Raymond Tynes calls it racism on the toy shelf. The deputy mayor of Truro, N.S. is upset over a toy sold in a seasonal store during the holidays that he says perpetuates racism.
Someone showed him a dancing monkey toy that they found for sale in Truro over the holidays. Not only is it dressed like a rap star, but it has "black music" clearly written on the shirt.
Tynes says the toy is not funny.
“I think it's disgusting,” says Tynes. “I think it's racist and it sends the message that black people are monkeys.”
The toy was purchased at a seasonal store called Christmas Discounters, which closed after the holidays were over. Tynes wonders if the owners had any idea, the item would be so offensive, to many people.
“Those of us from the African Nova Scotian community and others, who were around, have had to hear that word, making reference to black people through the years,” says Tynes. “We don't want it.”
Both Tynes and CTV News tried contacting the owners of Christmas Discounters, but neither have received a response.
With files from CTV’s Dan Macintosh
