Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
7/31: Stephen Colbert apologizes for “crappy Canton” remark
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Holy backtrack, Batman! Stephen Colbert has issued what he termed a “rare” apology for last week’s “crappy Canton” comment that “puzzled” mayor Gene Hobgood.
(The line was about John McCain’s schedule. He was listing cities and got to this: “And Canton, and not the crappy Canton in Georgia. I’m talking about Canton, Ohio!”
“Evidently, I offended some people because two days later, I saw this in the Atlanta Journal Constitution,” Colbert said in his Wednesday night broadcast. My colleague Jamie Gumbrecht’s print story is shown on screen and he reads the headline “Colbert’s ‘crappy Canton’ comment puzzles mayor.”
“Seems the mayor of Canton Georiga was none too happy with me,” he continued.
“It’s clear to me he has not been to Canton Georgia,” Hobgood says in a video clip from WXIA-TV.
“You’re absolutely right, Mayor Hobgood” Colbert said, to laughs. “I haven’t. But I hear it’s a beautiful place. Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is the fastest growing city in Georgia. It has so much to offer like the Canton Historical Theater and the HIckory Creek log dam. Not to mention oxygen and paved roads.”
“Yes, Canton Georgia, a wonderful place to live. So again, Mayor Hobgood. I apologize.”
“Why did I call your lovely city crappy? A simple mixup. I meant Canton, Kansas.”
Then he puts his “crappy Canton Georgia” comment to shame. “That place is a **hole. You can smell that place all the way from Topeka. You know what they say about Canton, Kansas? Nothing. Nobody talks about it. I would say you should convert it to a landfill but that is insulting to landfills. If Dorothy was from Canton, Kansas, she would have wished the house dropped on her. That reminds me of a joke: how many Canton residents does it take to screw in a lightbulb? None. They don’t use lights because they don’t want to see where they live. I’m glad I cleared that up because I don’t want to offend anybody.”
Here’s the video:
I called up Mayor Hobgood this morning and asked him, “Do you think Colbert’s apology was sincere?”
“I think it was about as sincere as anything else he says,” Hobgood said with a chuckle, “especially the comment about our paved roads and air. We do have those. I must say, very good ones, in both areas.”
“Are you happy with his apology?”
“I really am. Some of our people are very excited we have received the attention of such a celebrity,” he said. “I was surprised.. he used it as a great segue into Canton Kansas.” (population: 800 or so vs. 17,000 in Canton, Georgia.)
Hobgood invited Colbert to visit Canton, Georgia. “I’ll honor him and give him a day if he comes,” he said. In fact, he noted, there are Colberts in the county. Perhaps Stephen has distant relatives there since he’s from South Carolina.
He was also bemused that Colbert used his Hobgood name to mine laughs. He said as a kid, people would mispronounce his name Hopgood so he still signs his name with a big “B” to make sure people say it right. And yes, Colbert said it correctly more than once!
Comments
By S. H.
July 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Are you serious? People were actually upset with this remark? It was a JOKE, people…a JOKE. I think it’s high time we stopped taking ourselves so seriously (and YES, I have been to Canton, GA and have relatives who live there!). Aren’t there more important things for government officials to be concentrating on than obtaining apologies for silly, innocuous jokes?
By tyler
July 31, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
I watched it and it was VERY clear that Colbert was not only insincere but also making fun of Canton and Georgia once again…
By Canton Resident
July 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
“Not to mention oxygen and paved roads.”
We better have good paved roads. There are some real heavy people living in here in Canton. Really heavy. If our roads were bad they would crumble under the weight.
Same with the oxygen. The real heavy people here need plenty of oxygen. Walking a few feet is strenuous for these people. Without plenty of oxygen they’d be out of breath after one or two steps.
Colbert didn’t mention one big perk we have in Canton, lots of handicapped parking spaces. It makes it easier for the heavy people to get their Big Gulp sodas.
Oh and drive-through windows. Canton Georgia has thousands of them. Fast food, cleaners, drug stores, the heavy people don’t like getting out of their cars.
By cantonfroggy
July 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I live in Canton, GA but was born in Canton, OH. Hate to say it but compared to other cities both a fairly crappy.
By AMD
July 31, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
the mayor of canton is crappy. so is the crappy hoa guy. thank goodness for their paved roads and oxygen that lead me straight back to the interstate and back to civilization, where it’s safe to make petty little jokes and poke fun at ne another. i guess if you like that sort of thing you shouldn’t be caught in canton after the sun goes down.
