Houston Media Delete “Idiot” Bermuda Reference
[Updated] After originally reporting that the Bermuda shorts worn by our Winter Olympic team were a “nod to their country’s proud tradition of looking like idiots,” the Houston Chronicle has now deleted the statement.
It was made after the island’s team entered the Olympic stadium in Russia dressed in the traditional Bermuda business attire of Bermuda shorts, long socks and a blazer and tie.
The original report said: “Team Bermuda walked into the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics like they owned the place, wearing matching blazers, bright red Bermuda shorts and knee-high socks, a nod to their country’s proud tradition of looking like idiots.”
It has now been amended to say: “Team Bermuda walked into the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics like they owned the place, wearing matching blazers, bright red Bermuda shorts and knee-high socks.”
TV screencap of the Bermuda team entering the stadium:
They also confused us with the Cayman team, who were wearing blue shorts and flip flops, saying that “in another image, the team walked out looking slightly more casual in blue hoodies, shorts and flip-flops.”
The article included photos of both the Bermuda and Cayman team, and one commentator said: “My guess is that the idiot in question is the author of this article…note the flag change brainy.”
Another person — using the screenname “ProudBermudian” — left a comment saying: “Idiots – huh? Perhaps a little education will improve your view of Bermudians. The Bermuda shorts are traditional business attire for men in the summer months.”
They pointed out that the article confused the Cayman and Bermuda teams, and finished by saying that Bermuda’s GDP per capita was the third highest in the world which is “not too shabby for a bunch of idiots!”
Another commentator identified themselves as an American in Bermuda, and said they “take great offence to calling Bermudians idiots.”
Another comment left — by someone using the name “Bermudian in Texas” – said, “I see the article has been amended to remove the inference that the Bermuda team looked like idiots, how about an apology as well!
“To make derogatory comments of a countries traditional attire is reprehensible at the least. Would the Chronicle do the same to Native Americans in their traditional attire? I think not!”
A report from Fox News was considerably more flattering, declaring Bermuda the winner of the Opening Ceremony, citing our Bermuda shorts in temperatures below 40 degrees.
Bermuda is being represented at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia by the one-man team of Dr. Tucker Murphy, a cross country skier. He is the third Bermudian to compete in the Winter Olympics, following after Simon Payne and Patrick Singleton.
The Bermuda team traditionally wears Bermuda shorts in both Olympic Opening Ceremonies, often attracting attention in the Winter Olympics for wearing the shorts despite freezing temperatures.
At the request of the International Olympic Committee, a pair of Bermuda shorts worn by Patrick Singleton in the 2002 Winter Olympics are on display at the Olympic Museum in Switzerland.
Update 6.42pm: Looks like the reporter may be getting a pair of Bermuda shorts, courtesy of Government Senator Jeff Baron who tweeted to the Houston Chronicle that he will send the writer some Bermuda shorts.
@HoustonChron I’m sending your Hot Topic writer some Bermuda Shorts. And note: Our kindness and resilience is our ‘proud tradition’. Enjoy!
— Senator Jeff Baron (@SenatorBaron) February 9, 2014
Update Feb 10th: The Houston Chronicle said they have “no comment” on this matter.
However the reporter who was originally listed as the writer, John-Henry Sumal Perera, posted on his Facebook page “So I may or may not have created an international incident with the island of Bermuda and its residents. Stay tuned.”
A few hours later he added: “Update: I didn’t. Phew. But try telling the upset ppl that.”
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- Video: Winter Olympian Murphy Congratulated | Bernews.com | June 26, 2014
Proud to be Bermudian. Proud to wear my red shorts.
Don’t forget the fourth Bermudian, Ms James, the ice-skater.
I’m gonna go there. Bermudian to de fullest but she looked like complete s*** in the shorts, etc. Don’t ever do that again. Women shouldn’t wear Bermuda shorts period!!
Me too, I love wearing my Bermuda shorts, but young Bermudians seem reluctant to do so, and that’s a shame.
What’s a shame is Bermuda shorts are a Euro-Colonist concept and not widely accepted by all ISLANDERS, It’s called culture clash!
Do you share the same views on Gombeys? Bermuda is special because we have been able to assimilate things from the many cultures that have lived here into what is Bermudian. What is really a shame are your ignorant and inflammatory comments day in and day out!
