Group Urging Boycott Of Olson’s Businesses
[Written by Don Burgess]
A group urging a boycott of Rick Olson’s businesses has been formed on Facebook and has quickly grown to more than 340 members.
The group is urging the community to flex its economic power so its voice can be heard by more than just mere words.
Mr. Olson sparked outrage last week when he made a social media post on Facebook that linked to a Wikipedia page titled “Hanged, drawn and quartered,” with the photo from the Wikipedia page also showing on his post, with Mr. Olson captioning it: “This might be a deterrent for blocking Parliament?”.
The administrator of the group where it was originally posted deleted the comment, however screenshots were reposted on social media and the matter also made the rounds on WhatsApp, with Mr. Olson’s comment being heavily criticized by many people.
Mr. Olson apologized to “all Bermudians for the insensitive post,” saying “this situation will not reoccur.”‘
The Facebook group — “Boycott Establishments Associated With Rick Olson” — had more than 340 members as of 8.50pm on Sunday night.
Several members had made posts with regard to what Mr. Olson said.
One person associated with the group told Bernews, “What he did was wrong and my way of dealing with it is to merely boycott.
“It’s sad that racism exists in these days and remarks and posts made such as Olson’s will not be taken lightly. We can’t change anyone’s feelings/thoughts toward other race, but we don’t have to accept it.”
Several members posted that their “economic power’ needs to be respected and they will show that through the boycott.
The Progressive Labour Party called the post “racial bigotry” and a spokesperson for Premier Michael Dunkley said the Bermuda Government “has zero tolerance for any form of racism, bigotry or discrimination.”
Never been a fan of that place. Food sucks and unhealthy environmwnt
Misplaced sense of humor is what I believe it is. Something of the ilk of Salmon Rushdie and look how that got out of hand. Get on with life and move on
Cool, so I’ll joke about something really bad about your mother and you’ll just move on. Good to know.
My thought about this boycott is why only him. Where were these same people when that woman held a picket sign at the Peoples Campaign rally about “white peoples disease” or when Marc Bean used hate filled language when speaking to Nandi Outerbridge. Many other examples but people chose to explain away or ignorw the ignorance of some while wantinh to punish others. We as Bermudians love to play this convenient game and pretend that racism and hate only exist in the white community. But I overhear the comments, listen to the radio, read these forums. As someone that was involved im a mixed relationship I witnessed it first hand. You can have all the conversations, forums and speakers that focus on racism but until we admit that racism and hatred is existant within the black commumity, there really is no point. So boycott his business, fair enough. But I trust we will do the same every time
Use that humor with Jews and the Holocaust and see what happens.
more like lie
A racist comment. You should admit who you are and publicly apologise.
Just Yettb and Betty talking crap and division again.
“Use that humor with Jews and the Holocaust and see what happens.”
Use that “humour” against LGBT and the rest of the plp bigots won’t do anything. Hypocrites!
First of all ut was your oba govt that had a chance to address that and what did they do, turn a blind eye to them so u need to be chastising them. And also it is very insulting to even suggest that being gay is just as important as being racially profiled and discriminated againsted because of your skin color. For too long the LBGT people have been using our struggle for their own benefit, but never seem to out right condemn other groups or ppl when they make racists remarks like your good friend Mr. Olsen. So dont equate your lifestyles with being black. You can go back in the closet when it comes to being gay if gays were really being taegeted
* targeted. Black people cannot go back into any closet for being black. The lbgt community have NEVER faced the level of discrimination blacks have. Yea u have been discriminated against but no where near comparison. You have never been massed lynched, hung from trees like ornaments, or been put in slavery. So your issue has absolutely nothing to do with us. And u can call me whateva u like i dont hate gay ppl. I may not agree with the lifestyle but yes they are ppl too who should be treated fairly like everuone else, and NOT be giving specific laws for your own benefit because od your lifestyle you chose.