By DirtyHippy
July 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Yeah I think Colbert realized that Canton, Kansas in a lot crappier than Canton, Georgia. I have to say that he’s right. I’ve driven through Kansas and it sucks. All of the produce in Kansas comes from a can. Horrible, horrible place.
By sarky
July 31, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
If I may be so bold as to quote our esteemed vice president, “So?”
By Emma
July 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Colbert is god. I live in Canton. He was right the first time (and the 2nd time, as he is infallible).
We should feel blessed to receive a mention. His comment about us being “crappy” will probably generate more tourism than the Chamber of Commerce or Downtown Development Authority ever could!
By Lost
July 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Rednecks never understand complicated jokes…I guess this one went way over their heads. To all rednecks: this particular joke is called SATIR*E. Let’s all say it together now…ONE…TWO…THREE..
By Jim
July 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Can’t stand Colbert.
By Mark
July 31, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Really - Colbert was joking the first time, the second time and the third time. The idea that he should be sincere now when he wasn’t even sincere when he called it “crappy”, is silly. Whoever was offended really needs to get a sense of humor and realize what he did for you - put you on the map. I might just go visit it now to see how crappy it really is! lol…kidding, in case you didn’t get it.
By Atlanta1
July 31, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
umm.. Colbert is from South Carolina, end of subject! lol
By Bobby
July 31, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Canton is nothing but white trash and trailer parks. He should not have to apologize for speaking the truth. I used to live there and it was a dump, the schools sucked, the people were all racists, and the town looks like something out of mayberry. What a joke of a city!! I wouldn’t let my worst enemy live there with all those white trash rednecks
By Bill
July 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Oh you small minded city folks! Did you ever stop to think that there may be intelligent people in Canton? WE GET THE JOKE, and we are in on it. Too bad you didn’t get it…
By Bobby
July 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Canton is nothing but white trash and trailer parks. He should not have to apologize for speaking the truth. I used to live there and it was a dump, the schools sucked, the people were all racists, and the town looks like something out of mayberry. What a joke of a city!! I wouldn’t let my worst enemy live there with all those white trash rednecks
By Bobby
July 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Canton is nothing but white trash and trailer parks. He should not have to apologize for speaking the truth. I used to live there and it was a dump, the schools sucked, the people were all racists, and the town looks like something out of mayberry. What a joke of a city!! I wouldn’t let my worst enemy live there with all those white trash rednecks
By Bobby
July 31, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Canton is nothing but white trash and trailer parks. He should not have to apologize for speaking the truth. I used to live there and it was a dump, the schools sucked, the people were all racists, and the town looks like something out of mayberry. What a joke of a city!! I wouldn’t let my worst enemy live there with all those white trash rednecks
By Pedro
July 31, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
The really funny part is that comics like Colbert and Jon Sewart and yes, even laughable political hopeful Al Franken, are taken as serious political commentators by anyone. Unfortunately, most of my left wing acquaintances fall into that category of dipsticks who can’t differentiate Hollywood schtick from sane rationale. But then they take CNN, ABC, CBS, AJC, etc as legitimate political commentary as well. They don’t listen to FOX, so I leave them out but recognize them as another joke box. Maybe Colbert should run for office too, like Al Franken. He could run for mayor of Canton, KS and clean up his own a*******hole. He does sound a bit oxygen starved.
By GeorgiaGirl
July 31, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
First of all, I doubt very seriously it was a “misunderstood joke”. The AJC contacted him for a comment, so he gave one, knowing there was a slight chance that it would get national attention for the small town that would otherwise never get any (unless of course a tornado hit a trailer park or an idiot gets shot). Calling someone a redneck only shows how much of a moron you are and how much thought you put into your comments. I think Colbert is funny and I think Canton is lucky he made fun of them. Oh, and I think the AJC did a good job in starting the entire thing. Made for some funny television.
By gttim
July 31, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
That apology was hilarious! Methinks this bit will continue as the Mayor of Canton, OH gets offended. How many Cantons are there?
And yes Colbert is from SC, but he escaped!
By Xanthippe
July 31, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I went to elementary, middle and high school with Colbert. He’s a super nice guy and funny as hell! Last night’s apology was hilarious. Canton, GA is beautiful and should be happy about the shout-out.
By smyrna man
July 31, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Xanthippe… people change
he is a d-bag
By RadioBlogFan
July 31, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Rodney, Nice job taking up most of front page at ajc.com. Busy day for you.
