Michael Richards?

Question

I know this subject has been discussed into the ground, but I JUST saw the video of Michael Richards being a racist, and, I am white (obviously), but am I the ony one appalled by this? GEEZ, Michael, you could have just handled those hecklers the same way you would ANY other heckler, white-black-blue-orange. Be professional dude! There was no need to HURL racial slurs at a few black guys having a good time. I mean, after all, they DID pay to get in to see him so they liked him already. Why the N word? My best friend is black and I almost feel like I need to apologize to him for MR's behavior. And on another note, What the *** is a "cracker" and where on earth did black people come to call white people that? I think its funny and not an insult at all. During the 70's we heard the word "honky" on tv all the time, especially from George Jefferson. I NEVER got offended by that. Neither "cracker" nor "honky" have the same hateful impact as "n***er". Shame on you, Michael! Thoughts!

to Rostov (answer #1)-
youre an idiot, man. plain and simple. fade away somewhere, dude. What a loser.

to Mr Reed:
theres a difference in SAYING the N word and calling someoen that. besides, people from Nigera are called Nigerians, NOT ni**ers. The word came from the idiot settlers who couldnt pronounce the word NIGER.

to KevPet:
AWESOME answer!!! Very well spoken and expressed. I commend you!

Answer 1

As I person of color, Black or whatever term people like to use to put me in some box or category in which I don't actually fit, I am offended when people use the N-word, regardless of their color. It is an offensive term coined by ignorant tyrannical people.

Some people have popularized the term in order to take away it's dehumanizing power. For example, two people of one race use a racial epithet to describe one another so that when people outside of the group use the slur it has less impact. Additionally, the assumed right of people in the race to use the term freely is a power or freedom not afforded to those who don't belong. It's all a backward method of psychological protection. However, the flaw is that it's based on the assumption that one can actually be dehumanized, their perceived value diminishes, or that their lower value becomes apparent when a word is used. People are equally worthy of love and respect, and have the same intrinsic value regardless of their race.

I suggest everyone NOT use the N-word.

Answer 2

Although I find racism disgusting I can sort of empathise with Mr. Richards. Here the man is just trying to work and he's being bothered by these cretins. Blacks can be just as ignorant and boorish as whites can. I suppose he was so pissed off he brought out the biggest weapon in his arsenal and used it, no doubt lubricated by alcohol. By the by, I realize that times change and civilizations evolve but I really wish the media would settle on one word. When I was a kid they were 'colored'. Before that they were 'negroes'. Then it was 'black', now it's "African-whatever'. As for 'cracker' I don't know where that came from nor does the term 'honky' mean anything to me. It's interesting to note that blacks call each other n***** all the time but whites never call each other honky. I guess we're just too uptight or maybe we've never had to deal with racism the way blacks have.

Answer 3

Bringing this out when he was supposed to be professional was not the most brilliant way to handle the situation.But I have yet to see or hear about any of the hecklers remarks that were made. I have a problem with the "N" word but have you ever listened to some African Americans talk to each other. They call each other "N" a lot and think it's okay. If we can't call others names maybe others should not call us names.
It's more of a respect issue than a name issue .If you don't respect yourself ,you can't expect others to respect you.Some groups use the race issue as an excuse from bad behavior to rewards that are owed to them.

Answer 4

Whatever!!! Sorry, I'm white too.

I think the "issue" is WAY overblown. What Mr. Richards did, was mearly close down some doors for HIMSELF; i.e., a career limiting move (CLM), in a career that seemed to have been tanking.

Sure in retrospect, he could have done alot of things

What did he do what he did? Is he really a racist? Is he sorry?
Should we really care?

I mean, forgive me, if we WHITES REALLY CARE about racism, then why don't we look at where the real DAMAGE is.

Give publicity to people that help poor people get access to education and opportunities to better themselves, rather than some "has been" who said something rather stupid.

EDIT:

An idiot? Perhaps, but at least I'm not racist. Cheers. If you believe that this should be the "number one story in America", power to you. I mean, some idiot said something racist? Big @#$@# deal? I still firmly believe the real problem is trying to fix the poverty divide, not what a comedian says in a night club.

Answer 5

While I agree with you that he could have handled the situation better, I still believe that he has the right to say whatever he wants in this country. I too could care less if someone calls me a name. Words can only hurt us if we let them. I always thought the N word came from Nigeria. I though you used it when you referred to people from Nigeria. They are N*ggers or Nigerians. That's what it means to me. Nothing else. Michael Richards and everyone else should be allowed to say it or any other word. It is our freedom of speech. We should not be censored.

Answer 6

I'm glad that he said what he said, cause alot of people didn't know that he felt that way towards blacks. I don't know why he apologized you TV. MR took his remarks to another level by saying 50 years ago that's whites would have a fork up our butts or something like that. It just shows that there is still racism out here. I think that it's not going anywhere no time soon.

Answer 7

He did it all wrong. there are better way to handle a heckler than he did

Answer 8

I agree, and I don't care if someone calls me a Honky, Cracker, or a Peckerwood. Please feel free.