These guys were just out at a game having a good time, there was no racism involved.

Mike, I think you were too harsh on these Habs fans. This was way overblown.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 11:05

thats it toronto mike ignore the fact they r black ignore the fact of tropis thunder... u r so ignorant its amazing i am black myself how can i be racist and read your own link and then use ur word SATIRE again man ur stupid .. u say painting your face black and wear a afro wig is racist and downgrading well im going to leave it as this and hope people CHIME of my behalf TROPIC THUNDER ... man u r proving us right thank you toronto mike

Tee
March 13, 2010 / 11:05

If you need to read the history of something to find out why its racist, then it's not racist.

Context, context, context.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 11:08

toronto mike i am the guy on the left i am hoping you will interview me ... so i can show everyone and all your fans how stupid you are

xmod
March 13, 2010 / 11:09

"my life-long hatred of Habs fans"

the true motive here.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 11:11

you hit the nail on the head x mod

Justin
March 13, 2010 / 11:14

"When people apply blackface and afro wigs and venture out in public, it's racist."

In the case of the Habs fans, it was meant to be more humorous than racist.

Was it stupid? Perhaps. Was it insensitive? Yeah, I'd say so. I don't think it was racist though, since it was just fans having a good time and supporting their favourite player.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 11:25

xmod *did* hit the nail on the head. I think Mike's real point was to show - once again - how obstinately stupid Habs fans are. And you Habs fans have done a great job of backing him up on that.

linusik
March 13, 2010 / 11:26

xmod, i was about to say the same thing. he's so fixated on his hatred of habs fan that he doesnt even care to read and UNDERSTAND what you're trying to explain to him. He contradicted himself by saying "...nd when white people paint their faces black, it is always racist." And in this case its not a white person therefore his comment doesnt apply, therefore there's no racism. Like it was mentioned million times before : this was done for pure SUPPORT! But Mike doesnt care 'cause he's cares way too much about them being HABS fans and how much he hates them. And then he goes off by saying "Friends and visitors, please comment..." Is it really for a good grown-up argument or just to have more people visiting you site?

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 11:30

well said linusik.. and jim ur dumb urself all you have to say is that we prove what he wants lol so childish ... so this is about habs fans being stupid or racism ? which one jim ? lol

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 11:31

and hyour ignorance will say both watch lol

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 12:14

I guess at this point it would not surprise me if at the next Habs' home game, we see the entire Bell Centre decked out in blackface as a show of fan solidarity. I'll say again:

0_0
...wow

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 12:17

lol thats all you can do to a reply like is laugh ......
lol

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 12:26

lets finish this here mike ... and i would like to see you face to face and talk i would love see your reaction on my skin color ..... i feel u r pointing this the worng way and u are so fixed on the habs fans and you hate the franchise that ur not looking at the fact we r black and how can it possibly racsit ....

Ajax Mike
March 13, 2010 / 12:30

I can't say that the act in question was racist. That would imply that I know what is going on in a hockey fan's mind. A murky prospect at best.

However, I can say without reservation that it was one of two things. The first possibility is that it was completely insensitive and done for the shock value, to get noticed. If so, mission accomplished. Douchebags.

However, I'll give the benefit of the doubt to wantthis1488 and assume that it was done "to show support." In this case, the act was simply ignorant. It shows no respect for history. No respect for race relations. No respect for Quebec culture (which continues to deal with discrimination issues). No respect for Canada. Regardless of their intent, they have offended, and owe apologies.

And just to address the idea that "Tropic Thunder makes it ok," no, it doesn't. Watch the movie. Robert Downey Jr. is playing a dude with ISSUES. And the movie addresses that fact. The people he's working with, the media (both within the movie and the real-world media) question the appropriateness of it. Eventually, even the character realizes that he's a little nutty. Not ONCE does the movie ever suggest that "blackface is ok". It's not. To suggest otherwise only shows your own ignorance and insensitivity.

For that matter, so does the idea of "fuck the past". While we are not responsible for the sins of our fathers, that doesn't mean that it's okay to wave those sins in the faces of their victims. Should we just pretend that slavery and segregation never happened? Blackface is a symbol of that era. Would you ever defend waving a swastika sign "in support" of a player? I personally can't imagine any circumstance in which that would be justified. Even the idea of it offends me. Can you?

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 12:39

so you r tellng me to wear a afro is degrading... so your telling me to have a afro in bad ? to be black is bad ?... i dressed up to support not to offend .... racism is action and the point behond that action ... think about that and talk again ajax.... i cant believe you wrote to wear a afro wig.. i have no respect wait not if i wanted a different hair color i have no respect ? again my point is people change there appereance cause they like it.. and again racism is action and thepoint behind that action .... grow up guys ..