Of*
“The lbgt community have NEVER faced the level of discrimination blacks have”
More bigoted BS by the hypocrites. You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, as usual…save your racist garbage for one of your followers.
not completely true. The holocaust targeted Jews, blacks and gays. Gays similar to Jews wore markers to identify themselves. A pink triangle. If being black was bad enough, try being black and gay. During slavery Christianity was forced onto the black community and Native Americans in an attempt to civilize them. In modern times the LGBT community face religious persecution. To this day they are stoned, beaten and hung for identifying as LGBT. Certain countries have made it illegal to be gay, thus resulting in mass incarceration of the LGBT community, very similar to the mass incarceration of Blacks in America. There are people who encourage black people to bleach their skin in order to look beautiful. There are people who force their LGBT children into conversion camps because they still fully believe it is a mental disorder, even though it has been proven to be otherwise. My point is, they have struggled and continue to struggle just as other minority groups have. They have been killed and tortured and beaten as well. The difference now, is that black people are offered legal protection against discrimination because of the colour of their skin. LGBT people have not yet completely gained those rights. Yes their struggle is comparable to that faced by the black community, the only difference being that some of them weren’t slaves.
I LOVE YOUR RESPONS “LOL”…..
I’m coppin this and putting it on my FB. If you see it going around you know its me.
“First of all ut was your oba govt that had a chance to address that and what did they do, turn a blind eye to them so u need to be chastising them. ”
Typical, revisionist history…you don’t know any better, so you simply make it up.
What happened during the 14 years that the plp used to destroy Bermuda, why didn’t they step up and do anything?
The answer is because you/they are nothing but petty bigots.
So what, you think that there shouldn’t be a sensitivity around the Holocaust? You think that Jews should just laugh it off? How about slave jokes, those cool too? Sick. There should absolutely be outcry against that sort of ‘humor’. Regardless of who is at the brunt of it.
Onion Juice. you have no room to talk. Your homopbobic and hate filled comments are littered all over Bernews.
If he took time to write it down then he wrote what he mentioned and thought
And I say we should all boycott his restaurants
Would it be misplaced if blacks react in the same manner as slave owners?
Think about if for a while. What if Blacks treated todays whites in the manner slave owners and the UBP treated our families.
Read Chained To The Rock then report how far his ‘misplaced humour” has troubled a crowd of Predominantly Black Female and Males.
Ask yourself how funny was it really?
A typical supremacist defection comment
Whatever you believe probably doesn’t make sense to the average person. We will not move on. You can…thanks!
He makes a statement lynched/drawn/quarted some are outraged- he apologizes.Then We try and destroy/hurt his business with all the potential fallout. Who is the villain?
I will tell you what-I haven’t boycotted any businesses run by former government member and at the time they seemed to enjoy insulted me at least once a week and I have yet to hear a single apology from any of them.
Good for you, Steve, you didn’t see a boycott as necessary. However, some see this as called for. A resounding message needs to be sent to this Rick and any other business owner who speaks out of line in this manner; these same protesters that he spoke about have supported him and are now willing to pull the plug. Think before you speak, Rick.
Like San George, count me in # 342!
His apology is fake. No one believes him after he said to lighten up and block him. He only apologized cause the Premier told him to. He didn’t mean it. He still agrees with his post.
There needs to be a progress follow up report after an apology to see if there is any form of rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation for what? What exactly?
It’s only those that go looking for something to be offended, will get offended. Save the outrage for something that actually matters.
Well coming from a bigot like yourself I can see why you don’t see anything wrong with his so call joke is this what people do behind our back then smile in our faces.
Nice.
How have they insulted you? Did they make a blanked racist comment? Did they disrespect your elders? Get outta here fool smh.
They in fact did make quite a few racist comments, referring to people as house n!$$*#€ or racist dogs, plantation masters… and these comments weren’t in response to racist statements, but were aimed at people that opposed or questioned their actions. Never once have they even offered an apology to any section of the community for which they constantly sought to belittle, speaking out using historical transgressions to excuse their self righteous, above reproach standing, keeping alive that which they decry.
