Essay 3089

Taking offense in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Martha Stewart is under fire for attempting to trademark the name “Katonah” for a line of home furnishings. Members of the Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation and other Indian tribes claim it’s the name of a 17th-century chief. A representative for the Cayuga Nation said, “If it’s being done for profit, then of course it’s offensive. Of all the names in the world and all the words, why can’t she pick something out that’s not offensive?” A spokesperson for Stewart insisted the name was chosen to honor the people and community. Another Indian representative replied, “We trust that Martha Stewart intended no malice in seeking to have her corporation trademark the name of one of our great ancestral leaders, but for her to say she is doing so to honor him and our tribe is absurd, especially when it is being done solely for profit.” Stewart is probably handcrafting a special peace pipe right now.

• Miami Beach cops are wondering, “Where you at?” in regards to rapper and Boost Mobile endorser Fat Joe. The police arrested a suspect who allegedly shot and killed two men during a Memorial Day fight on South Beach, and Fat Joe may be a witness. Perhaps authorities will use the new Boost Mobile GPS service to locate the rotund rapper.