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 12:42

i find it disturbing how stupid people can be.... tropic thunder to your point.... so i dont know what u r saying people agree on that i bet you watch that movie and laughed your ass off and found nothing wrong with it... but why cause its movie and the chracter was loony ? what did you say mikeWhen people apply blackface and afro wigs and venture out in public, it's racist. Period. If the intent is not racist, then it's downgraded to merely highly offensive and grossly insensitive.

@wantthis1488, even if you're not white, wearing blackface is highly offensive and grossly insensitive and I find it disturbing that you can't see why. o ok ya true thanks for proving me right

Ajax Mike
March 13, 2010 / 12:47

Read my comment again, wantthis. I specifically said that I didn't *know* if the people in question were racist or not, and I specifically said I would give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it was meant as a "show of support." However, that doesn't change the fact that wearing blackface (regardless of your actual skin color) shows an appalling ignorance of history and racial issues.

As for growing up, how about you learn to communicate like an adult? You know, capitalization, punctuation, grammar? Actual words instead of letters?

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 12:53

bro keep to the subject dont attack me on something else cause u have nothing else to say... and i have no problem with history i know black people HAD problems we have now a black president dude im not saying racism is not out there but i am saying we are now moviing and because your so ignorant and cant get your mind off the past and get off your high horse does not mean i owe anyone a apology ... i can beleive ur telling me to be a grown because i dont write to your standards lol nothing else to say ajax lol if you dont know what lol is because you are sucka grown up it mean laugh out loud

Justin
March 13, 2010 / 12:55

Ahh, I see Ajax Mike has exercised the #1 used tool when in an argument with someone on the internet.

Complaining about their spelling and grammar. Classic.

It makes yourself seem more competent than the other person, yet it has nothing to do with the argument.

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 13:00

thank you justin

Ajax Mike
March 13, 2010 / 13:11

Yeah, I realize it's generally a low blow. I was asked to grow up though. All I ask for in return is clear communication.

The point is, regardless of their intent, their actions have been perceived as racist. And to think that this wouldn't happen is just ignorant, plain and simple. Tropic Thunder was brought up as an example of "well, he did so I can too," which just goes to show the ignorance even further. Tropic Thunder caused controversy. There *were* accusations of it being racist.

The fact that Barack Obama was elected as president also means next to nothing in this debate. It's a great step forward and an encouraging sign. Do you honestly believe that it means that all is forgiven though? That everything is fixed? Can I, as a caucasian, start using the N-word without fear of being labelled racist? Even if I don't *mean* to be racist when I do?

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 13:17

wow man i am done with this forum u r going to be stupid and say that i am saying its ok to use th n word .. then it is no point to talk to you dumb ignorant douchbags thats how you said it.... what i was is that we are moving on and moving foward and u can now be proud .. and u can let go and stop trying to be the publics fan... and i have not even been contacted about this whole slander so i will be getting a hold of my lawyer .... ill see you soon mike

linusik
March 13, 2010 / 13:30

its funny to see how white people blew this out of proportion. White people! People that dont even KNOW the true meaning of racism! When you play hockey (if you do), you dont hear every single time "you're a niger", "there's no place for a niger in hockey" ... spitting in your faces. So do you even HAVE the right to preach about racism to a person that goes though that every single day of his life? And im sorry for using the so called "n" word, but white people dont seem have a problem with that. Yes, they wore wigs and colored their faces when maybe just wearing a shit would be enough. But their point was PRIDE for a colored person to get over all the recism thats out there and they over-did the image just to make their point a little more clearer. They're not just happy and excited about a new player, but also about the fact that he is black!

That Guy
March 13, 2010 / 13:31

Dude, really? You wore blackface? You're going to a lawyer to see about slander when you wore blackface?! Do you typically like losing a few hundred dollars to be laughed at?

We'll all give you the benefit of the doubt: You didn't know it was wrong. But, guess what? It is. So just tuck your tail between your legs and never ever put blackface on again.

Oh Him
March 13, 2010 / 13:32

@linusik: Niger is a country in northern Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger

Ajax Mike
March 13, 2010 / 13:33

To borrow a phrase... LOL

Honestly. Did I say that it was ok to use the n-word? No. I didn't even suggest it was. You suggested that I find blackface offensive because I "can't get my mind off the past," and that "we are now moviing," [sic] whoever "we" are. So if the past is past, and previous symbols of oppression and hatred like blackface are ok, how about the n-word? How about swastikas? I mean, we're good now, right? You know I don't *mean* anything by it...