Your missing the point, I commented on, young Bermudians seem reluctant to do so. Young people are in a different vibe and Bermuda shorts are just not cool to them.
There’s nothing ignorant or inflammatory about Bermuda shorts being connected to Euro-Colonist that’s the heritage of Europeans and I don’t feel the same way with the Gombeys because I can identify with them because that’s part of my heritage.
I don’t get bent out of shape if I don’t see a European not wearing a Dashiki !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bermuda, became out of nothing until a Euro ship was sank in our shores. Bermuda’s heritage is precisely that and the mix of other races and mixtures. Sounds like you’re saying there was a thriving lifestyle here before that.
No, but don’t try to force ones ethnic heritage on another. Bermuda shorts are unique but not all Bermudians like them, its nothing wrong with that.
I have to confess I never liked that fashion. I’m comfortable seeing the kids wearing shorts in casual wear but to see a grown man’s knobby knees in shorts with jacket and tie was always a bit embarrassing for me.
Proud to have been a former resident of one of the most beautiful and friendly places on planet Earth and at times wear Bermuda shorts here in the U.S.for special occasions and such. Although, I do bring a lot of unneeded attention especially from ladies and that’s not good for my married life.
Not to worry. texans are idiots. I know-struggled to thrive there (houston) once.
their original remark has been widely copied on the internet by many people and the Houston Chronicle have been seen to be the idiots.
At least they had the common sense to remove it.
NY Times states they are from the Cayman Islands!
that showed up in the NY Times subsidiary the Sarasota Herald Tribune this morning.
Did our traditional dress get described as idiotic from those people whose traditional dress is cowboy hats, big belt buckles and boots?
This comment is amazing CBA. ON POINT.
Apologies get you FIRED……in Bermuda!
Where’s Chris Furbert?!! FIRE HER!!!!
this Bermudian is very proud of the athlete representing Bermuda.. takes courage and guts to come from a small Island that never sees “winter weather” and train and qualify… we wear Bermuda shorts with pride here as Business attire in a hot climate Maybe the reporter for the Houston Chronicle should find out FACTS before he/she reports any further news An apology would be in order not just a deletion
Bermudians should bombard this newspaper with calls and let our feelings known.
Yes, because demonstrating lacking a sense of humor and humility never backfires. How about taking a nod from Canadians who get made fun of all the time and just shrug it off?
Let it slide. They’ve been made to look like idiots and we got a lot of free press. Woo hoo!!
No one calls Canadians idiots.
Ummm…yes they do.
This is getting very close to doing what the ignorant reporter did to Bermudians. Ease off the Canadians.
@Kate, that is because my Canadian cousins are care free!! but the minute you take away there ice hockey and beer, then all hell will break lose..LOL.. shut out to my family up there in Nova Scotia..
opps!! shout,, me bad. time for another Blue..
*loose*
then they would have tangible proof of our idiocy
“Turn the other cheek.”
………and to think the USA wouldn’t have the same national anthem if it wasn’t for Little Bermuda! If ya don’t know, check ya history
@ Ruthless, do not forget about the gunpowder and other stuff we help supply to George Washington and his army!!Or the re-supplies of Jamestown when they where starving..
Which Americans have conveniently forgotten about and probably stricken from history books!
You are absolutely correct!
“Don’t dig up o;d bones” .
” Don’t dig up old bones “.
You mean “God save the Queen”. Most Americans don’t know about the “Gunpowder Plot”. Not taught in their history.
I wonder how many people on the Houston Chronicle staff even know where Bermuda is, never mind anything else about it!
The Houston Chronicle is a left (democrat ) leaning news paper??? And Bermudians hate the right leaning Republicans??? Fox News has nice things to say about us and the lefties call us names??? I have said it a thousand times and I will say it again!! The democrats and their left leaning policies are no friends of ours!!! Educate yourselves!!
You choose your political alignment based on who compliments you rather than morals? For shame.
What part of “educate yourself” did you miss??? If you actually did take the time too educate yourself you will see the real picture and not say silly stuff concerning morals!! Because that is one of the many things the lefties don’t have!! Also their fiscal policies only hurt places such as Bermuda, thankfully their is a Publican controlled house and soon to be Senate that protects us!! Educate yourself !!!
