LMNOP: Having Some Big Ol' Fun On Craig's List

Having Some Big Ol' Fun On Craig's List

* * * Please note that all responses are 100% REAL. * * *

THE BLACK MATTRESS AD (in two parts)

Free Nice Clean Simmons Beautyrest Pillowtop Mattress (Queen)
(Ad #1 of 2)

I have a very clean and nice Simmons Beautyrest Pillowtop Mattress that I am giving away free to someone who can use it. The mattress is a queen size and is only two years old. Includes box springs. Non smoking home and no indoor pets. My wife has a bad back and we have had to purchase a special mattress to accommodate her. I should mention that my wife and I are African-American so I realize that it is unlikely someone would want our bed (even for free), but thought I would try anyway.

THE RESPONSES
(A small cross-section, unedited except for removal of personal information, etc.)

Your nationality doesnt matter to me one bit. We are all human and have the same functions and a heart. Where in X are you located. Right now my husband and I are sleeping on an air mattress. Have a nice day and hope to hear back from you. Cyndi

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I am very much in need of a queen size bed and mattress if you still have it. Your race does not bother me at all and it shouldn't bother anyone! Have a great day and god bless

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If you still have this by 4:00 today, let me know. Oh, and I am white, just in case you dont want me to have it. LOL I really hope you were joking about people not wanting it just because of you race. If so, they are idiots. Thank You, Lisa

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I am african american american also. I find your comment offensive to other African americans. Skin color does not matter only cleanliness. Next time dont sell yourself short. Kendra

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I have news for you my friend, i am white as snow and would be glad to have your bed but don't have the extra money right now to come to get it. I am in X county. But anyway I just wanted to let you know that not all people are completely crazy. Ok I lied i am a little crazy. lol. You and yours have a wonderful day and God Bless. Edith

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I am white as paper and if I didn't already have a bed that I still quite love I would definitely want that one, it looks like it's in great condition! Don't sell yourself short, there definitely is still racism in the world but the world is drastically changing day by day. I mean look, we very well could have a dark man as president. Like I said before, don't sell yourself short, color is a beautiful thing, why do you think we tan? haha. It's not about how many breaths you take, it's about the moments that take your breath away...

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that looks like a very nice bed. please tell me why you think no one would want it because you are African American ????? that should not matter at all if some one is in need of a good bed . i am white and if i needed a bed i would take this one . you should not think bad about you being african american . Hell we are all imigrants here in this great country thanks and have a nice day

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I am interested in your mattress and boxsprings. I am sad to see you feel the way that you do, I wouldn't think there was much of a racial problem here (but I'm new here). Would you please give me a call? I have a friend who has her dad's truck until tomorrow so she could pick it up for me. Thank you, Christy.

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WOW, I don't think people would not want your mattress because of your race. I have severe fibromyalgia and was looking for a mattress like that awhile back and would have loved to find your ad then, but just don't need it now. If you don't get an answer please don't assume it has anything to do with your race. I don't think most people are that shallow anymore.

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Hi!!!! I really could use that set that you have offered. I am also African American, so it doesn,t matter. I,d really appreciate this. Where are you located???

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I was wondering if you still have the box spring and mattress avaliable? I would love to have it if you do. I was also wondering if you dont mind why it would make a difference that you are african american? Thanks a bunch for you time and have a wonderful day. Christina

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I am interrested in your mattress. My girlfriend and I just moved into a new house and could really use a different mattress. Right now, we are sleeping on a full size mattress that is 5-6 years old. I wanted to buy her a new bedroom set, but finances at Christmas had become too tight to afford it. As for your race, I could care less. Generosity can't tell the color of your skin. I have a large enough vehicle to pick it up if you would allow me to have the mattress. Thank You. Steve

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I don't need your bed, but what a beautiful thing you & your wife are doing. My question is do African -American's have some short of disease vs whites or any other color. I'm a 40 yr old man who is not blinded about the world and how some people still are which is shameful, but as i saw your listing I felt compelled to let you know not all feel that way. good hearted, proper people don't think that way and if someone in need of well taken care of bedding wouldn't accept your generosities for free regardless of skin color other than just being good people than the hell with them. let them sleep on the floor or springs.

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Can I bother you to ask you why you would think no one would want the bed because you are african american? It may sound silly, but I didn't follow that and am curious! If I had a way to pick it up I would be very interested, because I need new mattresses and just can't afford it! Hope your new mattresses work out well for your wife!