But no, of course we're not all good now. Those wounds are deep and it's going to take more than just a couple of generations for them to heal. I understand that blackface will be considered offensive to many (probably most), regardless of intent (just ask Ted Danson). Why don't you?

linusik
March 13, 2010 / 13:34

oh him, thats all u got from what ive written?

Roy
March 13, 2010 / 13:38

The logic being used by the black face defenders is hurting my brain.

dale
March 13, 2010 / 13:38

Poor PK Subban a great hockey player. If he reads these comments, what do think his reaction would be? Negative or Positive?
Racism still exists & as generations get older hopefully it will diminish.
Personally this overall situation is somewhat racist & probably those involved didn't realize long term what reprocussions might be.

These guys thought with their heart not their head. TOO BAD.
It's Offensive.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 13:51

Mike, if and when you interview can you ask these guys how high they were and probably still are? That's the only explanation for such terrible judgment and persistent stupidity. I like getting intoxicated as much as anybody but when I am, I know and admit that my judgment might be 'off.'

wantthis1488
March 13, 2010 / 14:05

ill do it again and again sweetheart ... and i dont have to tuck anything between my legs i am proud of what i did.... anyways everyone here is one minded theres no talking to you guys bye and toronto mike you said u were not doing this for promotion or to make yourself popular then stop twittering it and stop promoting it

Justin
March 13, 2010 / 14:44

Reading over these comments again, it's almost laughable how blown out proportion this was.

Matt
March 13, 2010 / 14:58

Though blackface may have a racist past and racist connotations, I don't think these two fans intended to be racist.

chubby
March 13, 2010 / 15:50

As a white guy I was highly offended by the film "White Girls" not by the 'whiteface' but by the shit acting and terrible script.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 16:04

So even though you guys are black, you still put on blackface?

I've harped on the plain stupidity of this move throughout my comments here (over any intention of racism). And I stand by my harping on the condemnable stupidity of yourselves and all Habs fans. You are stupid for what you did and all Habs fans are just stupid for being Habs fans. Even twitterer @theactivestick admits to Mike, "Sometimes Habs fans hate Habs fans, too. :("

metricjulie
March 13, 2010 / 16:10

Oh dear. Oh god. Oh, the humanity.

I am SO sorry, you guys. I, myself, am a Habs fan. I love Subban just as much as anyone and want him to develop in the AHL as long as he can before Montreal calls him up and ruins his career like we have seen happen so often (Latendresse, Price).

But man. Like Roy said, "The logic being used by the black face defenders is hurting my brain."

It hurts my brain too, and it hurts my pride and hurts to show my face as a Hab fan when these things happen.

Not to plug myself or anything, but I have written an entry on my blog called Your Guide To Being A Habs Fan: http://tinyurl.com/yzrm6fc

It's bad enough we are known for booing the US national anthem. I never thought I'd have to go and edit it to add a #6: Be blatantly racist, then defend your actions to the death.

It is so shameful that people are not only doing this, but that others are defending them and saying that they either "didn't know", "didn't mean to be offensive", "were supporting them, hence weren't trying to trash him so it makes it better", etc. Shame on all of you.

It is embarrassing enough to be a Habs fan without the people of Montreal looking like complete racists and senseless morons.

So for everyone on this thread who either wore blackface, defended blackface or was not completely appalled by blackface, I apologize. I apologize to the world for subjecting you to such blatant ignorance, insensitivity and hatred. And don't give me the "oh but they love Subban and were supporting him." DUDES PAINTED THEIR FACE BLACK. That is some aggressive perpetuation of racism. So don't even. Don't even.

Mike, you said "But thank you for validating my life-long hatred of Habs fans. Really... that's the fire you've truly fuelled here today."

and I don't blame you. I just hope that like me, you believe that 92% of the population ANYWHERE is stupid, and that somewhere in the shallows of Montreal are the 8% who are opposed to their behavior and are truly embarrassed and saddened that in TWENTY-TEN these events are still happening.

Because we exist, and we are so sorry for what happened.

Couery
March 13, 2010 / 16:24

I would be so embarassed if I were a habs fan. Yikes.

Shutdown
March 13, 2010 / 16:31

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/photos/assets_c/2009/11/hawksblackface-thumb-580xauto-28547.jpg

Patrick Kane didn't get this much heat.

James
March 13, 2010 / 16:40

Well, as was written before, due to the history of 'Black Face' routines, a white man dressing up as a black man is always going to be borderline offensive at the best of times.

As was mentioned, Tropic Thunder got away with it because it was satirical and clever. Someone mentioned that they dressed up as Cito Gaston as a child. I think that would be OK for most people too, because it's clearly innocent.

