Should I remove the lawn jockey?

Question

It is kind of an old Southern tradition to have a small cement statue of a jockey in the front yard holding a fake lantern. Mine just happens to have a red coat and the face is painted a dark shade of brown. My wife and I sit on the porch drinking cold beer every Sunday and watch Silas mow the yard while dripping in sweat. He frowns each time he passes the lawn jockey. Is he nuts or something or should I just remove the little statue and forget about his sulking anger?

Answer 1

(I'm in the south too)

In this day and age, it would be best to remove the statue.

By the way, how about being nice and offer Silas a beer?

Answer 2

If it is a true antique take it inside.  Now days most people have gnomes & fairies.  After all the "N" word is dead.

Answer 3

Being an Ole Southern Boy growing up with those all over the place, I would say that now is the time to pack the jockey up and put him away.  However, there was a house that all ways dressed their jockey up for each season...in summer he had an inflatable kids water ring and a fishing pole...Halloween he had a mask and a pumpkin.

Answer 4

if its an antique, i would explain to him what it is. its history!! its culture!! i think it sounds awesome, and im not a racist!  maybe you could just remove it whenever he's around? or maybe paint the face a peachy color? ;]

Answer 5

make the jockeys face white,,,maybe that will satisfy the b*****d.

Answer 6

why don't you ask him if the statue offends him ? and offer him a cold beer.

Answer 7

Paint the face white, leave the lawn jockey.  It is a vestige of an era where racism was openly exhibited i.e. 'Lawn jockeys' and 'Whites only' signs.  And yeah, invite Silas over for a beer he might be angry over the fact that you and your wife are sittin' on your duffs.  How tall and well maintained is your lawn??  He might even be mad that his is keeping up his stake in the American dream while you're boozin' it up. because he is maintaining his lawn.

Answer 8

next time he comes by, whip the statue and yell

'your name is Toby!  Say it!'