Whatever happened to freedom of speech? 

 

With everyone so up in arms about the obvious insensitive and inappropriate statements made by LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling, one would imagine that the occasional fat joke would be okay.

 

Well, maybe not!

 

NBA Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley is receiving all types of flak for generalized statements he made about the women of San Antonio.  He referred to them as the “big ol’ women” of San Antonio, a place where “Victoria is definitely a secret.  They can’t wear no Victoria’s Secret down there".  He added it was a “gold mine for Weight Watchers".

 

 

The backlash wasimmediate. Unlike most, Barkley is one of the few people who can say what’s on his minds with few repercussions.  Anyone else would be skating backwards to retract but not Barkley.

 

 

In his playing days, Sir Charles was known as The Round Mound of Rebound, so clearly his  statements should be taken in jest. Instead of feeling bad for the women, how about a little love for Barkley? The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance -- yes, it’s real -- made a statement, which to me was more offensive that Barkley’s. In part the spokesperson said “One would think that, being African-American, he would be more sensitive to having his body criticized".

 

Talk about a stereotype!

 

Am I to assume because he's a black man, he shouldn’t make fat jokes? This spokesperson clearly has never seen Def Comedy Jam or Shaq’s All-Star Jam, because the majority of their comics fit this bill. 

 

Why should Barkley apologize? In my opinion as a fat black woman, Barkley should be commended. The only people who got offended were only those who fit his description. I prefer a genuine avowal over a simulated act of contrition any day.

 

If you were wondering what to do, allow me to quote the great Charles Barkley again: “If you don’t like me or the show, turn it off."

 

Sometimes, it’s obvious when someone is joking, and if you can’t get a grip, then you're in for a disappointment. As you heard from Sir Charles, “If y’all waiting on me to apologize, hell gonna freeze over.”  

 

I concur.