An Ohio news anchor might have got herself in some hot water. While discussing Lady Gaga’s Oscar’s performance, Kristi Capel described the singer’s work as “jigaboo” music while her black co-anchor awkwardly shot daggers at her with his eyes.
Of course Capel’s mentions on Twitter were ripped to shreds and she plead ignorance while apologizing “if” she offended anybody.
@crtx216 @AngryandBlack I do apologize if I offended you, I didn't know the meaning behind it or that it was even a word.
— Kristi Capel (@Kristi_Capel) February 23, 2015
For those of you who might not know, jigaboo is a racial slur to describe black people. It’s not as commonly used as nigger, coon or spook but it carries the same hurt. Capel claims she didn’t understand the meaning of the word and I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt. Still, this is why education and communication about racism are key. When we sweep things under the rug and pretend they don’t exist, we have white anchors accidentally using racial slurs on live TV while sitting next to their black co-anchor. A situation uncomfortable for all.