By Matt
July 31, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
All those who don’t realize that Colbert plays a satirical character and probably has no opinion whatsoever on the city of Canton, please stand up and leave. Jesus, we still have sarcasm in the South, right?
By kh9142
July 31, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
There is not a trailer park in Canton Georgia, to my knowledge. As for the rednecks, well…
By GaLiberal
July 31, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
The truth hurts. Colbert had it right and his satirical apology proves the point. Canton, like many other small GA towns, is a haven for racist, bigoted, Rethuglicon bootlickers. I only wished Colbert had talked about the Klan meetings and the lynchings that have taken place in Canton.
When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Canton, GA is living proof.
By Pedro
July 31, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Bobby, maybe you should move back to New Jersey where the air is clean and the schools don’t suck, and there is no racism. Or maybe you already did.
BTW, I love Mayberry.
Oh, and one more thing, just press POST once.
By Satire
July 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I used to know Colbert when we used to deal hash in the alley behind his dad’s hospital. Real cool fellow, and fair. He’d always make a fair trade on a brick of quality blow, even if he thought he could rip the guy off. Real top notch guy.
By Bob H
July 31, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Gee Bobby - think you got your mindless rant on there enough times?
By Satire
July 31, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I used to know Colbert when we used to deal hash in the alley behind his dad’s hospital. Real cool fellow, and fair. He’d always make a fair trade on a brick of quality blow, even if he thought he could rip the guy off. Real top notch guy.
By atlsitcom
July 31, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Atlanta’s crappy, all the surrounding areas are crappy… you bunch of sorry crappy people… get a backbone and enjoy the humor of it all, maybe you have Autism and need a good spanking, since thats all Autism is, just a bunch of cry baby people that dont know how to take a joke…
By DirtyHippy
July 31, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Pedro says “The really funny part is that comics like Colbert and Jon Sewart and yes, even laughable political hopeful Al Franken, are taken as serious political commentators by anyone.”
I’ll get my news from Colbert and STEWART anyday! At least they have a clue and are in touch with reality unlike the morons on CNN, FOX, ABC, and in Washington. You think that those media outlets are actually credible and not force feeding you the same thing over and over and trying to brainwash all the idiots like you out there out there? Think again!
By Mark
July 31, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Steven Colbert is always 100%serious. I personally am really offended at his insensitive comments regarding a town somewhere north of where I live that I’ve never been to. I’m sure it’s a perfectly lovely place filled with wonderful people. The equally wonderful people of Canton, KS should as well be really offended. Can’t wait for them to fire back at him. BTW - his show airs on COMEDY Central, just in case people weren’t aware of that.
By Michael
July 31, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
I really do feel sorry for the people who don’t understand satire. May they all be eaten by bears fighting over whether George W. Bush is a great president or the greatest president.
By atlsitcom
July 31, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Atlanta’s crappy, all the surrounding areas are crappy… you bunch of sorry crappy people… get a backbone and enjoy the humor of it all, maybe you have Autism and need a good spanking, since thats all Autism is, just a bunch of cry baby people that dont know how to take a joke…
By Hapless Traveler
July 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Had the misfortune of stopping in Canton once. As I was walking up a sidewalk, I was confronted by a loony old lady who demanded to know whether I was a veteran. When I responded that I was, she wanted to know how many years. When I told her four years, she berated me for getting out while a war was still going on.
Canton—nut cases and right-wingers. The people there can have it.
By jake
July 31, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I demand tha Jesse Jackson and Shirley Franklin boycot. Ah, it feels good to be a stupid liberal.
By M. D. Cain
July 31, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Thank you GaLiberal for gracing us poor hicks in small towns with your ” enlightened views “. I’m sure once your Democrap party takes over they will spread goodness and light everywhere and all will be right with the world. Give me a break!
By War EAGLE!
July 31, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Bobby and AMD! I would rather have white trash than YOUR kind any day. No RAP Music, no MLK flags or X’s or Jesse jackson protests and no Ho’s with chips ontheir shoulders asking for reparations for stuff that did not happen to them. Atrailor park is better than a Get down and boogie and give me my entitlement park any day! And don’t forget to leave before sundown-as you say, why? do the tall trees and short ropes come out at night?
By War EAGLE!
