You've heard Tony Snow say it, you've heard John McCain say it, but every time it's said, there is always an uproar. And every time there is an uproar, I ask myself, "what is racist about Tar Baby"?
First, let's be clear about the phrase's origin: theUncle Remus stories. This collection of stories, written by Joel Chandler, is nothing more than a collection African-American folklore from the 19th century. As you'll read, it is presented in dialect.
The Brer Rabbit stories are in fact representative of a slave outwitting his master. Brer Fox is the master, and Brer Bear is the overseer. Brer Rabbit is, of course, the slave. Like the old spirituals, all the old Uncle Remus stories are rife with double meaning.
I find something troubling if "Tar Baby" is forever marked in our language as a racist slur rather than a synonym for "a sticky situation". It seems to suggest that no part of African-American culture from the slave period can be enjoyed, as it is inherently tainted. I can't agree with that. It would be a shame of some of the best folk stories were banished from our culture because they were incorrectly deemed racist.
Please, I am interested in your input. Is Tar Baby racist, and if so, why?
Update: Here's a story from Time Magazine on the Tar Baby Here
Update II: Thanks for the feedback gals and guys. It's late and I'm off to bed.