More like bdanoluv.
Did your grandparents grow up in segregated Bermuda? Where your ancestors whipped, lose body parts? Forced to watch their wives and children raped, split up, forced to work long hours for nothing???? Had land stolen from them, left powerless to fight a weaked Government who forced them of their land with rigged laws???
Lynched??? Had children snatched away from them and re-sold?
Then you get over not knowing what his reference means to Black Bermudians
Subliminal racism is just as bad, being that this is a small Island people are prone to hide their stance rather then outright fly their Confederate flag.
The PLP is always flying the confederate flag.
I guess the OBA is too?
OMG really…subliminal racism. Lets start with fighting actual examples of racism before we move on to this subliminal stuff…You are living in a dream world.
You are responding to the dream world comment
Racist P_G
You do know that is ‘your’ choice!
Finally the power in those phones is being used – he woke you up. You have no idea the power you have in your hand. Count me in – #341.
It is sad that if successful, this will affect the Bermudians that Olsen employs. I feel sorry for them.
I’m sure they know that they work for a racist. Maybe they think this is karma.
they can find a boss who is not a racist so its all good
Please!!!
Do you really think we will fall for that trick???
We will HONOUR “our” ANCESTORS and be the voices that they were forced to be silent.
WTF does this have to do with your ancestors? Give it a rest. Go be mock outraged by something else.
Umm sandgrowan….i think you opposed yourself with “mock” there chap. Toodles
I don’t think anyone would expect you to understand that.
The employees simply need to look for a decent job run by a non-racist person who will not get them in a big sink hole drowning.
Well…has any of his staff quit due to being offended by their bosses post..? I passed by there over the weekend and it’s seemed fully loaded with persons enjoying their drinks n meals so…
I personally have never patronised his places of business but they all seem lucrative to me and this isn’t the first time he’s been the subject of controversy.
Wish I could boycott TCD due to Donal Smith’s involvement in the emissions facility shadiness and his comments about gay people while serving as an elected official. Selective memory abound.
No one is saying Donal Smith didnt do somethng wrong. If you have a problem take it to the Human Rights Commission theyll look into it and he’ll have his day in court. No one has selective memory. People are acting. You can act if you want too.
Did Rick Olson start a brawl on Good Friday in St. David’s? O no, that was a result of the worst problem facing the local community: violence and hatred towards each other.
DEFLECTION Again!!!!
Stick with the responses to Rick Olson pls
What have you done to help improve the unity you speak of???
Yeah try acting at the time against a black nationalist govt. that stupidly awarded stupid contracts.
Why didn’t you???
Talk is cheap!
DEFLECTION!!!!
Not really. It is incredibly hypocritical that people are boycotting one business while supporting a political party and other businesses with a history of racist statements.
“It is incredibly hypocritical that people are boycotting one business while supporting a political party and other businesses with a history of racist statements.”
Yes, the PLP do nothing but spout hypocrisy.
Exactly.
While you sing the same song.
Be the change you woul like to see in your island
@ Sad, you could boycott TCD, but you probably don’t have the courage of your conviction. Even boycotting sometimes comes with a sacrifice, hey?
Why is everything in this island always boil down to racism.i will still patronize his establishment’s because most of the people complaining are racists themselves.
It doesn’t. It boils down to the ‘haves’ and have nots’. Racism is the boogeyman that’s supposed to frighten certain segments of the community into submission.
his is not the only racist business in bda there are plenty more that need to be boycotted
#342
The comments here stating that the people effected by his racist comments are the ones in the wrong is exactly why we need to boycott his business’! We need to teach our black youth our economic power! White business’ always support each other and people supporting this racists business are also racist in my books.