But here you have two twenty something hockey fans, drinking beer, proudly wearing Afros and smearing shoe polish on their faces. Uh, sorry, I fail to see how that isn't A) unbelievably offensive and B) unbelievably stupid.

What makes it particularly offensive is that it looks like an offensive caricature. It would be like supporting a Jewish player by going to a game with big fake noses on.

On another note - xmod and wantthis1488 have got to be the same guy. The write the exact same way. Also, how sure are you that 'wantthis' is really the guy in the picture? The comments from xmod and wantthis seem like the ramblings of a silly 14 year old kid to me.

metricjulie
March 13, 2010 / 16:45

Well, James, only someone incredibly stupid would WEAR blackface and an afro wig, so it HAS to be the same guy.

James
March 13, 2010 / 17:01

Oh, OK.

Well, I guess it does make sense that the kind of guy who goes to a hockey game in blackface writes like that..

Bobby
March 13, 2010 / 17:01

Unbelievable. Imagine doing this at any NBA or NFL game. Your ass would be kicked before you entered the arena.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 17:02

Or, James....

It would be like people coming to cheer on Nazem Kadri's debut wearing mock turbans as a show of support for him as a Muslim.

E
March 13, 2010 / 17:07

It's obvious some people are offended and some aren't. But...has anyone asked Subban how he feels? Isn't that really the only one who's opinion matters in this case? It doesn't matter what the intentions are of the people doing it, or what the media thinks...

James
March 13, 2010 / 17:11

Yeah, exactly, Jim.

Just looked at the Patrick Kane photo. It's kind of tasteless, but it seems innocent. It just seems like he's dressing up as Dennis Rodman. I can definitely see how some would be offended, but it doesn't seem malicious.

On the other hand, the two guys at the Habs game look straight out of an Al Jolson routine. They don't look like the actual player.

Jim
March 13, 2010 / 17:15

Let me just say to metricjulie: Thank you. I am married to a Habs fan and I have great friends who are Habs fans so I must admit that Habs fans are not 100% complete idiots. Your comments here show that there are reasonable, intelligent people who cheer for the Habs.

Tee
March 13, 2010 / 17:15

This reminds me of the South Park episode where the kids are defending a flag because they just saw a person being hanged rather than a black person being hanged. Or Clerks 2 when Randal says "Porch Monkey."

It seems to me that as we move to a post-racialist society, symbols that had a racist past will no longer have the same meaning.

This is why its important to look at the context of an action/symbol, rather than jumping to conclusions.

James
March 13, 2010 / 17:15

Oh man.

Fred Patterson chimed in:

www.freddiep.ca

I don't want to be a jerk, but sometimes I read his comments and I can't believe I used to love listening to this guy everyday for ten years. Either I've changed a lot or he has.

James
March 13, 2010 / 17:18

That's a good point about South Park, Tee.

But that episode was about ten year old kids not realizing a symbol was racist.

This is two twenty five year old dudes at a hockey game, probably knowing they'd be put on TV. Doesn't really feel as innocent.

brad
March 13, 2010 / 17:19

r people really justifying this action?

what year is this?

how long was I asleep?

wow

Justin
March 13, 2010 / 17:28

"I'd like to see RDS apologize for giving these guys this exposure.:

Oh come on Mike. That's ridiculous. These two fans may have been stupid, but they were just trying to be humorous. You're taking this way to seriously.

kidkawartha
March 13, 2010 / 17:35

Outside of the obvious spectacular ignorance at trying to defend "blackface", this is the clincher for me-

1."it is no point to talk to you dumb ignorant douchbags"

2. "and i have not even been contacted about this whole slander so i will be getting a hold of my lawyer"

The stupid is so thick you can cut it with a knife.
It is truly amazing just how many forms of racism have become "no big deal" or "it was only a joke" since Obama was elected.

TO Jeff
March 13, 2010 / 17:48

Wow... Guess I shouldn't be surprised to see this from the fans that boo other national anthems, or make inappropriate noises during the moment of silence on Remembrance Day.

Yeah, whose with me wearing turbans to Nazem Kadri's next Leafs game? (Especially since turbans aren't a Muslim thing). In Boston, they can go to games wearing long brown coats and matching hats, with signs that say 'SturmTrooper' because xmod thinks we should forget the past.

lisa
March 13, 2010 / 17:52

HATE is a strong word. Montreal is a class act city. GO HABS GO!

Freddie P.
March 13, 2010 / 18:05

Hey James.. explain yourself.. am I not entitled to an opinion?

Talk about self righteous. I question your comprehension skills.

Did you actually read what I wrote?

PS.. thanks for listening all those years.

Bloge Salming
March 13, 2010 / 18:06

Hey...why don't you guys burn a cross at centre ice next game? That's not racist at all!
Aparently it wouldn't be if everyone wanted to get their picture taken with it.

