Rush Limbaugh's "Or-Bam-eo" Slur
August 17, 2011 3:29 pm ET by Todd Gregory
Today on his radio show, Rush Limbaugh described a new Oreo that will have both chocolate and vanilla cream as a "biracial" cookie and said that "it isn't going to be long before it's going to be called the Or-Bam-eo or something like this." Limbaugh later called it the "Or-Bam-eo" himself.
Listen:
LIMBAUGH: Kraft foods is going to launch a new Oreo. You ought to see -- that got Snerdly's attention. It's a Triple Double Oreo. Do you like Oreos, is that?
Well, it -- what it's going to be here, it's actually a biracial cookie. You've got three of the chocolate wafers, and then you've got the white vanilla cream -- the cream -- and then there's a chocolate cream. So you've got, you've got three -- the stuff, the thing that says Oreo on it, the wafer. And then you've got the white cream, then you've got another chocolate wafer, then you've got the chocolate cream, and then you've got the bottom wafer.
The Triple Double Oreo. You wait, it isn't going to be long before it's called the Or-Bam-eo, or something like this. Well, it's a biracial cookie, here. And this story is from the Chicago Tribune, and it's all about Kraft's juicing up its investment in the Oreo in recent years. Legitimate businesses.
Do I know you get Oreos and ice cream? Yeah, I know that. I don't -- I'm not a big ice cream fan, but I know that you can do that. I know that you can -- you know what? What I heard the other day, McDonald's? You know these -- what are they called? Rolos, these caramel things that come in a roll that you get? McDonald's is putting those in their soft ice cream or shakes or whatever. I saw that the other day. Yeah.
In the midst of all this talk of obesity. And, I mean, every time Michelle Obama goes out there and talks about healthful eating, the food industry responds with, "Oh, yeah? Take this." And Kraft comes up with the Or-Bam-eo, the triple double-dipper.
OK, to the phones.
The Chicago Tribune article that Limbaugh was referencing mentions nothing about race, of course, and it certainly doesn't describe it as a "biracial" cookie.
Limbaugh is clearly aware of the use of the word "Oreo" as a racial slur.
In 2005, Limbaugh repeated the dubious allegation that former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele had Oreos thrown at him in 2002 while he was running to be lieutenant governor of Maryland.
Limbaugh was discussing NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb's statement that some criticism of his play was related to race. Limbaugh listed Steele among the "names of people that the NAACP has tried to destroy." From a transcript on Limbaugh's website of his December 15, 2005, show (subscription required):
LIMBAUGH: But Donny, let me tell you something. You know, you think you're a crusader here, pal, and on the football field you may be. But when it comes to forging progress for blacks, let me give you some names of people that the NAACP has tried to destroy.
Does the name Clarence Thomas ring a bell? Have you heard of Clarence Thomas, Mr. McNabb? Have you heard of Condoleezza Rice? Have you seen some of the cartoons that the mainstream press has written about Condoleezza Rice, talking about how she got where she got because she's performed sex acts on George W. Bush, portraying her as nothing more than an Aunt Jemima and accentuated her African-American features to make her look like a step-and-fetch-it idiot? Have you seen any of this, Mr. McNabb? Does the name Michael Steele ring a bell? Michael Steele is a lieutenant governor of Maryland, not far from Pennsylvania. In fact, it borders Pennsylvania. It's not far from Philadelphia. I don't know if you know about this, but he wants to run for the Senate, and the NAACP and the white liberal plantation owners of this country are out trying to destroy Michael Steele. They're throwing Oreo cookies at the guy when he goes out and makes a speech, and they're claiming he's "black on the outside, white on the inside." Does the name Thomas Sowell ring a bell? He's one of the most brilliant economists and writers in this country who is regularly impugned along with any other successful black conservative in this country by no less than the Reverend Jackson and others from the NAACP.
But Cmdr Pill Popper isn't a racist. Noooooooooooo.
Too bad this gas bag is such an a$$hat that the dittoheads cling on to like a Messiah.
Now... let's hear someone on the right try to explain how the Or-Bam-eo comments aren't "really" racist. C'mon, we all know you watch MMFA, let's hear it... how is this not racist?
Racist people always react disrespectfully toward black intelligence. Rush, and people like him, do not want to give Obama the satisfaction of a mature response to anything he has to say, fearing it would validate him as an intellect.
They would rather feed their listeners stereotypical depictions of black people.
This is why they ignore and overlook all the good Obama does.
Rush, and most white folks in the media, WANT TO DEFINE THE PRESIDENT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
This is why, consistently, we get an inaccurate portrayal of black people and Obama in particular.
mmmmm deep fried butter........arrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh....... not.
