Everyone has heard of Michael Richards' (Kramer from Seinfeld) racist rant against two African-American hecklers at a show in Los Angeles last week, and everyone is weighing in with their opinions. I don't have anything new to add; I was as shocked and appalled as anyone in America. Yet, in spite of all the negative rhetoric out there, I saw one tiny ray of hope.
One of the two African-American boys said in an interview that they weren't accustomed to being treated that way; no one had ever called them that particular epithet before.
I don't know where these two boys were from, but I do know they were young - I would say early twenties. All I know is that when I was young, that particular epithet was very common everywhere in America. (There is one elderly gentleman that my husband and I know that still uses it very often. We have both told him before that we don't like it and that he shouldn't speak that way, but he persists, which is why we don't associate with him anymore.)
My conclusion is that we're making progress. It's not perfect, and it never will be (since now most people's criticism is centered on Muslims) but if these two boys had never been subjected to racism before, then we're making progress.
And in my book, that's a good thing.
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7 comments:
That's an interesting observation and one I tend to agree with. However (and there's alwaysv a "however"), there are two additional points that cannot be over-looked.
First is that this was some kind of sick publicity stunt. The circumstantial evidence appears to be in place, but I'm not so sure I buy this conspiracy theory - juicy though it may be.
The other point is really two points in one. The "a" part, if you will, is the resurgence of the "N" word in the African-American, or "Black" (it used to be P.C., now I'm not so sure) community. It is especially true among the young, mostly (but certainly not entirely) male population. In fact, through the "rap" and "hip-hop" music produced, it's hard to believe anyone has been able to avoid it.
The "b" part is that there is news that these "targets" of Richards' tirade are considering forced monetary compensation for their pain. That's right, they're gonna sue. This rubs me so many wrong ways I can't even begin to explain. Like money is going to somehow mitigate the emotional pain suffered by those who happened to be on the receiving end. What about everyone else there? Surely they were offended to the point of financial hardship. And what about the countless millions who have heard it or about it since? Where does it stop?
Just my $.02
Mr Alterhouse-
If this were some kind of publicity stunt, an idiot came up with it because what kind of idiot would cause negative publicity. Michael richards career is going downhill at warp speed.
As for your point that the "n' word is very openly used in the African- American community,you are right . The young African Americans that used this word need to stop, it is slangly and "cool" for them but it allows others to do the same and it's the younger ones because the olders have seen enough and know better than to use it.Even if it is among themselves and I think this is something that Jesse jackson wants to address.
I also agree that giving the 2 young men monetary compensation is ridiculous becuase it owuld be given to them because of the offense taken by them but hey how many other people did Michael Ricchards offend is he to pay all of them some kind of monetary compensations.
oops! My apologies. Mr. Althouse
Very good observation. Good job at finding the positive in an ugly incident.
Um, yes, well.... I was VERY offended, and I think I should be compensated.....
I entirely agree with you, Mr. A. et. al. Unfortunately, after further review, what I thought was a tiny ray of hope has been blotted out by the "s" word - SUE. Once upon a time in America, folks thought long and hard about suing someone else, and then mostly decided against it. Those days are long gone. Have you heard the latest twist? Mr. Richards was also heard ranting against Jews in another, earlier show he did, which his publicist dismissed by saying it's okay, he's Jewish himself and he's only kidding. It turns out he's not Jewish, so now Jewish folks are offended too. Now all Mr. Richards needs to do is crack a few Mexican jokes, and throw in an Irish and a Polish joke for good measure, and offend just about EVERYONE IN THE USA! (I don't think he has enough money though.)
msdee ~ apology unnecessary, but accepted.
They idea that it is a publicity stunt makes sense because his carer was going nowhere. There is no such thing as negative publicity. Richards' name is more known now than when he was in Seinfeld. He has been asked to speak more this past week than he has in the last several years combined.
I don't believe that this particular stunt was orchestrated, but it sure wouldn't surprise me if it turned out that it was.
Hey You! What happened to blogging! I miss reading what you have to say.
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