July 31, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Bobby and AMD! I would rather have white trash than YOUR kind any day. No RAP Music, no MLK flags or X’s or Jesse jackson protests and no Ho’s with chips on their shoulders asking for reparations for stuff that did not happen to them. Atrailor park is better than a Get down and boogie and give me my entitlement park any day! And don’t forget to leave before sundown-as you say, why? do the tall trees and short ropes come out at night?
By comp133xi7y
July 31, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Apparently “Pedro” is unfamiliar with the many, many satirists who have commented intelligently and with great wit on politics over past…oh I don’t know…MILLENNIA?
Suggesting that the contributions of of political satirists should be dismissed because they aren’t “serious” newsmen indicates a lack of education on Pedro’s part rather than on his friends.
Two words for you. Ok, three. Clouds. Aristophanes. Socrates.
Do a little research, and then come back and let us know how “silly” political satire is.
By Rickster
July 31, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Here’s a bit of satire: Frame 1: Years ago, Steve Colbert bending over backwards all the way down to his @$$hole and sticking his nose in between his butt-cheeks and coughing. Frame 2: Today, his crooked mouth & elongated nose looking just as they do now!!! Satire or Reality? You decide!!!!!!
By Hey
July 31, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I think the mayor knows its a joke - it’s all a way to get mentioned again. People are complaining he doesn’t get the joke - he does and he’s playing along. Calm down people.
By Pedro
July 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
DirtyHippy, wash your hair, rub the red out of your eyes, and try actually reading my post. If there’s an idiot in the room, it’s the one in your mirror.
By Pedro
July 31, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Geez, comp133xi7y, take a breath - but not in Canton I guess. I love clouds, Aristophenes, and Socrates. I want to be their roommate. I also find Colbert amusing and sometimes insightful. However, lest you take this acknowledgment as an apology, let me also assure you that I balance my political judgments on all input. Unlike some sourpusses who are so embittered that they rely on philosophers for their political insights, I also take my eyes off the sky (clouds) and focus on the ground periodically. You might try wringing out your philosophy degree and see if any economics or political science drips out. If so, lick it up quick.
By DirtyHippy
July 31, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Pedro—go back to Mexico. At least us whites and blacks can agree on something!
By DirtyHippy
July 31, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Pedro—go back to Mexico. At least us whites and blacks can agree on something! Don’t you have a lawn to mow somewhere?
By SongOfTheSouth
July 31, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Apparently from the remarks made by big city folks trying once again to “enlighten” us poor, ignorant small town dwellers, you come across just as racist, myopic, and bigoted as any redneck, republican bootlicker I’ve ever seen.
I’m a southern atheist that’s educated, well-traveled and a democrat who chooses to live in Canton because I enjoy the beautiful views of the foothills, wildlife, and the generally very nice, helpful, well mannered people that live here. I love my southern culture/heritage and it’s a refreshing change to hear the old southern accent of my childhood once again in my ears. We have a decent quality of life up here. Anyone who believes that we all live in trailer parks hasn’t been to any of the nice subdivisions stationed along the way from Canton to Waleska or surrounding areas.
But you’re welcome to your outdated viewpoints; just please, please stay south of Canton. We have it good here right now and don’t need your kind up here. I am continually amazed at how elitists go out of their way to put every other culture and worldview on a pedestal but when it comes to the South and her culture, they go out of their way to demonize it. I am one southerner that is sick of this and refuse to stand for it any longer. I suggest that other southerners begin fighting back, also.
By Pedro
July 31, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
DirtyHippy - Back to Mexico? I’m a third generation American, and I do have a job. In fact it’s a profession. Sounds like you don’t and are bitter about it. Blame yourself for your plight and blame your elected officials for the immigration issue, not me. Hey, if you vote for the new messiah maybe you’ll be able to up your monthly draw from the soup line when the “redistribution of wealth” takes place!
Remember, click POST once only.
By ThaMan
July 31, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Lost - your name is very appropriate.
By Entire State of Georgia is Crappy
July 31, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Noting but a bunch dumb rednecks.
By L. A. Chancey
July 31, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
I believe what we are seeing here is Colbert at his best, creating a puzzling situation as a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears. (ex. by Dictionary.com)
Perhaps this “Canton” diatribe is nothing more than a hidden meaning; a riddle, perhaps instead of Canton, GA he was really leading up to a reference to Enigma, GA where perhaps the Republicans are going to hold their post election party if John McCain fails to stop Obama in the fall. Wake up America!
