what is a tarbaby?

Answer 1

It was originally a character from African folklore; in the Uncle Remus stories, it is a doll made out of tar. From that usage, it has gained the metaphoric meaning of a "sticky situation", that is, one whose resolution is only aggravated by efforts to solve it.

Over the years, however, that term has also acquired a negative connotation as a derogatory term for black people (such as African Americans in the United States or Maoris in New Zealand), or to an especially dark skinned black person by other lighter skinned black persons.


Controversial usage

In recent years, several public figures who have used the term to describe a "sticky situation" have encountered controversy due to the word's negative connotations.

* George Will, a syndicated columnist and ABC television commentator, used the title "Stuck to the U.N. Tar Baby" for his September 19 column of Newsweek in 2002. Criticizing apprehension on the part of some Democrats and the lack of international support for an invasion of Iraq, Will argued: "The president touched that tar baby, the United Nations, in November when he improvidently proposed the return of U.N. weapons inspectors, and he was not unstuck from the tar baby by Vice President Cheney's recent insistence that inspectors could provide only 'false comfort.'"

* Tony Snow used the term ("I don't want to hug the tar baby of trying to comment on the program") in one of his first briefings as White House Press Secretary. Snow's use of the term was much lampooned in the media. For example, Jon Stewart commented on The Daily Show, "Clearly I'm going to have to Jew down my expectations. I'd hate to expose any chinks in his armor, especially since his reputation has been **** and span. Seriously, ni**a please."

* Mitt Romney, Governor of Massachusetts, used the term in a speech before 100 people in Ames, Iowa, while campaigning for the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination. A Boston Globe article stated: "The best thing for me to do politically is stay away from the Big Dig - just get as far away from that tar baby as I possibly can," Romney said, answering an audience question about whether his new responsibility for the project's safety carried political risk. ``But I got elected as governor of Massachusetts. It's part of my job to do what I think is the right thing." He cast himself as willing to tackle a seemingly intractable problem. ``One thing's for sure, I am sure tired of people who just have nothing but talk and are not willing to take action. I'm willing to take action, and that's what I'm going to do," he said to rousing applause." Two days later, Romney apologized for the remarks through his staff.


Personally , I didn't know it was anything but a sticky situation until yesterday.

I find the whole argument Disingenuous.

Yours: Grumpy

Answer 2

Go Here>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarbaby

Answer 3

It was a common element in the African tales of Br'er Rabbit. Br'er Fox used it as a way to try and catch the Rabbit to eat him and because it was sticky he couldn't get the tar off easily and it hindered his movement, but he was able to escape it by running through the brambles. It later became a derogatory term for a black child although it has ben used for adults who are of black descent. It was because some slaves were seemingly so rich in skin color they were "dark as tar". Term is rarely used today... it went out with slavery. When it IS used though, unless it's directed at a dark-skinned person or about one, it's not meant to be racist. It's supposed to be sticky and hard to let go of. Example: "The president was stuck to that tarbaby." Not racist. "Go back to the projects you damn tarbaby!" Racist.

Answer 4

A tarbaby was originally a character from African folklore, in the Uncle Remus stories, it is a doll made of tar. Metaphorically means a sticky situation. It is also a derogatory term used in the US in reference to black people.

Answer 5

Brer Rabbit was also in a Disney movie which I have not seen in a long time, "Song of the South". I remember what a nice old guy Uncle Remus was and how the little birds and other critters loved him and his singing.
But I don't remember Brer Rabbit trying to help the tar baby. He got mad because the tar baby would not return his greeting. I think he got his paw stuck when he swung to hit the tar baby.
So I see it as a sticky situation one gets into when you lose your temper.

Answer 6

I am from the south and this explanation came to me through an extended family member. I don't know how long this phrase has been around or its origin but its meaning as it was told to me is as follows. A tar-baby is a situation or a problem that someone wants help with. You being the kind soul that you are want to help. In helping this person you find yourself hopelessly caught up in the situation and as an outcome you are now owner of this problem. . A tar-baby is simply situations and events that you want to avoid with a passion so you don't get tied up in them or worse yet be stuck holding the bag (tar-baby).

Answer 7

Haha! My grandpa used to tell me the story of Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox and the tarbaby. He described it to me as a little girl molded out of tar. Sort of like a little girl decoy...

Answer 8

A Tar toddler turned right into a doll made up of tar and turpentine, used to entrap Bre'r Rabbit contained in the second one of the Uncle Remus thoughts. Rabbit were given right into a controversy with it and the better he fought it, the better entangled he grew to develop into. The time period Tar toddler got here to intend a sticky difficulty it incredibly is in easy words aggravated by ability of efforts to sparkling up it. the way it ever de-advanced to be an insulting call to african-individuals i will in no way comprehend, yet some believe it truly is.

Answer 9

Racial slur. You should read the book by Terry McMillian. It's called TarBaby.

Answer 10

A baby made from tar, read The Tales of Uncle Remus by Julius Lester.