CEO Compares Michelle Obama to a Chimp in "Political Humor" Email

The CEO of Tennessee's Hospitality Association, Walt Baker, has joined the club of high-ranking public figures to hurl racial slurs at members of the first family. Hip Hop Wired has the full story:

It was reported by the Tennessean of Nashville that CEO Walt Baker's e-mail compared Obama to the sidekick of character Tarzan, Cheeta. The message features a picture of the first lady caught off guard with her lips pursed, accompanied by a chimp that has a similar expression on its face.

Since news broke, Baker has apologized for his actions.

How many of these figures would be up here apologizing if they weren't caught? There's no point in saying sorry for something that had its full intentions when the idea first came to mind.

On Saturday, he stated, through e-mail to Nashville Metro Council, that the message was not meant to be looked at as being something malicious, but was only trying to provide some type of "political humor."

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Michelle Obama: Her New Look

First Lady Michelle Obama has transformed before our eyes into the epitome of stately female elegance. Here we see her during the early days of her husband's presidential campaign, wearing the boxy business suit uniform of the professional working mother.

Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images

BlackVoices.com

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

Completely comfortable in her own skin, First Lady Michelle Obama takes an ultra-casual stroll in June 2009 with First Dog, Bo. However, her usual style is far more glam. See how it has evolved over the years...

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

Michelle and Barack Obama were married in 1992. The youthful couple, dressed in elegant finery, share a style that is simple and sweet. The new Mrs. O's gown displayed her shapely shoulders, one of the many attractive features of her slim, tall build.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

Michelle and Barack got glam to attend the 36th NAACP Image Awards in 2005. This soft, floral look was a departure for Michelle at the time. She was most-often photographed wearing very structured, dark professional attire. This look was a harbinger of changes to come.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

For a casual look, Michelle Obama most often stuck to neutral tones, minimal make-up and simple hair swept back from her face. These style choices would soon give way to her new fashion approach.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

During the middle of 2008, we were introduced to the softer side of Michelle. The dark clothes that she wore as a lawyer and university administrator disappeared. Michelle's style evolved to include bright colors that showed off her feminine shape. At a May 2008 rally in Iowa, her pear green suit by Moschino was a refreshing departure for her. Read all about this fabulous suit on the Mrs. O Blog!

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

At a June 2008 campaign stop in Minnesota, Michelle wore a purple sheath dress by Chicago designer Maria Pinto. This dress was one of the first looks that stunned fashion lovers. Mrs. O perfected this simple look with pearls, a favorite staple.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

Michelle's second fashion hit occurred when she appeared on 'The View' in June of 2008. She wore this simple sun dress from White House/Black Market, which retails for $148. The dress quickly sold out. The pin on her shoulder was an embellishment of Michelle's own. Brooches, pins and pearls are all important aspects of Mrs. O's classic presentation.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

As First Lady, Michelle Obama has stated that one of her initiatives will be supporting military families. While in town to meet with military families in August 2008, Michelle wore this sweater-based ensemble to cheer on local children. As you can see, ornamentation around the neckline is another hallmark of Michelle's style.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

For a Springfield, Illinois campaign stop, Michelle wore this very splashy print dress by Moschino. The full shirt of this belted dress is a silhouette reminiscent of the '50s, an era of the idealized homemaker. In addition to wearing more bold prints, Michelle's new look includes softer hair, often left loose, and bangs.

Michelle Obama: Her New Look

In his apology, Baker stated: "As I forwarded it, I did not think or consider its implications, other than that it was political humor. I am saddened that anyone misinterpreted the sentiments behind the email." Newsflash to all those who don't know -- comparing black people to animals, particularly monkeys, has a long and horribly painful history in the United States and it remains demeaning and offensive. It is clear that Baker knew what he was doing, and at the moment his desire to get a rise out of his fellow Obama-bashers overtook the cool-headed composure that is required of a CEO. Either that, or he is truly ignorant of social relations in the U.S. Anyone who lacks enough basic social grace to refrain from sending an off-color email should not hold a position of such high authority.

From a business perspective alone (leaving politics and possibly racist beliefs out of the picture), Baker risked his reputation and the esteem of his organization to tell a joke. And the result? The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau has dropped their contract with the marketing firm he helms. Was that worth a "political" laugh among friends?

See the full email here, and leave your comments on Michelle being called a monkey, yet again, below.

via Bossip

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