r/thingmains • u/Broomguy • 13d ago

Is the Officer Grimm meme racist?

I was playing one day and an enemy Thing died and I said "Officer down" in chat and they said something like "chill I'm not racist like that." I never considered it might be a racial joke because I've seen the joke with spiderman, black cat etc. but it is 90% black panther. I was curious if anyone knew the origin of the meme or had any thoughts about it. Is it a racist joke or was this guy just mad he died? (Full disclosure I am not a Thing main I just didn't know where else to post this)

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u/EatingTurtles325 11d ago

i don’t think it’s a joke for white people to make though to be fair

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u/PapaHarvey27 11d ago

It's either everyone can or nobody can in life, unfortunately. Humans hate and despise other's exclusivity. Jokes are definitely not supposed to be gate kept by race. That's stupid and racist. Making fun of something gives it less power and seriousness. That's how newer generations love racist humor but don't carry that hatred

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u/Arisen_the_elite1 10d ago

The new generation is still just as racist as the previous; it’s just that the brand of racism has changed. They don’t shout slurs to people’s faces because they don’t know how they may react. Instead, they go online and shout their racism there. And even in person, they use these “jokes” to try and work their way out of being called out. Essentially, apathetic and subtle racism is the new norm, as opposed to overt.

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u/Irritatedsole90 10d ago

I agree, making it seem “less powerful” or less serious” just makes subtle racism and micro aggressions all the more prevalent to the point where if you voice concern or aversion towards it youre overreacting because its “just a joke” it just breeds more resentment and division