Orangutan remark: Backlash of black racism in Italy spurs debate

Orangutan remark: Backlash of black racism in Italy spurs debate, An Orangutan remark has sparked international debate this week and revealed the level of racism against blacks in particular in politics in Italy as well, BBC reported this Monday, July 15. The dubbed “orangutan” insult has been fired against Cecile Kyenge, the first black minister of Italy’s government.

he Orangutan remark against Cecile Kyenge is just one racist comment made toward the political figure, who likely knew that she was entering new political territory upon agreeing to become the first black minister of Italy while tackling a highly contentious immigration issue in the European country.

It appears that the racist backlash of her new station has shocked the entire nation, however, as Kyenge has been the focus of various racial insults, slurs, and most recently, being called of having an “orangutan” appearance in government.

The vice-president of Italy, Roberto Calderoli, (who acts as a member of the Northern League of anti-immigration) said in a very rude remark this weekend:

"I love animals… but when I see pictures of Kyenge I cannot but think of - even if I'm not saying she is one - the features of an orangutan."

Calderoli believes that having Cecile Kyenge in office is drawing more illegal immigrants of all backgrounds to Italy, hinting that she should instead serve as political minister of her “own” country, rather than that of Italy’s.

Already this orangutan comment has received harsh backlash of its own, particularly in the U.S. However, it’s not the first racist comment Kyenge has had to deal with, including being accused of creating “tribal traditions” in the country.

This latest orangutan remark only brings to light that racism is still prevalent today, not only in the U.S., but across the world. What's your input on the issue?