This is a fucking joke right???

Chacho
March 13, 2010 / 18:09

I've been a Habs fan for over 20years and I have never been more ashamed or embarrassed as I was when these two idiots got flashed on my TV,,,,those two are just sad and pathetic

elvis
March 13, 2010 / 18:32

WOW. Too bad I missed this one. I would have loved to have been part of the big party here.

What they did was wrong.

James
March 13, 2010 / 18:41

Hey Freddie

Yeah, you're right. I did come across as a bit self righteous. You are certainly entitled to your opinion on this.

I've just found I really disagree with your politics. And that particular post! You can't answer if this is in bad taste? Really? But you are offended by a commercial where a woman humorously bodychecks a man?

But, on another note - I do miss ya on the radio! Humble and Fred was an amazing show. Hope to hear you somewhere again - as long as it's not Fox News :)

MIssissaugaBlogger.com
March 13, 2010 / 18:46

Don't know what to say about this tasteless display of so called support for a hockey player.

I would like to see these fellows show in their offensive make-up at the Canadiens game when they play the Rangers Tuesday evening in New York.

They would be taken care of very quickly.

Two boneheads don't represent a whole province.

Ted Danson
March 13, 2010 / 19:54

Nobody gets this.....

whatever
March 13, 2010 / 22:00

Are you all 10 years old? Sheesh, go find a real purpose in life?

Anonymous
March 14, 2010 / 10:32

lol! Only in anal-retentive Toronto would this non-story get any traction.

What's the matter Mike? 43 years of abject failure finally getting to you? Are your butt-cheeks so firmly clenched that the oxygen supply to brain is being cut off?

Now go and be a good leaf fan and sit quietly in your seat.

Get a life!

Alison
March 14, 2010 / 11:28

Mike, I'm late to the discussion.....you couldn't be more right...blackface is always offensive and that people don't understand that is just sad beyond my comprehension.

McNulty
March 14, 2010 / 12:15

I am very confused.

Someone thinks this was okay? And they think that Mike is trying to make a name for himself by thinking this is offensive?

There is no logic here. None.

It was offensive. Even if it wasn't meant to do any harm. It is offensive and it isn't the media making a story out of nothing.

It is ignorance like this that allows racism to exist.

What a day to miss.

Down Goes Brown
March 14, 2010 / 12:30

Side question for everyone claiming this is some sort of Toronto/Leaf fan conspiracy... You do realize this was on the front page of Deadspin, right? Probably the biggest sports site in the world?

Their comment: "... let's not dismiss backwards racist fans as a purely European product; we've got similar problems in our own backyard."

That post was probably seen by hundred of thousands, if not millions of sports fans. And there was virtually no support in the comments there.

Image-wise, you guys have a lot bigger problems than Toronto Mike right now.

P.K. Subban
March 14, 2010 / 15:02

You're all insane and stop this nonsense. If those two Hab fans had any brains they would know that my afro is shorter.

Il Duce
March 14, 2010 / 15:08

I don't get what the big deal is with those 2 fans... but then again I'm colour blind. The only funny thing here is actually 'being a Hab fan'.

CoolJ90
March 14, 2010 / 15:36

I think xmod is Jimmy Fallon, since he either "lmao"s or "lmfao"s at everything.

xmod - "No, its more the fact that my friend is going through hell right now cuz of stupid sites like this that dont get what they where doing. they were showing SUPPORT for the guy. the name subbanator is actually going around already, and fans LOVED what they did at the game."

My favourite part of this is that he implies that they either came up with the Subbinator moniker, or are the reason it's popular. Not because of junior hockey or the World Juniors, no because of idiots in blackface. He's a regular Einstein.

xmod - "Look, im a reasonable person, and this is NOT what it was. and people like you and this site that dwell on PAST events actually PREVENT the evolution of mankind. its freakin 2010 and time to move forward and upward."

Yeah, let's start making jokes about slavery too since that's in the past.

xmod - "its only racist if you believe it is."

So if I go around shouting the N-word at black people, it's not racist if I don't think or mean it to be racist? Really? That's your argument?

xmod - "I am one that believes that history should be left in the past and we should be able to move on. If we dwell on the past like that, we wouldn't be able to do nothin! think about it."

So I guess he's never heard the saying those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it.

I think it's clear that the Habs fans that are on the lower end of the intelligence scale are far too vocal. If I saw someone dressed like that at the ACC, I would be willing to dump my $10 beer on them and ask security to remove them from the building; though dumping my beer would probably get me tossed out too, but it would be worth it.

Tricolore
March 14, 2010 / 17:22

There are a few things I'd like to say.