By UGA girl
July 31, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Get a sense of humor. This is why people think southerners (and Georgians) are stupid. We can’t tell when people are being faceitious and when they are being serious. Losers.
By cooma
July 31, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
song of the south………..well said …once again, when everybody thats not even really one of us is all bickering over our south and comparing it to their hometown in the north….one of us real ones step up to say “we ourselves dont fight among each other, so why should we give a damn waht you think about us now!!!” Weve always known what we are and where we stand…you think that we give a s** now about wether you like us or not??? hello…you’re in OUR back yard….dont like it? well, you know the rest. As for Colbert…..WE REAL Southerners dont really care about peoples words…wether they’re a joke or not. Cause we’re satisfied with ourselves and always have been. Want the truth?….well there it is.
By comp133xi7y
July 31, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Gee Pedro, you ALMOST managed to seem as if you knew what you were talking about. Then you blew it by making typical “get your head out of the clouds” comments and suggesting that I don’t know anything about economics when, in fact, questions of economics or political science were not raised. Fallacy much?
Let me help you, since it’s more a question of history than philosophy.
See, Pedro, in Aritophanes’s play “The Clouds” he created a satirical version of the controversial figure that mocked what he perceived as flaws in various belief systems. So effective was this play, that Plato defended its references to Socrates later on.
The point, Pedro, was to show you that political satire has served a very real purpose throughout the history of Western Civilization, and that they do, in fact, represent serious political commentary.
Lest we forget, you said “The really funny part is that comics like Colbert and Jon Sewart and yes, even laughable political hopeful Al Franken, are taken as serious political commentators by anyone.”
So, if you don’t mind, Pedro, I’ll stick with my original assesment of your intelligence and education.
By Behind Enemy Lines
July 31, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Props to Mayor Hobgood (with an assist to the AJC) for playing this for all it was worth.
Only two kinds of publicity, good & better, and this carried the bonus of being pretty much free.
By Colbert Nation
July 31, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
It’s a Colbert Nation. Get over it you uptight, chip on the shoulder, can’t laugh at the midget, ooo shouldn’t call him a midget he’s a lllliiittttlllleeee person, gonna go through life p** at everything cause you’re a loser a*******h@les!!!!!
By bob
July 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Stephen Colbert is entertaining. However, his roast of President Bush a couple of years ago was not funny. He went too far that evening.
By banter is good
July 31, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Canton may not be Crappy but with Judge John Sumner on the bench it still is corrupt.
By texasgal
July 31, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Just moved to Canton - and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. The people are friendly, the scenery is great. (SongoftheSouth summed it up quite nicely.) Every town has its good and bad areas, every town has regular people and rednecks. Saw Colbert’s apology - hilarious! He’s on the Comedy Channel, folks - he’s funny!
By texasgal
July 31, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Just moved to Canton - and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. The people are friendly, the scenery is great. (SongoftheSouth summed it up quite nicely.) Every town has its good and bad areas, every town has regular people and rednecks. Saw Colbert’s apology - hilarious! He’s on the Comedy Channel, folks - he’s funny!
By Nick Wright
July 31, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
The four people in Canton, Kansas who watch the Colbert Report are FURIOUS.
By Wes Unruh
August 1, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
I grew up in Canton, KS. I went to high school there and my brother lives there. My sister works there as well. I was actually watching that episode of the show. I think Stephen Colbert is hilarious and I wasn’t offended by anything he said at all. I’m not saying Canton is a bad place, but just a tiny midwestern town like thousands of others. There is nothing there and I don’t blame people for making fun of it at all. Colbert is a one of the smartest and funniest people on TV. His book is fantastic by the way if you haven’t read it. They talked about his comments on the Wichita news tonight, and I was kind of p** at some of the people in Canton they interviewed. People were saying they were mad and didn’t want him to come visit. Are they crazy? Stephen Colbert coming to Canton, KS would be so cool. I wonder who else in Canton actually watches the Colbert Report besides me? I wish he’d come so I could get him to autograph his book for me. Where is everyone’s sense of humor?
By Scott McInnis
August 1, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Don Immus was joking also.
By jelly derryman
August 1, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
i mean like it’s really not that hard to make fun of Georgie (sic). Over the years we’ve had more lynchings that Mississippi and Alabama combined, then sent a record number of prominent african-american politicians to the pokey for fraud and corruption,,,,,,and THEN, get ready for the comparisons, the Olympics and chrome-plated pickup trucks and a Haitian-poverty village inspired “festival marketplace” downtown. Today proudly suffer our stupid metro-national inter-politan world’s most congested on purpose airport. Canton go off lucky by not being Atlanta-fied. This is the **hole.
