Can't we all just get along? It's been about a week since Michael Richards went ape shit on a couple of hecklers in his audience. If you've been living in a cave for the last few days, here it is.
Michael Richards
Michael Richards
Is Richards a racist? Maybe.
Here is his apology on David Letterman.
Richards Apologizes (edited version)
Here is his apology on David Letterman.
Richards Apologizes (edited version)
Is Richards a racist now? ... Maybe. Who the hell knows? Is he now a poster boy for racism? This is the point where everyone flies off the handle and now points to this middle-aged, white comedian and says, "THERE IT IS!" SEE IT?! THERE'S THE REAL MICHAEL RICHARDS!" But where was the pointing when incumbent Senator George Allen (R-Va.) called a cameraman of Indian descent "macaca" ?
Now, call me naive, but I'd never heard of that word until he said it. A few days later Allen said he "made it up". Really, Senator Allen? You made up a word that just happens to be a racial slur that is derived from the word "macaque", meaning a genus of old world monkey? YOU MADE IT UP?!
Where was the outrage? This wasn't some comedian being interrupted on stage, this is an ELECTED OFFICIAL. And there he is stumping on the campaign trail and calling this man macaca. Yes, he eventually lost the election, but it wasn't until the last minute that he fell behind in the polls and even then, the election was too close to call on the first day! Where were all the protesters then? Where was the outcry? I certainly didn't hear it as loud as I've been hearing about this Michael Richards thing.
Are the men that Richards insulted racists also? After all they did call him "white motherfucker" and "cracker-ass". Isn't that racism? And what are we to think of these men now that they are seeking monetary damages for "pain and suffering"? Are you kidding?! Are they looking for a quick payday? Are they expoliting the racism?
What if Richards had said, "Hey, shut the fuck up! Do I go to your place of business and interrupt you while you're taking fast food orders?" Does that make him a racist? Do we connect the dots and say, "Oh I see! He's inferring that since they are black, they must not be well educated and must work at some McDonald's or KFC for minimum wage." ...Does that line of thinking make us racists?
If it were a Black or Hispanic comedian, would it be considered racism? If Dave Chappelle or Carlos Mencia had said, "Nigga please! Shut the fuck up!", would that be offensive? Chris Rock has a comedy bit where he says, "I love black people, but I hates niggers!". Is that not offensive because he's black? Or when he's talks about "crackers", is that not offensive? Is there a double standard when it comes to racism? If so, how can racism be obliterated when it's okay for some but not for all?
I think if we all look down deep within ourselves, we are all racists in one form or another. It's not just whites, it's out there in everyone. Before you dismiss this, seriously think about it and look within yourselves. It's how we learn to deal with it and overcome it that separates us from the apes... and macaques.
Michael Richards made a mistake, and he's apologized for it, again ...and again ...and again.
Let's move on. There are more important things to think about.
As of November 26th, 2006:
American Soldiers Confirmed Dead - 2,880 (US Dept.of Defense)
American Soldiers Wounded - 21,572 (US Dept. of Defense)
Iraqi Deaths - est. 650,000 (Lancet Medical Journal)
"We don't do body counts." - Gen. Tommy Franks, US Central Command
_________________________________________________________
Please take a look at this link regarding oppression and race relations.
American Pictures - Jacob Holdt
Now, call me naive, but I'd never heard of that word until he said it. A few days later Allen said he "made it up". Really, Senator Allen? You made up a word that just happens to be a racial slur that is derived from the word "macaque", meaning a genus of old world monkey? YOU MADE IT UP?!
Where was the outrage? This wasn't some comedian being interrupted on stage, this is an ELECTED OFFICIAL. And there he is stumping on the campaign trail and calling this man macaca. Yes, he eventually lost the election, but it wasn't until the last minute that he fell behind in the polls and even then, the election was too close to call on the first day! Where were all the protesters then? Where was the outcry? I certainly didn't hear it as loud as I've been hearing about this Michael Richards thing.
Are the men that Richards insulted racists also? After all they did call him "white motherfucker" and "cracker-ass". Isn't that racism? And what are we to think of these men now that they are seeking monetary damages for "pain and suffering"? Are you kidding?! Are they looking for a quick payday? Are they expoliting the racism?
What if Richards had said, "Hey, shut the fuck up! Do I go to your place of business and interrupt you while you're taking fast food orders?" Does that make him a racist? Do we connect the dots and say, "Oh I see! He's inferring that since they are black, they must not be well educated and must work at some McDonald's or KFC for minimum wage." ...Does that line of thinking make us racists?
If it were a Black or Hispanic comedian, would it be considered racism? If Dave Chappelle or Carlos Mencia had said, "Nigga please! Shut the fuck up!", would that be offensive? Chris Rock has a comedy bit where he says, "I love black people, but I hates niggers!". Is that not offensive because he's black? Or when he's talks about "crackers", is that not offensive? Is there a double standard when it comes to racism? If so, how can racism be obliterated when it's okay for some but not for all?
I think if we all look down deep within ourselves, we are all racists in one form or another. It's not just whites, it's out there in everyone. Before you dismiss this, seriously think about it and look within yourselves. It's how we learn to deal with it and overcome it that separates us from the apes... and macaques.
Michael Richards made a mistake, and he's apologized for it, again ...and again ...and again.
Let's move on. There are more important things to think about.
As of November 26th, 2006:
American Soldiers Confirmed Dead - 2,880 (US Dept.of Defense)
American Soldiers Wounded - 21,572 (US Dept. of Defense)
Iraqi Deaths - est. 650,000 (Lancet Medical Journal)
"We don't do body counts." - Gen. Tommy Franks, US Central Command
_________________________________________________________
Please take a look at this link regarding oppression and race relations.
American Pictures - Jacob Holdt
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