1. As much as I don't believe the intent is racist and I do believe they are showing support, I do find it controversial. However, do we have Subban's opinion on this, no. I'm pretty sure if Subban was offended by those 2 fans, they'd apologize and learn their lesson.

2. Why is it that all leafs fans say that habs fans are ignorant and arrogant and you get my point? Every team has their jerks when it comes to players or fans. People need to realize that.

And I can bet you anything that some of those leafs fans who bash the habs fans for wearing a blackface are hypocrites that insult french people. Those people shouldn't even talk.

3. You guys say that's wrong but what about Micheal Jacksons turning white or for that matter, white and black people playing for the Washington redskins which the name redskins refer to the american natives. And I'm pretty sure their fans may dress up as natives or have their faces painted and etc. I don't see people making a big deal out of that.

Ajax Mike
March 14, 2010 / 17:36

1. They should apologize and learn their lesson period. Judging by the comments made by one of the participants here, I doubt any sincere apologies would be made even if Subban was offended.

2. I don't recall seeing anyone here insulting Quebecuers as a whole. I'd disagree with them as well. However there isn't the history of discrimination, of being treated as something less than human, that is being invoked in that case. It's wrong, but the blackface defenders are much wronger (if that's a word).

3. Uhm, hate to break it to you, but a big deal HAS been made out of team names and mascots being insulting to native americans, with varying results. See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Mascot_Controversy

matt
March 14, 2010 / 20:52

wantthis1488 is defending the guys in the picture.

go figure. a guy with 1488 in his name doesn't think this is a problem. The 14 words and 88 is Heil Hitler.

what a retard.

Tricolore
March 14, 2010 / 21:10

I'm not a black face defender and I do find it controversial because of what it is and because of the trouble it can cause.

It has no intention of racism whatsoever however. The intent was to support P.K (a little overboard I will agree though).

And BTW, I was talking about Redskins fans painting their faces in native color or dressing as natives. Not Mascots. I'm pretty sure there have been a few of them who have done that.

Oh, and we seemed to have accepted Micheal Jackson as a white guy until his alleged child molestation scam. What, he never got ripped for being white?

Ajax Mike
March 14, 2010 / 21:31

The context is a little different. Fans will wear headdresses or warpaint to support the team, because the team's name and/or mascot is native-american themed. In this case, the "fans" were "supporting" just one player, using a well-known racial stereotype that is always controversial. Not to mention that the player in question, based on the pictures I found via Google Images, doesn't even wear an afro. So what exactly were the point of the wigs again?

As for Michael Jackson being white, the official explanation is a skin condition. I seem to recall a number of "leaders" of the black communinity expressing their disappointment in him for "turning white," so no, it did not go without notice. It also had nothing to do with him either a) being ashamed of his heritage or b) mocking caucasians, as far as we know.

Junior
March 14, 2010 / 21:38

There is no debate about this. What these guys did was wrong, and they owe LOTS of people an apology: Subban, black people in general, the Montreal Canadiens and their fans, people who enjoy living in a world that isn't populated by ignorant and hateful idiots.

Wow. Just wow. Good for you, Mike, for refusing to back down on this crap.

Argie
March 14, 2010 / 21:51

I hate how so many people today are politically correct and often too afraid to offend.

Having said that, it was a stupid stunt by these two knobs. Did they think it was funny? If they did, they're both stupid and lack any sense of comedy. I wouldn't call them racists but they clearly are dumb and more importantly not funny.

If you want to run the risk of offending an entire race, at least be funny about it. Is that too much to ask?

furcifer
March 15, 2010 / 02:30

Following xmod's logic of forgetting the past we might as well argue that the swastika was a really useful symbol lets bring that back.

I don't see how these two douchebags and their friend don't see how what they did was in poor taste. I'm not a stickler for political correctness, far from it, but there is something to be said of having historical awareness. It is the same reason that certain terms are offensive to certain racess. The words themselves may have no inherant offensive meaning but are offensive based on the historical context, as it is with "blackface". The fact that these douchebags can't see that is sad.

Ty
March 15, 2010 / 14:53

i've just read this entire thread. i dont understand how anyone can find this not offencive. this is one of the most racist things someone can do. xmod is an idiot. "forget about the past" he says. i've never heard a more ignorant statement in my whole life. complete tool.

wantthis1488
March 15, 2010 / 21:08

hey toronto mike ... im sure you know who i am ... i want to say i have read about blackface and all the history behind it ... and i want to say i am sorry for saying that wearing blackface is right... i want to say i did not mean to be racist i had no bad intent at all ..... all i want to show support i am sorry to whoever i offened ... im sorry PK i hope you are not mad ...

metricjulie
March 15, 2010 / 21:13

Is this real life?

