It may have been written as a rhetorical question, but it still sidestepped the issue.

Here’s another example of how you’re wandering off: “To use your analogy, if an african american child was playing with a monkey doll and someone watching was asked what was on their mind, I doubt they would be comparing the looks of the doll and the child nor would their mind wander to the history of the usage of the word monkey”

Actually, you’ve made my point. In your analogy, you failed to add “a doll with the words “lil monkey” on it’s head”. Following that theme, your explaination of the word “cracker” still fails to attach the word to the subject. Did you wish to address the issue of “YOU” being offended? Lets come back. Again, if “YOU” were offended by another, would it be right for me or anyone to speak for you? You insist on blaming the media. Someone obviously brought this to their attention. You appear to be projecting the problem away from the source. Regardless of the “intent”, the FACT remains that the displaying of such dolls offends some cultures – period. This seems to be a cut and dry issue. You error, when you try to tell someone else what should and shouldn’t bother themWhat is it that you are not understanding.

Furthermore, I disagree with some of your other thoughts as well. I do agree wholeheartedly with teaching your children to be proud of who they are and where they come from, but “..most importantly, teach them that in life they will always come across people who have the mindset of those who produced and named this doll..”, no. How about teaching our children not to automatically assume the worst in people? How about teaching them that yes, in some circumstances, people will have different views of different ethnicities and teach them not to fall prey to that type of judgemental thinking, but also teach them not to be offended by every little tiny detail of life? I think that is the more valuable lesson. Another thing I disagree on is your statement about focusing on the fact that we have a black president. Believe me, I am insanely proud of America for finally looking past a person’s skin color and instead choosing them based on their leadership skills and what they can do for our country. But are we really going to focus on the fact that he’s black for the entire 4, if not 8, years of his presidency? To me, that just means we’re still focusing on color rather than who he actually is.