Today, U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement denouncing a column written by columnist Phil Mushnick in last Friday’s New York Post.  The column uses racist and sexist terminology to register the columnist’s distaste for Rap Mogul Jay-Z, who is part owner of the New York Nets.

“It is truly despicable and unfortunate that this column was published with such offensive, sexist and racially charged language to express Mr. Mushnick’s opinion of Jay- Z.  This offensive language needlessly reinforces stereotypes and is a poor reflection of who we are as New Yorkers. What is even more disheartening is that the New York Post thought that it was acceptable to publish this column in the first place. 

“New York City has a wonderful mosaic of people who have come from different ethnic groups, races, cultures, and religious traditions. It is this unique dynamic that makes our city and by extension our nation, so great.  This column does a disservice to its readers by allowing such hurtful and mean-spirited language to be published.  I join with all people of good will in denouncing this column.  We owe it to the next generation to do much better.”

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