Motorcycle Racing Forum

Motorcycle Racing => Motorcycle Talk => Topic started by: ccsracer26 on July 31, 2006, 12:03:08 PM

Title: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: ccsracer26 on July 31, 2006, 12:03:08 PM
There are many good people working for CCS/Clearchannel that make our passion for racing a possibility every race weekend and in between, and who are competent, pleasant, and good people.  My experiences so far, with the exception of minor frustrations with rules/regs/fees/etc. ( the stuff that most others also bitch about), has been great and I really enjoy the cheerful and nice people that put on each weekend.  I am absolutely not stating, expressly or impliedly, that this is an organic problem or that it is rampant, but I was really disturbed by some comments made to me last weekend at Gingerman by a CCS staff member.

While myself and a fellow racer were making small talk on Friday afternoon to this person, who will remain nameless, I asked if the drive to the track was nice and where he/she was staying.  He/she said they were "stuck" in Benton Harbor, to which I asked if it was close and if it was a nice little lake town like South Haven.  The response given to both myself and my fellow racing friend in the conversation was almost word for word, "NO, its full of god damn f*&king nigg*&!s." 

I am not black, but immigrated here at a young age from Ireland and am very proud to be a US citizen and of what our country represents...freedom of expression but equality among all races, religions, sex, etc.  I would think it fair to say that I hate racists more than racists hate those of a differnt ethnicity and am really shocked by the fact that this type of narrow minded person could be affiliated with CCS/Clearchannel, and more so that they would make such a durogatory statement to someone they barely know.  If this person is so bigoted to say this out loud to two people they barely know, how could this possibly be a personal belief that they do not allow to effect they way they treat others in the course of their job working within CCS? 

I am appauled, outraged and shocked about this comment and am struggling with what, if anything, to about it.  I have once before heard comments similar to this from this person earlier this year and I am wondering if others have had a similar experience from anyone in CCS/Clearchannel?  I doubt anything will change this persons bigoted opinions, but they certainly should have no place in CCS! Should I bring it to the attention of CCS/Clearchannel?

Thoughts, experiences, opinions? Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Super Dave on July 31, 2006, 12:24:52 PM
I guess, the first thing to bring you up to speed on is that Clear Channel Entertainment no longer owns Championship Cup Series.

Second, I don't think an individual's response about something is representative of Championship Cup Series.

Third, well, I wasn't there.  So, it might have been someone joking.  Should you talk to Kevin Elliott?  Might be worth talking to him about the situation. 
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: ccsracer26 on July 31, 2006, 12:32:02 PM
Thanks for the info that Clear Channel doesnt own CCS anymore and for your response. 

As I think I clearly said as a caveat in my post, I am not imputing this to the entire organization. I have had good experiences with mostly everything else.  However, this person was absolutely not joking, I have never heard him joke about anything before,  and he has made other blatantly racist comments once before.   
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: spyderchick on July 31, 2006, 12:33:11 PM
I'd like to say that I'm sorry that you had to hear such nonsense from any official. Most are pleasant and helpful, and have a damn difficult job to do.

What to do about the slurs? Contact Kevin Elliott directly, and tell him that you take offense, and do name the official to him. (I applaud you for keeping it to yourself on this public forum.)

I'm not surprised to hear of people (even in this day and age) who think that hate is a value. However, when we encounter folks who talk like that, we need to act, either by confronting them directly, or handling it in a less direct manner.

Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Jeff on July 31, 2006, 12:42:58 PM
CCS officials are no different from anyone else.  If they do something that doesn't sit well with you, bring it up to the organization.  

There are narrow minded people everywhere and people say some REAL stupid things from time to time (myself included).

I guess I'd tell you to bring it up to Kevin if you're concerned.  Or simply remark back to the individual that you don't appreciate comments like that.  Generally an immediate confrontation will put a person in check.

On a final note, if the only thing you can't tolerate is intolerence, where does that leave you?  It doesn't mean you have to agree with them though...

Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: ccsracer26 on July 31, 2006, 12:59:09 PM
If my only gripe was with the fact that this person held certain beliefs then I would be a hypocrit.  My issue is that this person is acting in an official capacity in his job with CCS when at a race weekend with his CCS shirt and badge.  He should have freedom to hold any belief he has and express it if he likes on his own time....not at work.  I also would suspect, as I said in my post, that someone who doesnt have a problem with blurting out comments like this to people he/she barely knows while on the job, probably wouldnt seperate his prejudices from his work, which would likely affect others who encounter this person.  I posted to see if people had had similar experiences and/or been effected by this (i.e. perceived prejudice against themselves when encoutering this).
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Woofentino Pugrossi on July 31, 2006, 01:19:15 PM
Generally if someone said that directly to me, I would just ask them if their sheet was in the dry cleaners. Usually that will just get a strange look from them when they finally put 2 and 2 together. BUT in this case, a business employee shouldnt be talking to a customer with that language. I had to bite my tongue MANY times when I worked in Madison when I had my customers start blaming Pres Bush/Republicans for every freaking problem that Madison had. Yep its their fault that teh Beltline is backed up betweeen 3:30 and 6pm. :rolleyes:

Email Kevin. Let him know so he can deal with the situation.

Another thing to consider is the age of the offender. The older generations (Baby Boomers) grew up with that speech as normal. Doesnt excuse them using it at all, but you do have to understand thats the way they may have grown up. Janesville is still considered a lilly white town for example. We still have the Klueless Kluck Klowns and the rest of the white supremist morons wandering around the city with their bullshit.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Jeff on July 31, 2006, 03:01:28 PM
Sorry Ryan, I made my post without realizing this was on the job, at the track.  For whatever reason I thought it was a phone conversation.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Super Dave on July 31, 2006, 03:20:31 PM
Quote from: ccsracer26 on July 31, 2006, 12:59:09 PMI posted to see if people had had similar experiences and/or been effected by this (i.e. perceived prejudice against themselves when encoutering this).

I haven't had this experience with anyone at CCS, so I'm curious who it was...not that I'm looking to find out.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: funsizeracing on July 31, 2006, 03:46:46 PM
I've had to deal with one offical's discrimination and then that person sharing those opinion with other racers.  I  was there to hear the official and when I called that person on it they just laughed and seemed quite pleased.  It's not the whole organization.  In fact its just that one official.  It's a shame when everyone else is so great that one person would ruin it.  I guess if I really cared that much I wouldn't be racing.  Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: CCS on July 31, 2006, 03:56:32 PM
Even though we are not affiliated with Clear Channel/Live Nation any longer, we retain the same dim outlook on this kind of behavior.

Neither Nancy nor myself will tolerate this behavior by anyone representing our company, so rest assured this problem will be addressed and corrected or the person will no longer be employed by CCS/ASRA.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: spyderchick on July 31, 2006, 04:02:37 PM
Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Kevin. I've never had any problem with the CCS people I've dealt with, so I'm thinking this is an isolated event.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: ccsracer26 on July 31, 2006, 04:20:55 PM
Yes, Becka, I remember you from Topeka.  You pitted just a few spots down from me and I recall you having some real frustration over your dealings with one of the officials in tech. I recall that you said that a person in tech had made some expressly sexist comments to you and that you were DQ'd from a win because they said your airbox was modified.  You said that it was 100% stock but couldnt find another SV of that year to prove it so they DQ'd you, right? 

Just to clarify, I have said this in previous posts on this thread, I am not implying that this is an organic problem within the organization and I have had almost uniformly a great experience. I just brought this up to see if has been a problem for others or if others have been affected.  If so, it may, or even likely, be from the same person, which would allow it to be dealt with.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: 251am on July 31, 2006, 05:26:17 PM
 Communicate further with Kevin, if you have not already. CCS staff and it's racers are just another cross section of society; racists, thieves, grifters, good folks and bad. Don't let it get you down on the racing. Too many folks walk away from it as the result of a handful of bad apples.

  How'd you like the thunderstorms on Sunday?!  :ahhh:
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Jeff on July 31, 2006, 10:32:35 PM
Quote from: 251am on July 31, 2006, 05:26:17 PM
How'd you like the thunderstorms on Sunday?!  :ahhh:

Loved 'em just sad to see them go so quickly...
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: HAWK on August 01, 2006, 04:21:43 AM
Quote from: 251am on July 31, 2006, 05:26:17 PM
  How'd you like the thunderstorms on Sunday?!  :ahhh:

Race 1, looked like we would be ok when we got last call but by lap 2 turn 11 looked like the end of the world was near and by lap 4 I was riding with a fogging smoke visor and seeing a debris flag in 11 on slicks. Talk about survival mode!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: funsizeracing on August 01, 2006, 08:22:30 AM
I can get over a DQ, we're all adults and I'm just having fun out there anyway.  The only thing that really disapointed me was that an offfical would act like that.  O well, I'm over it.  I just want to continue having fun with CCS.  I really do think that it is an isolated incident with just one official.  Like I said before everyone else is great!.  Last year I did my first two races, I was totally clueless and everyone was so helpful and understanding.  I've never had any other problems.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: ccsracer26 on August 01, 2006, 08:32:07 AM
Thanks for the feedback.  So far I know of one other person that has had similar issues of this sort with the same person.  Anyone else?  

