What's your view on racism?

Question

Do you think racism only applies to those that show hate towards another race?
It sounds like a stupid question, but I am begining to think that alot of comedians and their socially accepted racial "jokes" can definitely be considered racist. They put forth jokes (I do find them funny) about races, including their own, at an outrageous clip and we laugh and see them as jokes. At the same time I think they are only reinforcing the stereotypes of old. These continued jokes can become the way a person thinks, especially minds that are easily influenced. Does anyone else feel this way?

Answer 1

I agree with you 100% from a post lady to a mailman !
In some circumstances political correctness has gone mad, but there are comedian's still on the circuit that are as offensive and racist as they were in the 60's and early 70's. It pees me right off !

Answer 2

it was interesting to hear trevor mcdonald being racist about rasist comedian bernard manning and of course it is or was a special area where this behaviour was allowed under the guise of humor rather as boxing is allowed only inside the ring. I do think it is dangerous and it is wrong but in a general sense that someone is behaving with malicious intent; I always point out in our politically correct policed society that no one has pointed a law against speech that is simply plain and malicious and hurtful and in fact gay presenter on lbc steve allen points out that the station sends on courses to find out what it is they can say to conform to the law.Then he proceeds to be perfectly nasty to people outside of those prohibeted areas so make no mistake that this has become a political football and has nothing to do with charity. The people in the race relations industry don't care a hoot about for example black people who are just a political football with which to advance their careers and presumably get everyone to accept one another and forget that the newcomers were brought to split society.It is equally dangerous to suppress people's real opinions and this is what the 'funny men ' are trading on; ideally legislation should be targeted at the rather nebulous idea of 'mean spiritedness' and social investigation should be directed at how people come to think what they do r ather than telling people what to think

Answer 3

I think we as a nation, myself included are way to sensitive when it comes to race these days but I do enjoy a good joke from a politically savey comedian like chappell or mencia. The problem I have is when white America insists that there are no more race problems in America and anybody with a brain knows this is not true. ignorance and racism together are extremely dangerous.

Answer 4

A comedian is a satirist. He is supposed to make fun of the actions of people and institutions. It is almost in an effort to change the actions and behaviors of those he making fun of, by pointing out funny things about them.
If a comedian makes fun of his own race maybe it is because he wants to change the stereotype. He does this by revealing the stereotype so that then it can be recognized and changed.
A young person whose race is made fun of by a comedian would probably not want to do the thing that that comedian made fun of.

Answer 5

well we have differences and some believe that when you point that out your bing racist. I personal don't think that is the case!
and personal have seen some hatefull acts of racesim
so bottom line if you won't see a doctor because of the color of there skin then your racist
if you won't go into a town because of it's color then your racist
if you make comments like some whites are lazy ect. then your not racist by that statement your expressing your opioning and everyone has the choice to listen or not same thing with the jokes! the intent is to get a point or punch line not to hurt someone inside!

Goodness hope that makes sences and there is always that objectetion just like in english!
but over all I think everyone needs to let it go we are human period!

Answer 6

I agree with the essence of your treatise; people are easily influence by such "jokes". While it is good to poke fun at yourself, and OK to poke fun at others, if it becomes hurtful, it is over the bounds of decency.
I would like to point out, though, that here on Y! most people seem to think that racism has to do with one's religion or national origin! I mean, Mexicans are essentially the same race as Americans (both have lots of people of English origins, Spanish origins, Indian origins, and black origins).
Wouldn't life be much nicer if people remembered, "Do unto others..."

Answer 7

I think it depends on the effects. Comedians make fun of stereotypes. Stereotypes have some truth to them but it's a generalization. Intelligent people are aware of this and realize that you have to take people as individuals. I don't think comics are racist in general. I think they are just trying to find humor wherever it exists.

Answer 8

My view is simple; Why the **** should you even care? Too many people make too big of a deal over stupid **** like what you're talking about. "Dear lord, the man called a honkey, ahhhhhhh" "Ooops did the n-word slip out of my mouth?" Actually the most racist people I've noticed, according to what you're talking about are the Jews. I guess they're gonna burn in hell for all their racist remarks. Their funny haha's aren't so kosher after all. All I'm trying to say is, you need to quit playing the race card. I've never been offended when someone's called me a honkey, cracker, cornbread, redneck, round eye, dog, gringo dog, hillbilly, white trash piece of ****. I think it's funny and maybe you should too! You won't regret it.

Answer 9

I do a little (also laughs at the jokes) but at the same time have you ever considered over doing something also makes the gap bigger.