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Hi. First I want to address your comment. I am sorry if you have experienced any racism on craigslist. I've gotten clothes and personal items from people on craigslist before and I have always been grateful, it never occurred of me to wonder what race the giver was. I have many African-American friends, and worked for an African American family for a while. I would like the mattress. I could pickup either Sunday evening, or sometime Monday. My name is Nancy and my number is X.

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I don't need the bed right now, but we need everything else since my husband spent 28 years in the military and was sent home from the war to die. If I needed the bed I would take it and I am White!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe you feel that way, we just elected a black president! 61% of the vote was white. I am sorry that America has made you say that. I think people who are in need really don't care what color your skin is who need a mattress. Please get over that we are in a new era. I grew up in NY and my brothers played ball and we had a full court built outback of our house and their black friends spent the night in our family home all the time. And I am talking years ago. Don't let people make you feel that way things they are a changing! Cindy

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racist piece of shit, close minded punk. who says that in their add. anyways you got some issues. im a f*cking minority too, hopefully nobody does take ur mattress cuz u r black, since u mentioned it!

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Hello my name is Jeffrey and I am African American also and I would love the bed and need it bad. Please give me a call at X and I will arrange pick-up. Thank you. Jeffrey

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Hello, I'm African-American too! I would love to have your nice pillowtop mattress and box spring if it's still available. Thanks, Roz

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Don't take this in the wrong way please. I think you are a smart person to put the comment of your race and how most people might not accept the mattresses because of that. I got my smile and thought for today. It takes people to say certain things to really bring reality back and say it is still about race. I am just thankful I am not one of them. You are a good person. Take care and good luck. thank you Annis

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I am not African American but I don't think that should make a difference with ANYONE! I may be interested if no one else is. I have a brother and sister in law that could use it. Please let me know and I will also ask them. Jenna

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I would love to take this off your hands if it is really in as good of shape as it appears to be in. Please just tell me the location or give me a call. I am about to move and will have an extra bedroom with no mattress so this would be wonderful for me. I fortunately could care less what race you are because I do not think in that way. My phone # is X. Thank you and have a blessed day! Jessica

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That looks like a very nice mattress, If I had the space I would love to have it. Im sorry to hear about your wifes back, I suffer from back pain myself. From your post it seems youve been hurt by others in this world because of race. I appear white, but my lineage is varied and I call myself a "mutt". I am sorry on behalf of those that would say hurtful things, or treat you poorly merely based on your race. I am so thrilled that our new president is Obama. I hope our nation begins to heal the injustices of the past. Lets start with us. Take care, Rob

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First of all - you are aware that the most powerful man in the free world is black right? And, his wife and kids? Right? Okay. With that said - I have a friend that could REALLY REALLY use this bed. You would be greatly helping out a GREAT artist here. Please get back with me and give me address. Thanks. David

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Just wanted to say that you being African-American is nothing at all to be ashamed of. Yes I am white but you and I were created by the same God no matter our skin color. Hold your head high and be proud of who you are. If someone chooses to not take you up on this very generous offer just because you are African-American then they need to do some real soul searching. Just felt an overwhelming need to say all of this to you. I tried to just leave it be. I hope that I haven't offended you in anyway. God Bless, Chuck and Melissa

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Editor's note: Interestingly, about 90 percent of the responders [not included because they were not interesting] did not even acknowledge the poor black man's racial comment because--obviously--they just wanted a free mattress (!).

THE BLACK MATTRESS AD (continued)

Free Simmons Beautyrest Pillowtop Mattress - UPDATE
(Ad #2 of 2)

I am posting this follow-up about the Simmons Beautyrest Pillowtop Mattress that I am giving away free to someone who can use it. The mattress is a queen size and is only two years old. Includes box springs. Non smoking home and no indoor pets. My wife has a bad back and we have had to purchase a special mattress to accommodate her.

I have received so many responses that I unfortunately cannot possibly respond to each person individually. But I want to thank the people who were so kind and sympathetic to my situation and let them know how much I appreciate their heartfelt words of support. I also want to explain myself because I had a lot of questions and comments about the fact that I mentioned that my wife and I are African-American.

I have no problems whatsoever with the fact that some people might not want a bed that was owned by an African-American. That is their preference and that is their choice and I respect that. After all, I have to admit that I myself would not want to sleep on a bed that was owned by a Mexican. So to be fair and honest I just wanted to make it absolutely clear about who owned the mattress, hoping to prevent a potentially sticky or embarrassing situation later on.

One more detail. My wife has pointed out something I neglected to mention. Her sister was diagnosed with A.I.D.S last year and was bedridden for about six months. We have since moved her to an assisted living complex and we have had the bed professionally cleaned. I apologize because I should have mentioned this is the original post. My wife reminded me that this, too, could potentially prevent some individuals from wanting this mattress. So if anyone is still interested, let us know. I will be checking my e-mails first thing tomorrow morning.

