elf

In your mind, are people that are fans of the team now racist...? 

Not all. Some are just desperate for a star that they are willing to ignore morale issues. It's sad.

I think this is an important convo... 
 
1)is the term "monkey business" racist? If Vanzier said "fucking monkey business", would that be racist?
2) terms like "indian-giver" are racist, but was used frequently by people recently in non-racist ways. Could the strict moral code you are applying to words be overkill? Should zoos not sell monkey hats because any reference to monkeys is inherently racist?     
3) Saying things like "That is who you are" is not conducive to growing and evolving our understanding. Wording like that creates "us vs. them" dynamics, instead of compassionate, empathetic understanding. 
 
I'm trying to understand because, as I have said before, I said things that were unknowingly homophobic in my youth, that I feel very bad about. I've decided mistakes are fine, but refusal to grow is the sin. Maybe my view is wrong. 

The origins of describing someone as a monkey started in Europe as an attempt to dehumanize a person. Then the term pivoted during enlightment/imperialism period where europe legitimized conquering different parts of the world and rapidly expanded slavery. During the enlightenment period, scientists like Darwin tried to show that nonEuropean people were not human. They viewed different cultures as uncivilized, animal like behaviors,brute, and goofy. It was an argument that has led to alot of crazy things from the 1400s to today; including messed up science experiments (see Belgium's vaccination experiments in africa). This is why calling someone a monkey or saying monkey business is racist. Even if the intent was to describe a person as a clown. The origin comes from a messed up passed. That is why I said monkey is a racist term when used to describe someone or a group of people.

It has been a racist term used in europe that can be traced back to the time of Aristotle and Plato. It was a term used to dehumanize people to legitimize slavery. There has been a number of books that talk about it. If you choose to ignore it, fine. That is who you are.

A racist term is a racist term. There is no grey area. Doesnt matter what the other race is. If people on this board, MLS, RBNY and the fan base want to support a racist or accept racism, that is your choice and your ethical values. However, dont make excuses to make yourself feel better. His contract should have been terminated but no one has the courage to do what is right. It's sad.

Having done an actual internet search, I don't see Henry saying anything about the category of "monkey," other than in relation to the clearly abusive use of monkey/ape chants directed against Black players in games.  He says nothing about how the word is used in an everyday, noncompetitive, familial, friendly context.  Or were you more successful in your search than I was?

It was in response to lukaku being called monkey by fans. He scores. Shushed the crowd but lukaku gets a yellow.

https://youtu.be/l1RnyneLqlA

Btw, the way vanzier said it was not friendly. It was said in a crowd that had people of color in a heated moment.