Also I agree with Becka that this is an isolated issue.  The racing family feel is definitely present within CCS and I  have had a great expereince so far and had a ton of really nice people help me with all kinds of things.  I am too thankful to be a part of this organization and hope to be able to give back the same way other more seasoned race folks have to me.   However, there may be several others that have had issues with this person, which would be good for Kevin to know about now, while he is considering these problems. 

As for the storms, yeah, they were no fun.  Buttoning down everything, then un-buttoning down everything to scramble getting rains on was no fun in the unbearable heat!  Gingerman in October actually was sounding kinda nice over the weekend :).
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: TommyG on August 01, 2006, 09:12:17 AM
Quote from: Hawk on August 01, 2006, 04:21:43 AM
Race 1, looked like we would be ok when we got last call but by lap 2 turn 11 looked like the end of the world was near and by lap 4 I was riding with a fogging smoke visor and seeing a debris flag in 11 on slicks. Talk about survival mode!
The stupid thing about that debris flag is that it was for a tear off on the front straight!! Mine!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: HAWK on August 01, 2006, 11:49:09 AM
Quote from: TommyG on August 01, 2006, 09:12:17 AM
The stupid thing about that debris flag is that it was for a tear off on the front straight!! Mine!

Well that explains why it was not folded diagonally, being on slicks and having limited visibility I just chickened out and backed off and finished in one piece. That was some front though.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: b dizzle on August 01, 2006, 10:28:32 PM
Hey, at least race 1 was better than race 2. The first hot lap was fine, and the first start was ok.  It was turn 1 that screwed everything up.  An EX on a yellow bike (I couldn't tell what kind through all the dust) took out Opie's teammate on the Police squad.  Looked like a pack job going into 1.  By the time I got to turn 4 it was red flagged.  Exit track, spend 10 min. just chilling in the hot pit.  2nd hot lap...again red flagged due to the increasing volume of rain falling = back to the pits we go...just in time to see my canopy taking flight.  After 15 or so minutes of watching the infield fill up w/rain, I head back out for a hot lap on 208GP's.  Yep, DOT tires.  No rains yet, the budget is kinda tight.  When I get to pit lane, there are only 10 bikes total out of an original 30 or so.  3 AM's including myself, the rest are experts...and all are wearing rain tires.  After hot lap #3 I decided enough was enough, and exit stage left. Oh, and because of all the red flags, we didn't clock an official lap during that entire 45 minutes...this here pretty much sums up how I felt =>   :banghead:
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: catman on August 02, 2006, 08:06:13 AM
This (original) topic hits home forme-my daughter recently went to her Rutgers college tennis coach to make him aware of some statements made by one of the parents about an afro -am player on the team that showed( still to this day) a bigoted stance by (they were) adult aged folk.The afro am girl plays the #1 spot on the team and the other girl's parents couldnt accept that their girl wasnt playing the #1 spot -the remarks were made w/only my daughter nearby but she was bothered by it so she felt it necessary to go to captain and then the coach- i feel sorry a lil for the girl whos parents were so little about this,she now pays the price daily because she has 2 more years on the team before graduation- i am so proud my daughter took the route she did.Its not all about generalizing,people should be rated (if necessary)on their own character-Have a nice day,my grass should be a nice brown in color appearance by the end of today its over 100 degrees again in the NY NJarea- this should cut down the need for lawn maintenance greatly-nothing left to cut! CHEERS :cheers:John in NJ
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: weggieman on August 15, 2006, 09:44:04 PM
what's this baby boomer crap about growing up with that? like it's not still around every day now and nobody is growing up with it any more? wake up..........