THE RESPONSES
(A small cross-section, unedited except for removal of personal information, etc.)

Hi. I am one that wrote to you asking for the bed that you are giving away, but having read that you would descriminate against a Mexican I wish to let you know that I no longer want the bed. I have 2 grandchildren who are part Mexican and my Aunt is a Mexican and so are my cousins. My God-Parents are African American. I also have an Aunt and cousins who are German. One race is no better or cleaner than the next. There is dirty in every race. I was very offended by your remark. It didn't even bother me that someone with A.I.D.S. had slept on it. You should take every person at face value and see beyond their race. I have seen people of every race that I woul not want to sleep on a bed that they had laid on. I would never single out just one race and say that though. Jeff

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I read your explanation about the mattress sale. When reading, I was saddened when you mentioned that some responders were concerned that you were African American. When I read further, I was shocked and more saddened that you would not want to sleep where a Mexican had. In this day, it is hard for me to believe that people still think that the color of skin, background, or religion preference is in any way relevant in life. Our souls do not show color or ethnicity. We are all the same in the eyes of God and, in the next life, there is no color or ethnicity. To be giving to someone in need, as you are, shows a very good heart and soul. I am asking that your goodness open your mind to "we are all one" and "our color or ethnicity is not important". We all need to look at everyone without color or background and prayer helps. What a change could be made in the world!!! Thank you for listening to me and feel free to send this on to all your responders. With God's love, Tina D.

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brother i lived with an hiv person i hope and pray that she does not suffer i never had any misconceptions on anyone im black and of course i would not take anything from a mexicono either not due to prejudice but because they are not as clean at least most of them they just live and are nasty i can get the m if i cn hv thank u

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That is very nice of you to offer the your bed to someone in need however your comment about not wanting a bed that was slept on by Mexicans is very rude, racist and insensitive. Even if you feel that way sometime it is best to keep quiet.

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The comment about Mexicans... was uncalled for... I did give you my heart felt opinion... that was coming from a Caucasian Grandmother with Mexican grandchildren.... and a Mexican husband and Hispanic son in law.... Thank god I raised them not to see color... by the way my Mexican grandson colored a picture the other day in school....the child's face was multi`colored as well as his hands and neck.... kind of like a rainbow... I would be afraid to give out my address.... after your comments....just thought I would let you know...someone might not put you in your place in a email...it's a cruel world and others may take offense to what you said ~ best to dump off your mattress....

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DONT U THINK THATS KINDA HARSH IN WHAT YOU WROTE??? THAT YOU WOULDNT SLEEP IN A BED THAT WAS OWNED BY A MEXICAN???????THATS JUST REALLY REALLY WRONG AND HURTFUL TOWARD SOME PEOPLE AND JUST PLAIN OUT RUDE!!!!!!!!! I WILL BE FLAGGING YOUR POSTING

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It is people like you that cause problems with all of the racial issues we have in this world STIL today!!! It is crazy of you to post something like that in your ad!!!! Why can't you just tell what it is and disclose a couple of things about it, and be done!!!! You do not have to tell the world your opinions!!!! I can't stand people like you!!!! And about the AIDS that your sister-n-law was diagnosed with and her direct relation to the bed, I do not believe you forgot, I just think you are trying to toy with people. How could ANYONE forget something like that? GET OVER IT!!!!!!!

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I don't care that you are African American as long as you are not Mexican you can e-mail me back. Is it still avaiable? Anne

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I'm still interested. Christie

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Is the mattress still avalible? Jan

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This is FROM A MEXICAN!! I think you are a f*cking jerk whoever you are. What is wrong with mexicans??? To think i teach my mexican kids to treat everyone white BLACK whatever the same.... It hurts my heart to think that my children grow up in this world with people like you. You are one of these people who hates that t re black so you take it out on other races.. And by the way maybe A.I.D.S and your wifes bad back is KARMA coming to bite you in the ass for being a jerk.....

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Is the mattress still available? I'm interested!! ~Whitney

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You really have a lot to do don't you???? :-) ~dc~

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I would still love to have this mattress set and can have my daughter pick it up. Please let me know. Thanks, kim

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I would still be thankful to get the bed set if your sister in law did not have open wounds and it has been cleaned. I would encase the bed in a mattress cover even if it were bought brand new. My husband is almost bed ridden and we have no income at this point to replace our badly worn mattress set. Please call us at X. Mrs. X.

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[Editor's Note: As you could guess, the ad didn't stay up long before people flagged it and took it down.]