Justin
March 15, 2010 / 21:20

Wow, an apology. That's something I didn't expect.

wantthis1488
March 15, 2010 / 21:23

wow im getting bashed for that too?????

metricjulie
March 15, 2010 / 21:24

wantthis1488: no bashing; I think everyone is just surprised.

wantthis1488
March 15, 2010 / 21:25

i could understand that.. i want everyone to know im not a racist i just plain didnt know and it was lack of education sorry everyone

mary
March 15, 2010 / 22:46

awww that was so nice of you guy, and thanks to toronto mike and the others for taking this up. i originally saw this on twitter while the game was going on and i checked the internets after the game and saw the deadspin post, but the whole thing made me really sad because this isn't the first time habs fans or pk supporters have worn blackface and an afro to support him. i'm sure he's probably been through all that stuff at least once in his life despite his family being really supportive and telling him to be focused and all that, but it just made me really sad to think that this is one of the only ways you two guys could think of to show your support. and the thing is it's not even original or funny. the name was cool you know but the rest was a little on/over the line. i emailed mike about it but he had already picked it up here and i've been reading all the comments around here and also the rest of the blogs, and it just made me think there's a lot of white people posting about this but i don't see the black people saying anything about it much. i think everyone should be proud that the nhl is diversifying and that these guys have all worked very very hard to make it on the team and they really don't need things like this from fans/supporters that are discouraging. i didn't want to say anything because i am black and i'm just used to that kind of behaviour/ignorance and i chose to bury this because i had tried to defend these guys acts to my friends and although i really did try to say there wasn't anything wrong with what they did because they might not know what they did or the meaning of it, but it really did feel wrong, so thank you wantthis1488 for that comment, because it just shows that you learned and opened your mind. we don't all have to agree or be the best of friends (habs and leafs fans can unite in our hate of the sens), but i do think we have to/should be respectful of the other, and what was done was not respectful. by the way pk subban is a good player and he's going to get better all the time. i saw him give up the puck on the blue line and the kid skated back to his position and covered the player who was rushing the net really well by taking the body and driving the player wide of the net. pretty smart play. he's made a lot of smart plays. you guys are lucky you have young players and that your farm team isn't broken.

elvis
March 16, 2010 / 05:53

Wow wow wow

DROCKCITY
March 16, 2010 / 16:08

I don't get what was offensive about that? I don't get it. It just seemed like a whole lot of support for Subban and that is all.

It appears that you people are like sheep and follow whatever the media says. They were wearing afro's and painted their face black to look like a black person which is what subban is.

I didn't hear anyone complain when fans wore an orange afro in Calgary in support of Commodore.

This whole controversy is beyond ridiculous and just plain stupid.

Melle
March 27, 2010 / 20:01

This is very racist. Just like the movie "White Chicks" was very racist too. What makes this racist and stupid is that P.K. Subban looks NOTHING like these dumbass Canadiens. Have you ever seen any black person that was actually black? The paint isn't even a deep mahogany or rich brown. It's literally black. Subban's hair isn't even long let alone in the form of an afro. Their perception of the person they are supporting is misconstrued. The should have just dressed up as clowns and the jersey.

Sometimes I think white people see the world through broken glasses. They are confused and perceive things in a very odd way. You see, some people really do not understand racism until they are discriminated against and treated like crap in other places of the World. Then they understand what it feels like when dumbasses pull a stunt like this.

Contexts
March 27, 2010 / 22:35

I came here from http://contexts.org/socimages/2010/03/27/guest-post-media-race-web-2-0/ & I liked this quote:

This was one of those rare moments where Web 2.0 seemed to actually foster a dialogue and didn’t degenerate into a protracted flame war.

Well done.

Kevin Smith
April 18, 2010 / 17:50

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Subban+gets+better/2919945/story.html

[quote]
P.K. Subban was sitting in a bar watching a Montreal Canadiens game in early March when an image flashed on the screen that shocked him.

A pair of fans at the Bell Centre had painted their faces black, put on Afro wigs and were wearing shirts with the word Subbanator on them. The homage to Subban, Montreal's second-round selection (43rd overall) in the 2007 NHL draft, was viewed in some circles as immature and even racist.

"I thought it was hilarious," Subban said. "I called my dad right away and I said, 'Dad, you got to see this.' To be honest with you I thought it was funny. Those are fans who support me and want to see me there. I didn't see any problem with it."
[/quote]

Billie Bob
April 27, 2010 / 10:22

I know PK and he's not black. You folks are just plain wrong on the black folk stuff.

PK or the Subbanator, or Subster is alright.