I'm not saying it's right or wrong, it's a personal opinion and choice of the individual to talk like that and hold those beliefs but damn man....blame it on being a baby boomer??? that's stupid.

by the way, yes, I am a boomer...........
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: K3 Chris Onwiler on August 15, 2006, 10:35:16 PM
If I were to start worrying about what skin color my friends have, I'd have to give up about half my friends.
That said, racism is all around us.  I find myself genuinely challanged by it on an almost daily basis.  I mean, you hear the racial slurs all day, and most often as fond compliments from one member of a minority group to another!  Then there is TV, not to mention movies and music.  Worst for me is the raging racism of my coworkers.  They will go so far as to ask me, "Did you and your ------ buddy go to the races this weekend?" just because they know it pisses me off.  Lord, they are quite the bunch....
So thanks to the world we live in, each of us is constantly bombarded by a litany of slurs and hatred.  When somebody of a different race cuts you off in traffic, what is the first thing that pops into your mind to yell?  Sadly, I have to admit that for me it is a slur.  Fortunately, I have gotten very good at catching them before they leave my mouth.  I don't want to think like that, and honestly I don't believe that way in my heart.  But when you hear those slurs all day every day, is it surprising that a slur pops into your mouth instead of "ASSHOLE!" which is probably what you really meant?
OK, so that's my rant.  I don't know who this thread refers to, and in no way condone such bigotry.  Neither was I trying to postulate an excuse for anyone or for their behavior.  No one is justified in using that type of language in public, and for a representative of CCS, such behavior is totally unacceptable.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: EX#996 on August 15, 2006, 10:40:59 PM
Onwiler..... you're just a bull-headed, stubborn, Kraut!   :finger:










Oh, wait a minute.... so am I.   :biggrin:

Remember, the best way you can influence others is living life as you would like life to be lived.....  (well, it makes sense in my head anyways).

Dawn
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: H-man on August 16, 2006, 01:00:01 PM
Hmmmm....  Many thoughts, but.... No comment.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: lil_thorny on August 16, 2006, 01:35:26 PM
H-man,

In the immortal of words of that one guy in the movie Lethal Weapon 2:
"But...you are black!"  :biggrin:

K3,
Is that the same ------ buddy who thinks that semen tastes like chicken?  :lmao:

oh the memories,

-LT
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Dawn on August 16, 2006, 03:11:33 PM
Quote from: lil_thorny on August 16, 2006, 01:35:26 PM
K3,
Is that the same ------ buddy who thinks that semen tastes like chicken?  :lmao:

oh the memories,

-LT

Eeewwwww.................................

LOL!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: K3 Chris Onwiler on August 16, 2006, 07:08:17 PM
Sorry LT, but I don't think I was there for THAT comment!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: H-man on August 16, 2006, 10:48:12 PM
That was funny when Danny Glover told that guy he wanted to visit S. Africa [for you youngsters, that movie was released in '89 when there was still apartheid].

I can just imagine what the rest of the conversation must have been like for the comment about semen tasting like chicken to come up [no pun intended].

K3, will you be at G-man 9/30-10/1 w/ STT?

Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Woofentino Pugrossi on August 16, 2006, 10:52:08 PM
Quote from: H-man on August 16, 2006, 10:48:12 PM
That was funny when Danny Glover told that guy he wanted to visit S. Africa [for you youngsters, that movie was released in '89 when there was still apartheid].


Lethal Weapon II was released in 89? Daaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnn.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: H-man on August 16, 2006, 11:03:52 PM
I know!  Ain't that a trip.  Onwe moment you're a break through star in 'Mad Max" and staring in I-Spy cop films in the US of A.  Then it seems only a short while later wghen you're getting pulled over by the po-po and have strange sh#t pouring outta your mouth.   Jeez.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: K3 Chris Onwiler on August 16, 2006, 11:32:46 PM
No H, I'll be at Mid Ohio that weekend.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: IBFrank on August 17, 2006, 12:23:56 PM
LT- I totally forgot about the 'dude, taste like chicken' comment. That was the funniest thing I think I remember at the track!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Chef on August 17, 2006, 05:47:10 PM
I only wonder if I know this guy from the midwest, and if he's been in my pits eating, laughing and drinking beer with me???

It's like I know everybody....

or maybe he doesnt see me as one of those fkng nigrits... :boink:

hmmm.....


pretty sad that people grow feeling that there is such a difference between one person to the next...

tho I really feel, as a black man, that most white racist are from the trailor park...
(you know, not very educated)...

But I feel sorry for them, because when I was younger and quicker to anger, rage, or hate...
I didnt realize that I was more hurting myself with the stress and plain ole unhappy thoughts and times...

you'd have a hard time upsetting me these days, life really is too short, and full of out of control issues that cause trouble in ones life, than for me to take a NON-issue and run with it...

