We are all tired of the whole Michael Richards situation. But this small (and it is small compared to other racial encounters many faced) situation brought up a larger issue: As African Americans, are we very sensitive when it comes to race? Jewish people, for 5,000 years, have endured much more than we have; and any joke made against them (example: the movie 'Borat') , they take with a grain of salt. If we always fall and cry everytime someone insults us, we'll get nowhere and Dr.King's efforts would have been in vain. We have to look at the bigger picture. If we want to be treated as equals, we will have to change the way we act towards the rest of the world. Parents must teach their children that it is not okay to use the n-word. For some reason, we've been programmed to think that its okay to use it when we are around each other, but its not okay when white people use. Its not okay, period.
2006-11-24 16:07:55 · 8 answers · asked by tjmaxx17 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Celebrities
It was used to degrade our ancestors, and no matter how you try to distort the definition, it's true meaning will have an obscure presence. We need to teach our children that in order to earn respect, one must give it! And we need to stop blaming "the man" for every little thing that happens to us. Once we take responsibility for our actions, we can take the proper precautions so that the situations will not occur again. What do you guys think? I want everyone's (white, black, asian, latino, etc) input!
This is not meant to insult anyone. Just my opinion.
2006-11-24 16:15:40 · update #1
Everybody complains. When Mel Gibson launched in that drunk tirade about Jews, you didn't have them "taking it with a grain of salt." Same with any other group.
Don't be silly, don't impose higher standards on your own: in all groups there are the regular whiners (whites are no exception, in fact many questions in here are whites whining over feeling mistreated by minorities), in all groups there are people who react when a reaction is necessary, and in all groups there are fools who try to "play it nice" until they find themselves hanging from a tree.
2006-11-26 19:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do think what what Mr. Richards did was down right uncalled for especially in 2006! But I hear the word disrespect bounced around alot in this controversy. What exactly went on when this group of people came in late and interrupted his comedy routine by ordering drinks and laughing, talking loudly, etc. I have been places where large groups come in and dont realize and sometimes dont care how much they are making it hard for the rest of the audience to enjoy the show by being obnoxious. I AM NOT MAKING EXCUSES for Mr. Richards...I wasnt there...but I do think RESPECT runs both ways. And one more thing...How many times does a person have to say I'm Sorry? Very unfortunate for all parties involved. I'm sure none of the people in the offended group have never said anything that they have regretted....think about it!
2006-11-24 16:28:18 · answer #2 · answered by bobtree3 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yea, I agree with you. I don't get how african americans can say the N word, but if a white person says it, its bad? I don't think Michael Richards is a racist, I just think he went over the edge and made nasty remarks, everyone has done so a time or two in their life, move on people.
2006-11-24 16:20:00 · answer #3 · answered by nystateofmind8989 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was a little more than that...
It is starting to come out that Kramer was heckled for over ten minutes. One of the things that was said to him was, "you aint funny **** a" then when kramer replied with a witty retort the heckler replied with "You don't know me **** a, Don't fuc k with this **** a".
It also is being reported that the black guys who were calling kramer **** a and threatening him were also threatening the people who opened up the show for Richards..
Real innocent victims...? Seems like two punks who should've been bounced out before Richards ever hit the stage..
2006-11-25 00:05:41 · answer #4 · answered by Sarsippius 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Something like this doesn't just "slip out" of a person's mouth-- it has to be embedded in their vocabulary. A stand up comedian has to be used to hecklers--it is part of the act. I don't agree with your statement of not taking offense to things. I'm not going to just sit by, while someone spews racist hate speech, and just be "cool" with it. It just goes to show that a lot of people are 1 temper tantrum away from showing their true colors.
P.S. -- his pathetic excuse for an apology was such a joke. It added insult to injury.
2006-11-24 16:27:38 · answer #5 · answered by facetious5488 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
His behavior was horrible....there's no doubt about that. However, respect needs to come from within our own race, whatever that may be. I agree 100 % with your opinion on this! Thank You for being a voice of reason!
2006-11-24 16:25:44 · answer #6 · answered by funlady6632@yahoo.com 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People are blowing this out of proportion. There is a racist double standard in this country and it's sickening. If you ever watch uncensored black comedians they refer to white people as crackers, cracker devils, honkey, white bread and who knows what else and not a thing is ever brought up about these racist terms. But the very minute a white person uses a term like this he is crucified. We need to all follow the same standards or use no standards at all. If I was him I wouldn't have even apologized.
2006-11-24 17:43:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Michael Richards is no racist
2006-11-24 16:25:07 · answer #8 · answered by David 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