Republican controlled
Im a Bermudian living in the U.S., and it really bothers me to hear people speak of my home like its some corny ass island. But instead of getting bent out of shape, I have to remember just how uneducated a person could be to talk down on a country they’ve never even visited. Most Americans I’ve met have never even left the country, and those are the where the most offensive comments come from.
It’s called ignorance. There is plenty of it in the USA. There are also those who are quite knowledgeable in the USA. I know because I lived there in two different time zones. In the US those in the East make fun of those in the Midwest. It is part of the human condition unfortunately.
for what its worth, I make fun of people in St. Davids..
Yeah and we could not care less. Some of the best real estate in Bermuda, and you people make it even better by making fun of us and as a result keep our property prices lower! Thanks
To most texans, traveling abroad means getting to Oklahoma or Louisiana. Truth.
Tell me about it…..my country has always been ‘talked down’…by a lot of people whom have never been….but based on heresay….even some of the people on this Island….have had lots to say….so its now a matter of…#CockMouthKillCock
I agree with your comments and believe, they would apply to people living most anywhere. Every American I know, who has ever been to Bermuda, raves about it. I lived there in my teens and know many others who did the same. We are, to a person, loyal to the bone to Bermuda. There are ignorant people in every country, just as there are intelligent people. It would be ignorant to think any one of them represents the whole.
I am both Bermudian and Texan and I have to say, I was saddened and embarrassed by such a stupid and insensitive remark. I emailed the editor to voice my complaint. Nothing will happen no doubt but it had to be said. If it was a sleazy, ethically void publication I wouldn’t care, but it wasn’t. Sorry.
Traditional or not, I’m Bermudian but I’m not offended by the “looking like idiots” comment, since I tend to agree that these shorts and socks do look ridiculous, as do blazers and neck ties (leashes) for that matter. Some place supreme importance on outward appearances when they are NO reflection of a persons kindness, integrity, morality, business acumen, ethics or intelligence, in fact pretty clothes are often used to create an illusion of professionalism and superiority where it doesn’t necessarily exist, knowing the majority of us judge books by their cover. Like a polished turd, some look good if you don’t delve deeper.
So you’re not offended by the stated and printed remark of looking like group of idiots based on our traditional garb BUT you were highly insulted by ‘go back to work , you should be grateful to have jobs’ ?
Just trying to sort things out here , that’s all .
Where did I say I was personally insulted by “go back to work” please remind me. Furthermore I don’t wear the “traditional” garb, and it is equally as dopey looking as pants below the crotch, supertight spandex with muffin tops, sagging tight pants with nerd glasses, etc. to me.
I was asking you to sort it out for us . Judging from the 4 or 5 posts you made it seemed that you were happy with the firing of Ms MacPhee leading one to believe that you too were offended .
In either case , it’s a big to do about nothing IMO . I take no offense to this article either .
Amen
I agree. If they actually looked good, people in other countries would be wearing them. That’s how fashion works folks.
They do, Old Navy and Gap sells them just to name two American stores….so obvious someone thinks they look good
Shame on you Houston Chronicle calling people(Idiots) If you don’t know nothing.You need more education about Bermuda “Cowboys”
Bermuda get over yourself. Texans, Canadians, Polish, Irish, men, women, catholics, jews, everyone gets fun poked at them. Only a few can’t handle it & moan about respect or being insensitive. Most dish the fun poking right back.
Contrary to what too many Bermudians believe, we are not the center of the Universe. I can’t begin to count how many times I have explained where Bermuda is to people who at least have HEARD of Bermuda. They are usually from places much larger than Bermuda &, as well traveled as I am in the US, I have never heard of their home town.
So some Texan reporter makes fun of us. Big deal! Move on.
What do you mean us? You are not in Bermuda…
Making “FUN” of a country and “insulting” a country and two different things…….
Shut the hell up with your sensitive a**. Anytime I mention something bad about America or Americans you get your panties in a bunch but now Bermudians should get over this?
May be Houston Chronicle might have been watching the BIU marches, Chris Furberts press conferences & Mrs. Macphee’s outburst..
if they were watching the march they would have seen that we are no idiots, at least at the blue collar level.
if they review the j. macphee case they would see intolerance displayed plainly from the white collar level or business ‘class’. likewise if they review the actions of the management at hp.
these type of stories, alongside the chosen business attire could definitely lead them to believe that we have some idiots here.
what is it with business attire? isn’t the olympics an athletic event?
how about some sports attire?