By Not fromCanton, but
August 1, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
…I can certainly understand why people were upset with his hateful comments. I read his apology and ALMOST thought it was sincere until he launched into Canton, Kansas.
Once a jerk, always a jerk!
By L
August 1, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
My folks decided to move to Canton back in 1984 so they could raise my sisters and I in the country, away from the fast and sometimes dangerous Atlanta life. We did love living on 5 acres, having a bunch of pets and the peace and quiet, not to mention a very safe place to live. Elementary school was a different story. We learned that we were going to hell if we didnt go to the baptist church and that coming from a family with more money than the average Canton chicken farmer was something to get teased about. My sisters and I have always referred to Canton as “Skanton”, because it was littered with white trash racist Baptist hippocrates! “Crappy Canton” doesn’t even begin to describe Canton back then.
I will say though that Canton has come a long way. I moved back to Canton four years ago and I like it. It is a beautiful city and a great place to live. It is nice to finally not see just white people everywhere I go. And the Klassic Kountry Kitchen, also commonly referred to as the “KKK”, that was a popular country restaurant back in my high school days has changed its name to “Family Tradition”.
By WARRIOR MASCOT
August 1, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY! Colbert is a jerk.
By WARRIOR MASCOT
August 1, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY! Colbert is a jerk.
By WARRIOR MASCOT
August 1, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY! Colbert is a jerk.
By WARRIOR MASCOT
August 1, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY, CHARKEY COWNTY! Colbert is a jerk.
By xrt666
August 1, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
“Lighten up, Francis”….
By miss
August 1, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Colbert is sooooooo funny! Get over it people!
By outsideofcanton
August 1, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
As a native Georgian and member of the Colbert Nation, I must admit this is the first time I’ve taken an interest in Canton, Georgia. To all the naysayers, I think the people of Canton “get it”, even Mayor Hobgood. This is not the first time Colbert, a native South Carolinian, has taken a shot at one its (SC) border states.
Cantonites! (if I may call you that) Enjoy your 15 minutes!!!!!
By JP
August 1, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Tyler and Jim, wow..I hope you’re not my friends.
Athens doesn’t have anything on the real Athens either, y’know. Hate to tell ya.
Stop taking yourselves so seriously, for the love of Pete!
By Ann
August 1, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
That was hilarious! Colbert is funny as h@!!
By GSB
August 1, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
I thought “crappy” was an apt description of Canton, GA…They seem to aspire to become a spread-out version of Buford Hwy up there…
By KSgirl
August 1, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
City folk…tsk tsk…it may smell but we call it the smell of money here!! lol
By demwit
August 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
You can take the redneck out of South Carolina but you can’t take the South Carolina out of the redneck..
By Paul
August 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
War Eagle’s an idiot. The only reason these people (the X’s) behave the way in which they do is that 400 plus years ago, they were legally broken—practically shattered—by the U.S., it’s government, it’s people. Have a heart, asshole. And remember your Bible, the Book of Exodus to be exact. Pay very close attention to these people (like you don’t already). Though for now it seems impossible, for God all things are possible, and He tells us (those of us who have an ear to hear) that the bottom rung shall become the top.
By canton resident
August 1, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
we aren’t dumb rednecks actually. canton has come a long way.
By cantoner
August 1, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
OMG!!! What else do you call a town that has it’s Judges mug shot on every other street corner? John Sumner’s DUI mug shots are all over town. If you have a crappy juvenile court judge turning out crappy juveniles, your are going to have a crappy town! Hey, Judge Sumner have a drink on me!!
By Navigator
August 1, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Personally I wish he hadn’t done a follow up. It’s obvious that most don’t know about the area, Reinhardt College, fine homes and excellent eateries. Keep it that way folks! After the making of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, there’s been a run on Savannah by north easterners that continues to this day. Over run by tourist, the quiet beauty is gone. So let Colbert’s joke stand, we all stand to benefit greatly.
By The Whole Truth
August 2, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this
It’s not just Canton or Georgia, it’s the whole damn Country that’s full of crap. Lawrenceville makes Canton look like Shangri-f/ing-La!
By KuKluxKanton
August 2, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
By Entire State of Georgia is Crappy July 31, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this Noting but a bunch dumb rednecks
You forgot to mention that this is also the UGA fanbase.
