Should ignorance be a crime?

Question

I wasn't going to ask this but i had to.

When i heard about Michael Richards' little incident, i must admit that i have never lost as much respect for someone i've never met as i did then.
I think it should made clear that Richards is a Jew. Now i say this for a very important reason. When he insulted the black man at the Laugh Factory, he should have taken into account that what he did could be compared to someone making fun of Jew. Instead of bringing up lynching, someone could have said "60 years ago you would have been in a concentration camp."

Yes, it's just as profane.

I can't believe how angry i am. I think ignorance is so prevalent in today's world and i think people should be tried for it.

It's so detrimental to society.

Wow.

What do you think?

Sharon...

N i g g e r = African American Slave (extremely rude)

Black people call each other that because they have full rights to. They've accepted that term as their own. It's considered racist when someone else uses it because it IS an insult. But how can it possibly be insulting to use it amongst themselves?

Just like Cracker = White people that used to crack their whip at the black people.

It's degradatory depending on WHO is using it.

Answer 1

Ignorance is accepted by most as just that, ignorant. Being ignorant hurts many, but for the most part it is bliss to those who are. Still, many times we look at the ignorant in pity therefore how can we possibly punish those who we feel sorrow for. If we are knowledgeable then we should know why ignorance is universal. Educating and changing learned patterns of the ignorant, are crucial. We should make a positive difference whenever we can as ignorance presents itself to us in our daily lives. It is always better to help than to punish...

dawn

Answer 2

Ignorance is a crime especially to the unenlightened person. They have no idea just how out of touch they are with themselves and society as a whole. I would much rather know of the ills of the world and see them than be in a bubble and ignorantly clueless.
However in a free society we have the right to express our opinions freely even if others, including me and you, find them reprehensible or offensive. As you could see by the backlash that a Michael Richards or a Mel Gibson for all their money and clout are not immune from the consequences of their hate filled words. There is a justice of sorts but not in the court system..in the sometimes even more powerful court of popular opinion.

Answer 3

I don't think he was "ignorant" at all.
I think he knew exactly what he was saying and doing, and knew how bad it was. And I think he *does* know how similar it is to anti-semitism.

What bothers me the most about this incident is that, publicly at least, Michael Richards has never been seen to be racist. At all. Ever.
Yet put him in a stressful situation, and look what comes bubbling to the surface, much like with Mel Gibson. Why does that bother me? Because these incidents make quite clear that many public figures are just going through the motions when it comes to tolerance and the brotherhood of all humans...but right below the surface, watch out! They're closet bigots.
It means we have a long, long way to go in changing people's actual attitudes, not just their actions. Sigh.

Peace.

Answer 4

That was not an example of ignorance. An ignorant person doesn't know any better. I think with Michael Richard's entertainment background he definitely knew better. He was attacked in a personal way and he lashed out in a way that would personally hurt the hecklers. He didn't think about all the other people that would also be hurt. Depraved indifference, is another story...

Answer 5

Ignorance is very prevalent today, I think people should be educated. The question is how? I can not think of a way that could be truly accomplished. I do not however think ignorance should be tried,,,unless it leads to breaking the law.....I also think that we have come a bit of the way up the road compared to the past. Some people do seem to hold on tight to the past unfortunately.

Answer 6

I agree it was an outrage but if he looked liked your Avatar of Johnny Depp then I don't think some women would care as much. He looked like an maniac ranting and raving and I think he apologized only to save his career..
He and Mel Gibson with his antisemitic remark should get along great together.
Then they should both join with O.J. Simpson and his shameful exploitation of his ex wifes murder!!!!!!
Three ignorant public idiots together

Answer 7

Ignorance, no. Ignorance is when a person doesn't know any better/differently. Deliberate stupidity is a different thing. Should it be outlawed? People are entitled to their stupid opinions and outbursts, and their well-educated ones. That's what freedom provides for us, however infuriating it may be at times. To let go of that is to subject people to tyranny.

Answer 8

Definately Yes!

Answer 9

"Should ignorance be a crime?"

Yes.

Trouble is, the people who make the laws are pretty much ignorant fools. And we're the ones who not only put them in power but generally KEEP them in power.

So who does that leave to be the jail keeper?

Answer 10

OK, this will probably pi ss off people, but I'll say it anyway.

Why is it OK for a black hip-hop to rap about ***** but when someone who is not black says the n-word they are called racist?

Personally, I don't like the word but this is something I have never understood.