Prominent San Francisco tech industry founder Greg Gopman’s Facebook rant may have resonated with his friends, but the AngelHack hackathon organizer did not anticipate how poorly most human beings would consider him after the now-deleted post went viral.
It’s sort of with SNL‘s Stefon-esque fervor Greg Gopman’s Facebook post must be described. This ill-considered status update has everything: hatred of poverty, condescension … every single known to man form of privilege!
After lamenting that San Francisco has been overrun by “crazy [people], homeless, drug dealers, dropouts, and trash,” he continues:
“The difference is in other cosmopolitan cities, the lower part of society keep to themselves. They sell small trinkets, beg coyly, stay quiet, and generally stay out of your way. They realize it’s a privilege to be in the civilized part of town and view themselves as guests. And that’s okay.”
At this point, all poors should pause to inwardly be grateful for the permission of Greg Gopman, founder of AngelHack, in their existence and grudging tolerance in remaining alive.
He adds:
“You can preach compassion, equality, and be the biggest lover in the world, but there is an area of town for degenerates and an area of town for the working class.There is nothing positive gained from having them so close to us. It’s a burden and a liability having them so close to us. Believe me, if they added the smallest iota of value I’d consider thinking different …”
This morning, Gopman changed his Facebook avatar to an “I heart SF” picture, and yesterday wrote what we imagine was a totally sincere apology for basically wondering aloud while poor people suck up valuable air:
“Last night, I made inappropriate comments about San Francisco’s less fortunate citizens between 8th and 4th on Market St. I’m really sorry for my comments. I trivialized the plight of those struggling to get by and I shouldn’t have. I hope this thread can help start an open discussion on what changes we can make to fix these serious problems. Again, I am deeply sorry.”
A Facebook pal named Tim Rosenblatt opined the post was a “dick move” before admitting he’d been mugged in San Francisco, and suggesting a way to make amends:
“You should come with me next time I go out to Glide Memorial. They do 3 meal services a day, and doing it has definitely changed my perspective on things. Holiday season is a time of year when they have tons of help, so let’s make a point to visit them in late January or February. Sound good?”
Five likes were bestowed upon friend Alice Zhang, who sniffed vulgarly:
“Don’t apologize to those bleeding heart liberals out there. They are part of the problem because they condone parasitic behavior. I’ve traveled all over the world (including third world countries) and San Francisco is the only place where I’ve seen people (the homeless) taking a [censored] on the street. If it were up to me I’d put them all in labor camps. Speak your mind and don’t be afraid of offending others. Remember what Dr. Seuss says: ‘Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.'”
Truly touching, Alice Zhang. But the most recent comment from a friend named Danny Bloomfield reads:
“Dude- this is the shit they’ve said about your undermensch Jew race for 5000 years. Who do you think you are? Sorry you’ve been temporarily displaced from the true upper class and have to walk among the dregs of the other 99%. Go back to your trashy Florida.”
While the Greg Gopman Facebook fiasco has certainly not earned the approval of Valleywag, it would appear most of his Facebook official friends at least tacitly agree with his remarks.
0 Comments