Glad this is finally coming to light and also the comment about his lack of business effecting the Bermudians he employes; if he closes another will take his place no big deal! He will be unaffected as he has many business in bermuda and in the cayman ….Bye Rick Olson
@ Bdaluv,
Boycotting is fine if that’s your angle on issues like this but it’s hardly the only or most important thing. You want to teach our black youth something substantive then teach them to become employers. They need to be taught to chart their own destiny, that’s real empowerment.
see yall at the beach tonight. between 7 and 9pm. i will be ringing the bell a few times. people make mistakes. rick is a great man. how many mistakes do YOU make…think about it… and i am not talking about the ones that are found out… So.. FREE couple of rounds on ME!
Birds of a feather
The mistake he made was showing his hand, unlike his circle who hold their cards to their chest.
Showing his hand? What exactly did he show?
“It is incredibly hypocritical that people are boycotting one business while supporting a political party and other businesses with a history of racist statements.”
Yes, the PLP do nothing but spout hypocrisy.
“The mistake he made was showing his hand, unlike his circle who hold their cards to their chest.”
He could learn from the PLP
As stated over and over, If a person shows you who they are, believe them. Rick Olson has showed the world who he really and truly is! Therefore he should be prepared to accept people not supporting his business!
A mistake is a mistake but don’t try cover up what he has done we are all trying to fix our racist problems we have in Bermuda but you would have to be a black person to truly understand how we feel
You’re just being a troll. I’ll bet there won’t be a single person buying the whole bar a round tonight so stop your noise.
“You’re just being a troll. ”
Takes one to know one
“so stop your noise.”
typical…stop your noise, no one wants to hear your racist garbage anymore.
Really?? A case of the pot calling the kettle black!
Stay in your lane boy
You’re just being a troll. I’ll bet that there’s no-one there tonight buying rounds for the whole bar, so stop your noise. In fact, I think I’ll stop by to see if this really happens.
“. In fact, I think I’ll stop by to see if this really happens.”
…any excuse to go to a bar. lol
No doubt with the call to boycott the businesses of Rick Oslsons; his supporters will increasingly made the cry what about his employees if his businesses are force to close? and in that respect they will become human shields as they will be put out front effective collateral damage; the term coin by the Americans during the Vietnam war when civilians were killed in the course of combat.
Bermudians had never use boycotts as a weapon in political and or/ social protest; but if this call for a boycott of Rick Oslson businesses is a success; than it is likely we would have not seen the last of it’s use.
This is true. It’s inspired me to do a boycott others. The only difference is them and their employees should get what’s coming to them unlike Rick and his employees. Rick has made an effort to hire Bermudians over foreigners and show fairness to Bermudians through his hiring practice unlike other employers. Also I’m sure Rick doesn’t pass date food pretending that it’s fresh like other businesses do.
“Bermudians had never use boycotts as a weapon in political and or/ social protest; but if this call for a boycott of Rick Oslson businesses is a success; than it is likely we would have not seen the last of it’s use.”
Never? What about the theatre boycott?
So, “disliked” for being factually correct? Oh, I see, facts have an anti-PLP bias?
Oh.
Similar to the human shields who were pepper sprayed on the hill on December 2nd? All those puppet masters hiding behind the little old ladies provoking an incident that they could all cry foul over?
Oh and to your other point about Bermudians never using boycotts? ask Brother Furbert how his call to boycott KFC turned out????
@ Alvin Williams,
“Bermudians had never use boycotts as a weapon in political and or/ social protest …”
Your memory is slipping, or have you forgotten the theater boycott? I guess that wasn’t a ‘real’ boycott!.
Don’t forget the biu’s call for a boycott of KFC a year or so back. KFC seems to be doing even better since that by the way.
I don’t believe people are out to destroy this man but he will be held accountable, he won’t get off that lightly.I do hope these demonstrations give others time to pause before putting a size 10 in it bite your tongue or bite your foot your choice.