What a sad case. I always end up feeling sorry for poor, poor Tush!
mmmmmmm, triple stuff oreos.......... thank you nabisco for making me go off my diet......
Calling a black man, a man-child (boy), oreo; or constantly referring to his race in regards to his actions, deeds and positions, makes you a racist.
As long as he is insulting and bigoted he is meeting the expectations of his target audience.
Few people are as comfortable wallowing in the mud as he is.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. Why can't we take a joke right? Because it's just a joke talking about the President using dog whistle racist language.
Maybe he's pulling the media's leg as a joke?
Next, so is President Obama a dangerous black man who wants reparations and black liberation theology, or an Oreo?
Because until now, Limbaugh and his ilk have been pushing the dangerous black liberation theology smear, and the idea behind the slur "Oreo" is a black person who identifies with and emulates white people(whatever that means).
I'm pretty sure the listeners don't care about the inconsistency of the attacks, as long as the dog whistle words are uttered and they can tune in to feel better about themselves for having Obama derangement syndrome.
Poor Rush is nothing more than an a$$hat. Sad thing is that he doesn't even have to work hard at it; it's something that comes naturally.
Then he goes on this diatribe and addresses Mr. McNabb directly on his own show in addition?
What's up with that? Is he blaming the victim of his idiotic remarks for him being fired from his football gig? Carry a grudge much, Rush?
Rush is such a coward. Really, using his show to make statements he wouldn't dare make to someone's face and hiding in his Florida bunker. Yeah, I'd have to have a bunker and do drugs to live with myself too. Well, unless I was a conscienceless bastard like him! There's that...;-0
I also feel obligated to mention that I'm from Baltimore, Maryland, and Michael Steele spoke at a graduation I went to. He is a vapid windbag. I don't dislike him because he "sounds white," I dislike him because he sounds like an idiot.
Rush is the Typhoid Mary of our day, spreading contagion among the dimwitted.
Does this look like a man who will be alive in 10 years?
Oh no! Nabisco is so evil! Wow, what a wuss.
Please treat us all to your very erudite explanation of why this diatribe was not racist. Thanks in advance.
Limbaugh refers to Jesse Jackson as a "chocolate chip."
A photoshop image of Jim Clyburn as the chauffeur in Driving Miss Daisy is posted on Limbaugh's website.
Limbaugh calls Obama a "little boy" and "man child."
Limbaugh says Obama's economic program is all about reparations.
Limbaugh claims the President would not have taken action against Somali pirates had he known they were black Muslims.
Limbaugh claims Obama decided to, ". . .go all in on his black side."
A great deal more can be added to that list, of course. Everything from his frequent playing of "Barrack the Magic Negro," to his comments about black professional athletes, to his idea that Sherrod Brown received favorable treatment in the Ohio Democratic Senate Primary race, "because he is black" (Brown is white).
Oh, and this isn't the first time Limbaugh used a reference to Oreos when talking about Obama.
You started your comment with "this (statement) alone is not racist." Debatable. What certainly is not debatable is that this statement is not alone.
You also said, ". . .it makes the left look bad when they shout 'racism' in a crowded theater." Riddle me this; how do these statements, and so many more, make the fans and sponsors of Limbaugh's program look as they continue to support him, and continue to brush aside his all too ugly, all too hateful, and all too obviously racist and bigoted words?
I stand by the comment not being racist, if we define racism correctly. I do think it is racial and controversial, but Rush has been doing that for years...nothing new...in fact, that's his whole gig. I am familiar with the comments made in the links you provided. Still, I see no racism. What he says can be construed as bigoted and ignorant, yes, and last I checked, having those kinds of views on racial subject matter can be very profitable. I think he does it for attention and publicity....and it's working. Overall, I could care less what him and other talking heads say about this stuff. rush is insignificant to me but I think it's funny to sit back and watch the fireworks.
It doesn't wash, blue; particularly since you opened with, "this (statement) alone is not racist." We now see you willing to acknowledge that he makes bigoted and ignorant statements (and there's nothing to be "construed" about those bigoted and ignorant statements when we so often hear him brag that certain things were intentionally said to "tweak"), but that he has a reasonable reason to do so--attention, publicity, and profit.
Racism for profit. Kind of pathetic, don't you think?