40
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Jeff on August 17, 2006, 07:40:29 PM
Ike.  You're black?
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Super Dave on August 17, 2006, 10:03:46 PM
No, but Dave is... :wtf:
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: IBFrank on August 17, 2006, 10:25:16 PM
Ike's black? How did that happen?

Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: spyderchick on August 18, 2006, 09:24:52 AM
Quote from: Otis on August 17, 2006, 10:25:16 PM
Ike's black? How did that happen?



Um, the usual way? Someone dunked him in a vat of chocolate. :biggrin:






































Mmmmmmmmm. Chocolate........(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/ernaehrung/food-smiley-001.gif)
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: H-man on August 18, 2006, 10:42:59 AM
Wazzup Ike?

Long time no chat.  hope all is well with you and all your lovely ladies.  PM or e-mail me sometime.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: lil_thorny on August 18, 2006, 04:12:05 PM
K3, Otis, SD, Ike

I can't remember what we were talking about but Dave (K3's buddy) was talking about getting something resembling spooge (semen) all over his face and while PJ, myself, KG, and a few others were listening, he made a face like he was licking it off and he said " Mmm, tastes like chicken!" I think PJ almost fell over and we laughed about that for at least 4 race weekends.

-LT

Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: EX#996 on August 18, 2006, 10:26:12 PM
Quote from: spyderchick on August 18, 2006, 09:24:52 AM
Um, the usual way? Someone dunked him in a vat of chocolate. :biggrin:

Mmmmmmmmm. Chocolate........(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/ernaehrung/food-smiley-001.gif)

He wasn't dunked - - He slipped in!   :lmao:

Man stuck in vat of chocolate (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14412952/)

:biggrin:
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Protein Filled on August 18, 2006, 10:44:02 PM
I don't know, K3 told me that it was a more like salty creamy mashed potatoes!


Is Ike really black?
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: IBFrank on August 18, 2006, 11:02:40 PM
You would think a guy that can't dance, he listens to opera music, he wears a sweater tied over his shoulders all the time, I totally thought he was an Italian.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Protein Filled on August 18, 2006, 11:04:09 PM
Or from Wisconsin...

Quote from: Otis on August 18, 2006, 11:02:40 PM
You would think a guy that can't dance, he listens to opera music, he wears a sweater tied over his shoulders all the time, I totally thought he was an Italian.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: IBFrank on August 20, 2006, 12:22:01 AM
Edgar, Shut the hell up or I'll tell everyone your secret, what race you are. Damn Ukrainians, whoops, sorry Edgar- now it's out.
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: K3 Chris Onwiler on August 21, 2006, 06:13:51 AM
Yeah, now I think I remember the conversation.  "Tastes like chicken"  is Dave's standard response to anything sexually related.  If you see him carrying BBQ sauce, RUN!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Chef on August 24, 2006, 03:47:11 PM
 :lmao:    :ahhh:  GOOD LORD!!!!!  now I remember why I started to stay away from you...   you ..
bunch of.... :spank: 

I just dont know!!!   :biggrin:  TOOOOO funny!!!


shees...  I thought I was black...

I am   :banghead: 

It's DEFINATELY better for me to walk around bragging about being black,
rather than mixed up with the likes of you here...   :spank:

bend ovah...   :spank:

:rollseyes:  ::)
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Woofentino Pugrossi on August 24, 2006, 05:09:34 PM
Ike ya coming down for the Wegman weekend?
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Chef on August 24, 2006, 06:19:10 PM
I believe so..
Since I started working w/STT I dont know which schedule Im looking at...   :err: :wah: :ahhh:
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: PJ721 on August 24, 2006, 08:30:27 PM
just wanted to be the 1000th view  :thumb:
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: K3 Chris Onwiler on August 24, 2006, 08:51:05 PM
Castiglia is a filthy, good for nothing voyer! 8)
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Protein Filled on August 25, 2006, 06:54:46 AM
Better than a filthy, good for nothing K3!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: PJ721 on August 25, 2006, 08:49:16 AM
Quote from: K3 Chris Onwiler on August 24, 2006, 08:51:05 PM
Castiglia is a filthy, good for nothing voyer! 8)

I've been outed :ahhh:!
Title: Re: Racism within CCS :(
Post by: Jeff on August 25, 2006, 09:08:27 AM
posts are way off topic, and this is being addressed by CCS.  locking topic.