There’s nothing inherently endemic nor Bermudian about Bermuda shorts. They were developed by the British military for use in warmer climes. They were appropriated for use in Bermuda, and for whatever reason, have since been associated with us.
They are practical more than anything. But you know? They indeed can come across as idiotic in a place as cold as Sochi.
For these two reasons, I do find the automatic sense of outrage puzzling.
If it looks better than America, it not good at all
I don’t think it’s puzzling that when someone insults a place you are proud to be associated with you automatically feel outraged. That is human natural reaction. What would you have them wear instead? I don’t think we should change who we are because a bully decided to make fun of our national dress code. That would be idiotic. I also agree that we should let it slide. So some idiot with a pen and paper made an anal comment. So what. It makes me even more proud of our national dress code. We are an individual country who don’t need or want anybody else telling us how to dress in our own environment or in theirs for that matter. Nothing else we wear sets us apart as a nation. You go Dr. Tucker Murphy! I hope you win a medal, but if you don’t, we are all still proud of you for representing us in the Olympics.
‘national dress code’? now thats anal!
furthermore how can you derive pride from something that you personally have done nothing to achieve?
“Idiots”?
Two words: George Bush.
HA! Where is he from?
nind you, the one in Washington now is far from being any better.
Or maybe I should say Rick Perry.
Having lived in Houston for 14 months, I would be less than honest if I said that i didn’t encounter my share of idiots but, I think the Houston Chronicle got it right with that statement. Seriously, the shorts in cold weather is a tad bit weird.
An open letter to Houston Chronicle.
Sir,
The “Bermudian Idiots” that you are referring to cannot be the same Bermudians that helped the US win the Revolution against Britain when they, the ‘Idiots’, stole tons of gun powder from the British magazines stationed in Bermuda and smuggled them to east coast USA to save the American from defeat. It cannot be the same ‘Bermudian Idiots’ that continued in the 20th century to play a vital role in US Homeland Security during the cold war by allowing its friend, the USA, to maintain highly valued military assets on the island, the front line to attacks against main land USA. It cannot be the same ‘Bermudian Idiots’ that wept with the American people when the towers fell on 911 and that allowed its sons and daughters to fight alongside American soldiers in the just concluded wars. That in 2009 allowed the USA to resettle four Chinese Muslim Uighurs, former Guantánamo Bay inmates, on its tiny little Island since none of the US allies wanted anything to do with it. These same ‘Bermudian Idiots, on an annual basis, invest millions of dollars into the USA economy accessing US medical and educational institutions. Despite Bermuda being smaller than Manhattan, it has contributed significantly and participated more in the liberty and freedom of the USA than any one of the 50 States of the Union or any of its allies. Without the Bermudian ‘Idiots’ there would be no USA to advance the fundamentals of democracy and liberty with tolerance for those that are different. Houston Chronicle could not publish opinions and ideas as freely as it does now. It could not refer to Bermudians as Idiots, simply because Bermudians dress different. Bermudians struggled alongside the USA before its declaration of Independence until this very minute to ensure that YOU and your subscribers enjoy freedom today. We will not allow such an immature article to dampen our friendship with your great nation. God bless the United States of America and God bless the Bermudian ‘Idiots’.
Cool , but you left out the rescuing of the starving Jamestown Settlers in the early 1600′s
..Also that Bermuda-based Insurance and Re-Insurance companies were the first to pay up after the World Trade Center towers were demolished by Osama bin Laden’s people; and that Bermuda based Insurance and Re-Insurance companies paid out over $30 billion, that’s right, $30 billion to US clients in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina….
I almost forgot… the Insurance and Re-Insurance people who paid out those billions usually or frequently wore Bermuda shorts when they went to work in the summer…
They said the shorts look silly (and they do) and so many of you are coming back with a clear demonstration of an inferiority complex. Let it go.
No they didnt say the shorts looked silly they said the whole outfit was a “nod to their country’s proud tradition of looking like idiots,”
If your going to defend them and tell us to get over it atleast report it right, I can accept silly not looking like an idiot…or having a proud tradition of looking like one.