You opened with a specific defense of a specific Limbaugh statement and suggested that this alone wasn't enough to merit calling a foul on him for racism. When shown that this is hardly an isolated incident you acknowledge that we certainly can find plenty of examples of Limbaugh making racially tinged comments, but then seemed to all too willingly dismiss them simply because it's been a long, established part of his already threadbare and growing thinner act. And now, as a capper, you tell us that racism for profit is, indeed, bad, but that you really don't see that going on here--in spite of the fact that you previously said, "I do think it is racial and controversial, but Rush has been doing that for years. . .nothing new. . .in fact, that's his whole gig. I am familiar with the comments made in the links you provided. Still, I see no racism. What he says can be construed as bigoted and ignorant, yes, and last I checked, having those kinds of views on racial subject matter can be very profitable. I think he does it for attention and publicity . . .and it's working."
So, to review, you've argued that those who object to this Oreo statement of Limbaugh's make themselves look bad because we're presumably overreacting. When shown we're not overreacting you tell us to relax, it's part of that act. When offered the opinion that the act is a rather pathetic one, you agree, but still don't see the racism after telling us you did see racism, but it's all good because it's profitable and Rush is winning because he makes a lot of money.
Do tell how I'm putting words in your mouth.
Limbaugh set up this "joke" by saying this new Oreo was going to be a "biracial cookie." From there we were "treated" to his forced pun.
I understand that blue's gimmick on here is to throw a penalty flag any time racism is mentioned, but if he can't recognize the obviousness of this particular racist display, well then, the kindest thing I can say about him is that he's rather dense.
Your text to link here...
Why Is Fox Going To Joe Bastardi For Climate Change Analysis?
They are really mind boggeling.
So it's okay and defensible for talking heads with radio shows to make these kinds of provocative and divisive statements, but it's not okay for bloggers to hold them responsible for their comments and express their disgust?
We hear this lopsided first amendment mutation from right wingers here a lot. I'll repeat here that freedom of speech does not guarantee freedom from criticism of your speech, especially when that speech is carried across the nation on the public airwaves.
I mean, as long as she's entertained, it's okay doakie, double standards notwithstanding.
Hmmn, why is this type of statement/sentiment so popular amongst the RW segment of the populace? They're the same people who are entertained by Anne Coulter and the idiot things that spew from her piehole. I guess they don't think THAT makes THEM look bad?
Vewwy scawwy people, that lot.
My biggest problem with the Limbaugh comment is that after making statements comparing the President to Robert Mugabe and claiming he wants to take land from white people, he goes ahead and compares him to an "Oreo". Clearly showing that his criticisms aren't based on any logical consistency, but instead an attempt to vilify and demonize the President by whatever means necessary.
http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201108040018
Even without the racial overtones, it's a ludicrous statement that speaks to his lack of substantive analysis and further coarsening and cheapening of the political discourse in this country.
Okay, they may just be stoopid. ;-0 Or getting a hate high!
I don't know what's up with that traveller feller. He says stuff so dumb, you have to wonder if he's for real! If I think my heart can stand it, I'll take a look at that link, ha!
Between Limbuaghs long history of racist statements and flat out racism and the racial nature of this remark I dont think it makes the left look bad to call this racism
In other words: Your weak arguments were shot down, and you got nothing else.
or if someone takes a shot at the president and he dies.
we all know rush is gonna dance a jig and demand it be made a national holiday......what are you gonna do?
Now scoot. Lol!
I think you're being a little generous there...middle schoolers are way funnier than Rush!
Well. surprise, surprise, surprise! Another conservative reactionary who gets progressives completely wrong. While most conservative voters are barely self-aware enough to realize that their own intellectual class are manipulative charismatic liars, cheats and thieves of sociopathic proportions; they're equally unaware that this whole conservative narrative of what a progressive is, is merely absurd rhetoric. Progressives are just people. We're not above slinging the pooh right back in the face of a pooh slinger. :) Especially when it comes to a raging bigot like Limbaugh, whom you tacitly defend by ignoring his comments and attacking your false notion of progressives. Well done my little chicken friend!
Seriously? Are Limbaugh's comments about oreos appropriate outside of some antebellum, whites only country club?
What does Rush's little racist joke deserve anything BUT ridicule and scorn? If he happens to say something intelligent, THEN we can intelligently debate him on this website. I won't hold my breath.
Tell the truth. You even disgust yourself dont you?
ok well then....hows this for being intellectual. you are either a gutless coward who doesn't have the stones to stand up against racism when it is right in front of your face.
or your a bigoted racist like rush and applaud such remarks and behavior from him. which is it?