Dumb, Redneck, UGA fans
By cooma
August 2, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
First of all - Im Southern and yeah you can say redneck. But you know what? We really dont mind when someone jokes, we even laugh at ourselves…we enjoy life…NOT like the states up above us - cranky, uptight, tempermental, no roots, robots. So we are proud to be rednecks…but you know you never see us in your back yards (now do ya?) so when you come here, if you dont like us…tough dhhfyegeu!!! We dont change and we never cared what you thought cause (once again - we are in our own yard!) As for Colbert yeah it was a joke…he’s just fine . It’s you outsiders that come here complaining that is the REAL thorn in people’s side- - - take that and make a note of in in your diaries!
By Amused Atlantan
August 2, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
“Rednecks never understand complicated jokes”….The amusing thing here is that apparently neither did you. It sounds very much like Mayor Hobgood (doubtful that he’s a redneck, by the way) did get the joke, had a sense of humor about it, but also decided to use it wisely to garner far more public attention than Canton has probably ever gotten. It’s a lovely place, has an intelligent mayor, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this led to a personal visit and more positive attention for Canton. As for Colbert, everything he says is tongue-in-cheek, folks — yes, he was making fun, but in a completely harmless “if you can’t laugh at yourself, who CAN you laugh at?” kind of way!!
By joker
August 2, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
It is not just Canton, it is all of Cherokee County. I see these mug shots of a judge who has all these DUI’s, who appears to be heading up some traffic class. Judge Sumner lives in Hickory Flat, now we know why they got a pouring license. Judges who drink and drive are pretty crappy!
By canton lover
August 2, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
What in the world is wrong with people in the last 20 years? They can’t take a joke. I love Canton, and I’m sorry that I laughed because it was a joke. I laugh when Chris Rock makes fun of white people. I laugh when Don Rickles makes fun of black people. I laugh when Adam Sandler makes fun of Jewish people. Laugh at yourselves, people! It’s called a sense of humor. You should get one if you found it offensive. I’m sure Wal-Mart sells them, (you can get everything else there).
By warbird
August 2, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
I think that he was out of line. Canton, Ga may not be as big and glamorous as Canton, Oh (lol) but I wouldn’t call it “crappy”. I doubt Colbert has ever even been here. I have a few nitpicks with Canton, but at least I don’t have to worry about getting mugged or shot dead in the street like in various other communities around Atlanta. I would pick living in Canton, Ga over Canton, Oh anyday. Colbert is an idiot, who cares what he says/thinks.
By warbird
August 2, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
I think that he was out of line. Canton, Ga may not be as big and glamorous as Canton, Oh (lol) but I wouldn’t call it “crappy”. I doubt Colbert has ever even been here. I have a few nitpicks with Canton, but at least I don’t have to worry about getting mugged or shot dead in the street like in various other communities around Atlanta. I would pick living in Canton, Ga over Canton, Oh anyday. Colbert is an idiot, who cares what he says/thinks.
By Tabby Cat
August 2, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
You all do know that its a joke, I mean its a comedy show! Get over it
By shakara
August 3, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
funny stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldZ5htx7g8
By South of Canton
August 3, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
I just read most of your posts and I want my 10 minutes of life back!
By Fed Up
August 3, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Canton is growing but that is mainly due to the infestation of illegals that have swarmed the area. There are some nice parts but the trashy ones do seem to dominate. I have lived in Canton for 9 years and I am looking to get the heck out.
By Estefania
August 6, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
its called satire… and verbal irony. read a book. hahaha
I think hes going to insult all the cantons he can until people stop being so ignorant…
(no country for old men… GO OBAMA!)
By fromtampafl
August 6, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Firstly, Love the Colbert Report.
I’m from “the south” technically but not really, because Tampa is mainly Spanish now anyway and I laugh at any crack to southerners. Its the people who are the most insecure and embarrassed about living there [or wherever the people complaining live]who are the ones who are most offended by it. If you know canton isn’t crappy, then the comment wouldn’t have bothered you at all, now would it?
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By victor & elizabeth baker
October 15, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Mr.Stephen Colbert,your are right about the crappy juvenile system.We have more then enough to back your statement up and then some.Children have been kidnapped in Canton by a same party.Canton law inforcement has refused to see our evidence for 15 years now!Do not tell canton you are sorry,when your right on target.Please contact us for the real canton georgia kidnapping cover-ups by the system.
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