Which has got what to do with showing up in shorts in the middle of winter? Most Bermudians don’t even wear shorts this time of the year at home, never mind Russia in winter! Seriously we should come up with a different winter outfit for these events.
How about mini skirts ?
Invite Houston Chronicle here to see for themselves!
too many of ‘them’ here already
Such comments not only dampen the spirit of the games, but is indeed uncalled for. This is precisely why the United States is “Chock-A-Block” with “ambulance chasers” that make millions off such slander. I pray that Glynn’s open letter to the Houston Chronicle is seen by eyes of authority at said publication. This proves that some people who claim to be highly educated journalists, have no respect for any other culture but their own.
Shameful…… SMH!!!
We should have sent the Gombeys to lead our sole Bermuda competitor ; that would have set tongues flapping.
Yes Alvin, that’s exactly what the plp would do. Just like they did at the World Economic Forum in Davos. (We weren’t invited back after that little show).
It’s the Olympics, not the Trinidad Carnival.
That’s why we’re in the mess we are. The plp are simply unable to recognize what constitutes an appropriate use of taxpayers’ money.
Frightening isn’t it.
You sure are correct, the tongues would have been flapping because they would have been confused , they would have been looking for the dreb!!! As we all know he rarely at our expense travelled with out them!!!!
Being a Bermuda Boy who has now lived in Houston for two thirds of my life.. One third in Bermuda… It feel it’s fitting that I wear my Bermuda shorts to work tomorrow. I spent most of my younger years wearing them at Saltus and for that I remain proud. However I do like cowboy boots and Gruene Hall. Each culture has its best… Perhaps I should wear Bermuda shorts with cowboy boots.. Coming to visit you soon.
I wear my shorts year round and have yellow ones, sky blue, coral and of course pink. Let’s see you wear pink boots, Mr Cowboy.
Idiots? This from the home state of George W Bush? Am I missing something here?
ell oh ell @ THAT! texusucks
anyone ever see dupperault in a pair of bda shorts?
Calling Bermudians “idiots” coming from a state that gave the world George Bush???? Surely, they are looking at themselves.
Have we, as a small island nation lost touch with our Heritage and Tradition ?
Can we ,show the world that we can settle our differences ? let it pass .
Bermuda seen to be different,that difference has to be seen !
“Bermuda is another world in transition”.
Do we in fact have a tradition that we can call our own ?
Do we have our national music ?
Do we have our national food ?
Do we have our traditional architecture ?
Do we have our national dance?
Do we have our national sport ?
Do we have a national anything ?
We do have Bermuda shorts for the guys and blue jeans on Fridays for the gals. Sunday best on Monday works !
Bermuda has become a multi- cultural cosmopolitan society, our present day diversity has caused us to drift away from a traditional way of life that many other countries enjoy. Can we pass through to door of intolerance and frustration ?
Some of what you see on TV is fantasy ! Get real !
Bermuda take you lead from those young people at the Winter Olympics, you will see only winners , there are no looser.
“The Glory of Victory or the agony of Defeat”.
I offer several suggestions.
Look at the big picture.
Our very survival depends on team work in every sector.
Learn to get along with one another.
Show respect ! Give praise ! Give help !
Pray for wisdom for all of our countries leaders
Become diversified.
Bermuda shorts to Cow boy hats.
We all have our part to play.
I am not really a JUNK YARD DOG.
Smile y’all.
another semi-bermudianized Gulf Coaster I presume. eh?
Great response Sen. Baron!! Maybe this will be a lesson to reporters to do their research on countries before criticizing.
hope he don’t charge the shipping to the tax payer.
Thinking that in a city with as many violent and non violent crimes (per MONTH) as Houston has, this reporter would have more serious things to fret over or report about other than what people wear at the Olympics. Proud of Bermuda!!
Go easy on them. texans know not even where Bermuda is.
Not sure why we care. texans are widely (throughout the informed U.S.) known to be ill-educated and raising idiots in their own likeness, with egos that match the size of their #2 sized state (most don’t know their state is not the biggest U.S. state). ten gallon hats and no brains to fill ‘em up! And we all know everything south of the ‘red river’ is a dry, dusty barren wasteland, right.