Haters without a clue… There is no bad press! The more people shout about it, the more they help the Olson establishments… Makes me want a beer, I wonder where I should go… The Bistro at the Beach comes to mind! Hahaha! I still dont think his comment was racist. Insensitive yes, poorly timed, ya think… but all he suggested was that criminals be punished for committing crime. Being hung drawn and quartered was not a punishment many people of African decent faced.
i hope people of “african descent” in bermuda recognize when they are being mocked, boycott all white business and support your own if you don’t have it, create it
Take the potential racism angle out of the equation and you still have a business owner offending a large enough section of the community by suggesting the drawn and quartered approach, whether by cartoon or not.
Change is about to come
oh dear sir,
please do explain…
since you must have a first hand knowledge on the mannerisms that Africans were killed during slavery
About as much as you do.
Please remember there are staff working at this establishment that need their income.
To err is human. To forgive is divine.
well Rick how many beers did you have then when you insulted us.
What do I do, boycott his business which employ many Bermudians of all backgrounds which will increase the unemployment rate or spend less dollars in his establishment that will keep them employed.
Gotta admit, its a tough decision.
The faux outrage of the perpetually and professionally offended is laughable. People really need to get over themselves.
Sure, it was in bad taste, but the accusation of racism is baseless.
Team OBA that you voted for thought different!!!
Alaska Hall robots out in force.
I am no fan of Mr. Olsen’s for a variety of reasons and I do firmly believe his post was ridiculous, totally unfunny and very insensitive. But I don’t see anything racist about it. I do think this boycott is trying to make this into more than it is. This Island is home to many insensitive, unfunny overprivileged bigots. Every community is. But, please – let’s not forget that he employs a lot of Bermudians who need their income.
i wonder if you take time and read your post before clicking send…..
Whether he employs a lot of Bermudians or not, that doesn’t change the fact that his social media post offended many people and spurred them to take action (with the boycott).
People are too easily offended.
Attempting to keep you subdued , feeling like everything you say/do is wrong or inciteful and keeping you walking on eggshells everywhere you go is a form of control .
Others blinded by entitlement
Jealous?
While it’s true there’s a segment of the population that pounces on any possible perceived slight in order to advance an (usually political) agenda, this got the attention of people who usually don’t bother with political or racial issues.
Everybody’s going to come across something that they find offensive from time to time, but not everybody’s going to be all “water off a duck’s back” about it.
It would be easy to imply that those who defend Mr. Olson have in the past, been offended by something that say the BIU, or PLP, have said, and have called for boycotts of establishments run by those groups. As is their right.
People were offended because they were looking to be offended. If you don’t go to Horseshoe beach or Red or the Bistro, good, more space for me.
And Canadian to and Bermudian could do there job
“And Canadian to and Bermudian could do there job”
What does this mean….do you speak English?
” But I don’t see anything racist about it. I do think this boycott is trying to make this into more than it is. This Island is home to many insensitive, unfunny overprivileged bigots.”
The same people protesting against this man, will also protest against granting all humans rights in bermuda. They are all bigots and hypocrites.
Well said SERIOUSLY? It will now be a racial thing as per usual.
Racism – the boogeyman used in the attempt to force submission. It’s gone far beyond being old and tired now.
The horseshoe concession should be looked into
” But I don’t see anything racist about it. I do think this boycott is trying to make this into more than it is. This Island is home to many insensitive, unfunny overprivileged bigots.”
The same people protecting against this man, will also protest against granting all humans rights in bermuda. They are all bigots and hypocrites.
Regarding the comment from the spokesperson for the accidental Premier the policies of the UBP/OBA are a form of racism, bigotry and discrimination.
Obviously, his comments have sparked an outrage among many black and white Bermudians. Obviously, you cannot then just sweep it under the rug. It was disturbing and although it would be easy to say “ok he apologised, get on with it”…sometimes these social media insults unfortunately come with harsh consequences and unfortunately some people have to learn a hard lesson.
