This week on the floor of the legislature, the Colorado General Assembly became heated as it erupted during a legislative session after state Representative Richard Holtorf referred to a colleague as “Buckwheat,” which caused the House to enter into a temporary recess.
Democrats were enraged and said the term “Buckwheat” is a racist term when it has been used many times, even in movies:
The movie ‘The Hunt for Red October’ famously used the term:
“Hey, I think someone just shot a torpedo at us!”
“No shit, Buckwheat, now get the hell out of here!”
That exchange was between 2 white US Navy men.
Buckwheat was a nickname for one of the black Little Rascals gang and was famously parodied by Eddie Murphy on Saturday Night Live. Is this a racist term?
Rep. Richard Holtorf (R) was talking about military rules of engagement while discussing a piece of legislation on Wednesday when another representative tried to chime in, KDVR reported.
“I’m getting there. Don’t worry, Buckwheat. I’m getting there,” Holtorf told the representative.
“That’s an endearing term, by the way,” he added moments later.
Colorado State Rep Richard Holtorf (R-Akron) referred to a colleague as “Buckwheat,” leading to a heated exchange and brief recess of the House. #coleg #copolitics #9News pic.twitter.com/jYXNbEMg8q
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) May 5, 2021
After the incident, local news reported the Republican lawmaker apologized after he was “reprimanded” for calling a white colleague “Buckwheat” during a debate on legislation:
“I apologize if I’ve offended anybody in any way. It is not my intent, ladies and gentlemen. If anyone would like to talk to me afterwards, I’d be more than happy to visit with them,” Holtorf said, according to Fox affiliate KDVR.
What do you think about the incident? Should the lawmaker have apologized?
Watch it here: CBS Denver/Youtube
Sources: 100percentfedup, Fox 31 KDVR