Eeny Meeny Miny Mo

I grew up catching a 'tiger' by the toe. Of course, when you study origins of anything, you discover that 'tiger' was not the first word used in this rhyme. That's American history, and, there is always more to the story. Our present day penchant for quick and easy, and all too often erroneous, explanations for why things are the way they are, makes for interesting conversation, if you don't mind being called 'racist' and 'bigot.' Without getting too deep here's Brer Rabbit:

That's my hand being paid by a commercial enterprise to sculpt a new

key chain image of Brer Rabbit that already exists but needs to be made in the US and not in Canada.

I had heard the stories of how racist Uncle Remus is and hadn't really looked into it until now. I worked on projects for the Walt Disney Company in the 80's and even whistled and sang "Zipadeedoodah" as a child. I love Splash Mountain at Disneyland. In a world full of hypocrisy, I chuckle that Disney is now ashamed of "Song of the South" the movie.

Funny how most of us live in an instant- information world and don't take the time to really find out what the truth may be. I'll admit I joked a bit about working on Brer Rabbit and that I may be promoting a 'racist' stereotype. Fortunately I did some research. Sadly, we live in a world where, for every truth we tell, someone else can throw cold water on it, stomp it to dust, and 'prove' you are an ignorant so-and-so.

So, I will only say that I believe Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories, compiled and shared folk tales that are iconic, and, although they reflect the culture of the times that today can be controversial to some, should continue to be shared...and studied...and understood. Check it out. Do some research. Here's a start:

http://www.wrensnest.org/everything-youve-heard-about-uncle-remus-is-wrong-part-1/