In addition to basing his arguments on false information, he repeatedly exhibits the trademarks of a half-talented(at best) insult comic while holding himself up as a bearer of truth or some sort of font of information. To do this would be merely ridiculous, if not for the growing numbers of truly ignorant, willfully ignorant, and worst of all, informed yet unmoved people who believe it appropriate to defend with violence the politics he dishonestly promotes. In short, they would rather hold a gun up to a liberal's face and force them to eat the fruit of Rush's poisonous tree than to just agree with the liberal that the tree should be cut down since all it does is stink up the garden and make everyone sick.
He cannot sustain his arguments in a contested forum, and has in fact refused to do so more than once when offered the chance. It could be resonably concluded, then, that he's not showing up to these fights because he KNOWS he doesn't stand a chance at looking like anything but a complete idiotic liar next to the likes of the opponents.
The sad fact is, his most hard-core fans would not care if he were materially disproven in front of their faces. The rest of the world has begun to grown up somewhat, to the point that racism (particularly its most toilet-humor-like format, the racial slur) is just beginning to be seen as generally negative in American culture. Most people are highly visual creatures, and he takes advantage of this base and difficult-to-suppress human tendency and plays it along with fear of change and difference to create a hypnotic symphony of the worst elements of conservatism that he can use to lull his pathetic followers into doing pretty much whatever he says.
Subconsciously they know that their outlook is harmful to the species at large, yet they feel the instinctive need to protect their own ways. Therefore, they look so hungrily for someone to validate their warped, neurotic, racist worldview that they would cling to an actual cartoon character if it did these things for them. The real difference between him and an actual caricaturized ignorant bigot cartoon is the fact that a cartoon is drawn and animated. He's flesh and blood, which means he pulls his own strings. The fact that he does what he does makes him morally reprehensible at best, and his most devoted fans no better than the chanting throngs of Nurenburg.
Are you happy now?
Thank you. I'd as soon you post this on every Rush thread if I had MY way. ;-)
Thanks again. :-) Too bad I alone will never crack that dittohead skull forcefield.
They both make up stats and accuse the president of doing something wrong like the unemployment situation.
Hannity says that the president inherited a 5.6% unemployment rate while his counterpart Limbaugh says that the president inherited a 5.7% unemployment ratio. Both are totally false lies.
It's more like 7.5%
That's why I wouldn't and don't listen to them on tv or the radio.
I've said before, if you're going say something imflammatory, at least have the cojones to stand by what you said.
That's the one thing I respect about Ron Paul. I disagree with almost every position he has, but like Jon Stewart said, at least he isn't changing his stance depending on what audience he's in front of and is willing to take responsibility for what he says.
The problem with closet racists like Rush and his defenders (who are sure to make an appearance here sooner or later) is that they know they're in the wrong, hence the lame "media tweak" excuses. I'll have respect for Rush when he has the guts to go to Harlem or the South Bronx and say these things. Otherwise he's just exactly what he comes across as, a bitter, drug addicted racist who longs for the good old days of Jim Crow and segregation when the black man knew his place and knew what the consequences of being uppity were.
Oh, and I decided not to hold my breath waiting for Herman Cain and Allen West to denounce this.
It is 3 "wafers" of baloney with a lard center on the first tier and a manure center on the second tier. All wrapped tidy in a $3 dollar bill.
mmmmmmmm mmmmmmm good!
I can here Fattycakes Limbaugh licking his chubby, bejewled fingers now, slurping and clacking away on the air with his ill fitting dentures.
Hush now, how can this be said? Obama's hero is Ronald Reagan. He suggested and signed the extension of the Bush Tax Cuts. Obama has maintained AND EXPANDED our wars, Obama has maintained the same Banking and Financial Administrators as Bush. Obama has nominated, supported and employeed more Republican Judges than Democratic. This is a very, very core Republican President.
Without the media constantly telling us how liberal he is, we'd soon realized that the joke is on us. Obama is a trojan-horse Republican who gets cover from the media.
I don't think anyone here thinks Obama is some liberal stalwart, so who are you addressing precisely? Rush? ;-0)
Viagra and Oxy sandwiched between two chocolate wafers......the new Bum Rush!!
More likely is that the thread was sort of old, and your question seemed sort of confused and strange on an item about Lispy's race obsession.
I've been visiting this site for a while. A lot of the regulars are, or have been, employers and employees ( I'm one of those) working in a wide range of businesses.
Others may have seen your original post ( as I did) as somebody desperately looking for a job, and probably thought it better to stick with people who were sending resumes, attending interviews, and seeking employment through other, more formal means.
Who will support the Republican Party? Racists, old, senile
“White” men, uneducated idiots, racists trash littering the Country, and a few little flies floating around in butter milk.