So, everyone WATCH what you post publicly! It could come back to bite you. We should all strive to be kinder and this world would be a better place.
Mr.Olson said he researched the form of torture.
I have to ask, after researching,the hanging and chopping of a human being in 4 pieces..
What kind of mindset can apply such torture to any group of humans..
Speaking for myself I wouldn’t, couldn’t wish or ask for such treatment of another…Not even in jest..
yet no one objects to the union or plp bigotry???
Not even you!! Come of yourdevice and be a part of the solution.
I think the posters who urge everyone to “get over it” fail to recognize that they themselves are adding fuel to the flame struck by Rick Olson. Why is a protest such a bad result? If you don’t think the post was racist then don’t protest. For those of us who do think it was, we will. People of slave heritage are sensitive because of the continuing impact of that heritage today. We are getting on with it, but it is not your place to tell us to get over it. We don’t want to support Rick Olsen’s establishments. That’s a fair response in my book.
Agreed. Certain people will be the first to say that you can’t tell them where to spend their money.
” But I don’t see anything racist about it. I do think this boycott is trying to make this into more than it is. This Island is home to many insensitive, unfunny overprivileged bigots.”
The same people protecting against this man, will also protest against granting all humans rights in bermuda. They are all bigots and hypocrites.
Hey why don’t we block access to the Beach!
And all bars that do not start we “the” er, I mean de.
“Hey why don’t we block access to the Beach!”
try, I’ll pepper spray you myself!
…then go to jail.
“…then go to jail.”
for blocking access to the beach? certainly!
No you wouldn’t,don’t try to look big .
I got a few videos that show what happens to protestors in America…are you ready for this..?
Trying to understand how an intended humourus comment pertaining to middle ages Britain is racist in Bermuda today
Do you ponder,what kind of person thinks about torture..And makes a joke by applying it to a group of people..
Suppose Rick’s caption was directed at our gay population, oppose to certain protesters..
Would you feel the same way
If the joke was directed at hanging and quartering homosexual.
Would you still find Rick funny..
Protesting is a choice.
What people really don’t understand is that this is the last straw from Rick. On facebook he’s said some other stuff before this. This is just the final nail in the coffin.
We know there are other racists, but let this be an example to them that people are watching and we aren’t going to let them act like this is Trump’s America.
Sharpening pitchforks for the other villagers?
Oh the drama of it all. Faux outrage by the vocal few. Something else will be along shortly & they will be up in arms over that. Everything is some sinister evil plot to them.
The Alaska Hall Clickers have been busy.
@ Triangle Drifter, Yup.
This too shall pass… only to be replaced by another ‘issue’ which outrages. Yawns, turns the page.
I get what you are saying here but as a business owner you have to be prepared for what may happen if you say things that make people upset. You have to be Switzerland all the time unless you are prepared and don’t care about the backlash.
FACT…a few hundred people saying they are going to boycott wont do anything…
FACT…most of these people have never been to any of his places.
FACT…most of these people have simply jumped on this bandwagon to try to look good to others.
FACT…Life goes on and the majority of his business is tourists.
FACT…Truth hurts.
FACT…Burger time!
Wrong is wrong and Rick Olsen was wrong! Why do those who support bigotry always try to deflect to the PLP years to defend their own hypocrisy and inequality. If that’s the case lets discuss Bermuda under the UBP? Lets talk about injustices, inequality and the treatment of many black Bermudians! Unfortunately since December 18, 2012 Bermuda has
gone BACK! And we can thank the OBA for that…….OBA = took us back. #yourvoice #yourvote #obatookusbackwards
Plain and simple, as a business owner your number one priority should be reputation. He was a fool to do this and this is what consumerism is all about. Just look @ United Airlines. As a business owner especially in Bermuda you must be conscious of these things and boy did he make a big possibly irreversible mistake because once the damage has been done its tough to come back.