Call it a case of reverse racism.
Nine Pittsburgh buses will be stripped of decals which bear promotional slogans that spell out racist terms when read backwards or in a rear-view mirror.
The Port Authority of Allegheny County, which operates Pittsburgh’s public transit system, is making the move after a driver complained Tuesday after seeing the slogan “Ziggin’ Zaggin'” in their car mirror.
When read backwards, the words closely resemble terms that are considered highly offensive to blacks.
According to TribLive, the slogans have been used since 2003. It is unclear if this is the first complaint. Other slogans gracing buses in the 700-bus fleet include “Rockin’ Rollin’,” “Movin’ Groovin’,” and “Movin’ Shakin’.”
The Port Authority says it will peel off the slogans and that if the allegedly offensive words can still be seen, they will be covered with advertisements.
“Port Authority certainly did not intend for this message to offend anyone,” Port Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie said, according to TribLive.
“However, due to recent complaints about how this message appears when read backward, we have decided to remove the message from our vehicles. We apologize to anyone who may have been offended.”