He don't like them chitlin's neither.

Louis9391
July 14, 2010 / 03:48

Hey i just want to say that blackface is a very normal thing and it is quite also very funny!! It's not racist thats like saying that when i eat oreos I'm racist because im not black! You are obviously just ignornant. And mike u are a big douche

joie
July 25, 2010 / 21:40

Some people are just so uptight!

Habsfan83
August 23, 2010 / 11:56

Think outside the box. Intentions matter more than prejudice, those two fans had good intentions and while they might have been a bit ignorant to "cheer" for Subban by going blackface, it was still done in a harmless, racism-free way.

But because there has been racist acts using white actors in blackface (and people offended by it), anyone who dares paint their face black automatically "becomes" a racist, no matter what the person behind the paint actually believes in...

If anything, that type of close minded judgemental BS is even more racist than two drunken guys going blackface, but all you "holier-than-thou" people are too stuck up to even consider that.

Have fun hating people for hating people they don't actually hate... Wait, who's hating here? Certainly not the blackfaced guys...

"Blackface, has a racist history, and when white people paint their faces black, it is always racist."

...even on Halloween? I rest my case. Besides, the poster of this article admits to hating Habs fans... All of them... Isn't that a bit much? I root for the Habs, but I don't hate other team's fans, or at least, not ALL of them.

Unlike some others, I am open-minded and intelligent enough to evaluate people and situations individually, based on context and other variables that prevent me from generalizing as much as the guy who felt the need to cry about blackfaced fans being intolerant in the same article he admits to hating over a million people only because they root for a team he doesn't like. Way to go champ, you can teach us so much...

What's next?

P.S.: English is obviously not my first language, so pardon the mistakes.

ALSOaHabsFan
October 29, 2010 / 22:52

I'm a huge Habs fan and an even bigger Subban fan. Sorry, xmod and everyone else on his side, but this is racist. There is no way it can be spun otherwise. Blackface has a historical significance that's reminescent of a brutal past. A past so brutal that saying "fuck the past" will have no effect. This is why black people can rightly dress in Whiteface (if you will).

As for Tropic Thunder, that was indeed Blackface. But the difference is that the makeup was made so he actually did look like a black person, and not a racist, inaccurate caricature of one to provoke a humiliation of an entire race.

These guys are in the wrong. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

ALSOaHabsFan
October 29, 2010 / 22:59

...and @KevinSmith could you post an updated link to that Gazette article? Your link leads nowhere and I've looked everywhere for that quote and story and haven't found anything. Only a mention from someone that the Gazette hasn't even addressed at all yet, but maybe that's dated.

Steve F
November 20, 2010 / 13:44

How is this racist? When did portraying someone who IS BLACk as black become racist? Who fucking cares. Is calling Saku Koivu the Finnish Flash racist too!? HE IS FINNISH!!

You guys are fucking retarded, and Subaan is my homeboy.

Habs
December 8, 2010 / 17:47

How is that offensive in any way? Showing support for the player.... Come on. Remove the broom from your uptight A##...

bling
December 9, 2010 / 00:28

heres the thing; TO Mike et al are perfect examples of what white guilt brainwashing over 35 years will do..this is a joke. we should be able to laugh at each other. Obviously TO Mike you havent soent too much time around black folk.

As a biracial person I can tell you black people dont buy this white pc nonsense and were always taking shots at each other based on racial/ ethnic differences.. give our head a shake bro!

Ballz
December 10, 2010 / 13:49

I can't believe how closed minded some people are.

Did anybody look at that picture of Pat Kane? He dressed as Rodman (I think) for halloween. Is that racist and offensive? No. He is showing love for a former Chicago Bulls players.

2 fans showing their love for Subban, how can that be construed as racist? Their shirts said Subbanator, obviously inferring something positive about the man.

I guarantee Subban loved it. Now if he can get beyond it, why can't the rest of you?

Howie Douin
September 18, 2011 / 02:11

Anyone who thinks this is not racist or a big slap in the face, wear that stupid get-up to a Raptors game.

Haitian from montreal
January 29, 2012 / 22:20

So, I'm born at montreal, I'm black and before researches I did'nt undertand why it was racist. Before, I just saw two clowns that like P.K. like me. And It's clearly for one reason;
'The Black and White Minstrel Show'. This silly racist show never pass through the linguistic barrier and it isn't a french cultural reference. Just check on wikipedia about this show. The only reference is in english. Please, judge an other nation with our references without know their own, it's racist. So give me the Raptors t-shirt. I will wear the blackface make up and the afro wig. I will also had a blue round nose just to be sure that people understand that i'm disguised in daltonian clown. It's not a big deal for Raptors tickets.

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