Updated: “Racism is unacceptable” – Trek-Segafredo reacts to rider’s pro-Trump tweet

My personal opinion was he did not see a picture or know too much about her specifically, saw the name José and automatically assumed a Mexican as that would be where he would have had most experience of that name.  But as he has never clarified and just says it wasn't racial, we will never know.

As for the argument the other way, it might have looked less racial as one of them was white (although if he had used to default Yellow hand, most would have assumed he was pretending to be Trump), But then others assumed it was only because he was also showing he was a Trump supporter so there might have been some debate, especially as the original Tweet asking his supporters to unfollow was after a particularly discussion in the debates where he looked like he was supporting White Nationalists and militia. 

But now the discussions are over as Trek confirmed it was becaue of the potential Racial Nature of the tweet and not because of who he looked to be supporting as others thought. 

Tweet is still strangely still up though I noticed. 

Digital Blackface is a thing and has been around in various articles for the last 3-4 years. A lot of focus on Gifs though rather then Emojis. (and the default yellow ones have also been raised.)

If he had been known for using multi colours or a specific colour Emoji all the time, it might not have been construed in that way. However when his standard is white/pink,  he specifically used this non standard brown colour wave during an argument when Trumps racism was at the fore to a person who had a first name that a Yank would associate as being Mexican. (Some Americans defending Jose have also made the same mistake before she deleted/privated her Twitter)

Tim K wrote:

Half my family are black and Indian descent (adoption). I am not and have been using a black thumbs up for a very long while as my political leaning is more towards being an Anarchist (ie. think and live your own way). I get out on the streets and fight racist idiots at their stupid marches. This is the first I've heard about it being racist. Exactly the opposite is the view in our family. If this is how some think then obvoiusly using a yellow hand means you hate the simpsons. If I want to wear a skirt am I a masogonist? I think supporting a wannabe dictator is far more worrying.

I don't think there's a problem with using a specific colour emoji in general, but if you change it from your usual style then it makes it look like you're trying to make a point (and if the conversation is about supporting Trump then it's going to look like a racist comment).

It gets even weirder when it's pointed out that the Proud Boys leader(?) isn't white, is Cuban, and that Biden is the one telling people they're "not black" unless they vote for him.

How difficult is it for companies to realise that getting involved in politics will only alienate people/voters and harm them.

Taking exception to someone expressing his voting preference? WTF?

You would need to be privy to discussions between employer and employee to come to that conclusion. I don't believe you were.

It is more likely to be about connecting political views to Trek that may be damaging to the brand. As Simmons is an employee of Trek, yes he has to think ahead before making public statements if he wishes to continue his relationship with his employer. Most of us do...

Simmons is still free to make political statements. Trek is still free to review the relationship if he does. At no point will Simmons be prevented from making any statement he sees fit, and if the relationship ends, he can even do it without mixed loyalties.

So the best way to protect democracy is to punish people who support the wrong party or have the wrong political ideas?

Because that sounds suspiciously like the approach taken by a certain man you've already mentioned....

Where did they say that in their post?

The bit about Quinn not realising his responsibilities.

That seems very much like a justification for his treatment.

Rich_cb wrote:

So the best way to protect democracy is to punish people who support the wrong party or have the wrong political ideas? Because that sounds suspiciously like the approach taken by a certain man you've already mentioned....

I haven't commented on his "punishment"; I'm struggling to see how you could interpret my words that way; perhaps your post is what people call "fake news"? 

What did you mean when you talked about Quinn's responsibilities?

Do you think people should have their job prospects harmed because they support a legal political party?

There's plenty of jobs which preclude the employee from expressing their political views publicly. Out of interest, where do you stand on Lewis Hamilton wearing BLM t shirts in post race interviews?

Whilst at work he should adhere to any agreed dress codes.

In a personal capacity he should be able to do as he pleases.

If Quinn unzipped his race jersey to reveal a MAGA logo he should be punished, if he merely expressed a political opinion in a private capacity he should not be.

Posting on your official blue-tick social media platform where you are pictured wearing your work uniform, I would consider this to be "at work". A white man using a black hand emoji during a discussion on white supremacism is untenable for any employer

Simmons' job is to promote Trek bicycles and Segafredo coffee. He shouldn't need media training to understand that appearing to hold racist views will upset him employers. But to answer your second question, many employees have got into trouble or lost their jobs for making public statements (including Fb posts and tweets) that do not "align with company values", on their private accounts.

You're missing the clear difference here.

Quinn has been punished for expressing support for a political candidate.

He's been punished for using a black hand emoji in response to someone's anger at a political leader failing to condemn white supremacy 

So if he'd used a white hand you think that nobody would have minded?

You haven't spent much time on the internet recently have you?

There is no agreed correct skin tone to use with emojis. Any choice can be perceived as racist.

Google it, it's quite fascinating in a strange sort of way.

They certainly wouldn't as presumably that's what his phone has saved as the last used skin tone, or the default of yellow. To actively choose a black skin tone in response to a conversation on the legitimacy of a white supremacist group raises questions

I think we know from your numerous posts on this matter where you stand. I'm fairly confident you also fully understand what is meant by "responsibilities" when it comes to freedom of speech. If you don't, I apologise, and suggest you invest time reading relevant material rather than writing stuff based on a limited understanding of the subject matter.

I see you've neatly avoided answering the question or clarifying your position.

I'm not a mind reader, the term responsibilities has myriad potential meanings.

Please answer the questions.

What did you mean when you talked about Quinn's responsibilities?

Do you think people should have their job prospects harmed because they support a legal political party?