Politics

In Geraldo v. Hoodie, Geraldo Loses

In maybe the dumbest reaction to the tragic death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Geraldo Rivera went on a tirade against hoodies this morning, pleading with Martin's supporters to find another way to support the gunned-down teenager: "Leave the hoodie at home!"

By John Hudson
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In maybe the dumbest reaction to the tragic death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Geraldo Rivera went on a tirade against hoodies this morning, pleading with Martin's supporters to find another way to support the gunned-down teenager: "Leave the hoodie at home!"  He prefaced his Fox & Friends rant by saying he fully believes Trayvon's shooter George Zimmerman should be investigated to the "fullest extent of the law" and prosecuted if criminally liable. But this hoodie thing? It's dangerous! "I’ll bet you money, if he didn’t have that hoodie on, that nutty neighborhood watch guy wouldn’t have responded in that violent and aggressive way," he explained. "You have to recognize that this whole stylizing yourself as a ''gangsta'… You’re gonna be a gangsta wanna? Well, people are going to perceive you as a menace. That’s what happens. It is an instant reflexive action."

RELATED: Some Other People Who, by Geraldo's Standards, Are Asking to Be Shot

Despite Geraldo's pleas (he has different casual wear preferences) the hoodie has become the official symbol of those taking to the street to call for justice in the killing. But Geraldo is having none of it. All of you hoodie-clad activists, just give up! "You can not rehabilitate the hoodie," said the renowned fashion expert. Helpfully, he offered clear guidance on Geraldo-approved times to wear the garment, saying "Unless it's raining out or you're at a track meet, leave the hoodie at home." Thanks Geraldo, but we're just curious how can you explain this little moment of bliss, courtesy Media Bistro. Did O'Reilly make you do it?

Interestingly, our friend at Fox News isn't the only adult a little uneasy about the hoodie. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus stared the hoodie wardrobe decision right in the face earlier this morning when CBC aide Stephanie Young tried to organize a small show of support for the gunned-down teenager. "It's national Hoodie Day in memory of Trayvon," read an e-mail sent to black caucus offices, and intercepted by Politico's Jon Allen. She told aides they could buy hoodies for their members of Congress in the gift shop for a photo-op. "The Chairman will wear his hoodie and I am hoping Members can surround him. This should take 15 min," she said. Unfortunately, they weren't buying it, and 67 minutes later Young followed up with another message.  "The Members decided as a Caucus that they do not want to participate."

Is any grownup outside of Rachel Maddow comfortable with the hoodie?! It turns out, there are a few. At 1 p.m. on the East Steps, the Congressional Black Associates, Congressional Hispanic Staff Association, Black Republican Congressional Staff Association, African American Men on the Hill, & Greeks on the Hill are going to meet up for for "Hoodies on the Hill." God bless these brave souls!

Update: It appears Geraldo's son has tried to talk some sense into the Fox News personality, but to little avail:

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.