Radio Host Calls Rice, Powell 'Aunt Jemima,' 'Uncle Tom'
POSTED: 3:36 am PST November 19,
2004
UPDATED: 2:35 pm PST November 19,
2004
A Wisconsin talk show host says he's willing to apologize for a comment he made about Condoleezza Rice, but not to her. On his radio show Thursday, John Sylvester of WTDY-AM in Madison called Rice an "Aunt Jemima" and said she isn't competent to be secretary of state. He said he used the term to describe Rice and other blacks as having only a subservient role in the Bush administration. Rice has served as President George W. Bush's national security adviser and was named this week to replace the departing Colin Powell as secretary of state. Sylvester also referred to Powell as an "Uncle Tom."
The mayor of Madison calls the remarks "racially insensitive." Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin says the statements are regrettable. Sylvester is undeterred. He said he would give away pancake mix and syrup and "apologize to Aunt Jemima."On Friday morning's show, he refused to apologize to Rice or Powell, but did apologize to Aunt Jemima for comparing her to Rice."If there are any African-Americans that took exception with my characterization, I like Aunt Jemima, and in no way meant that Aunt Jemima was a hack or untrustworthy," Sylvester said.Sylvester said on the air he'd resign if his employer, Midwest Family Broadcasting, lost advertisers or was hurt by the uproar. Sylvester said Midwest Family is the best company he's worked for, and although management may not share his opinions, he said he repects his bosses for allowing him to speak his mind.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.










