Perhaps that's the point. A number of people have said that they didn't realize that the use of blackface was as objectionable as it obviously is. Isn't it possible that the terms mentioned might be as objectionable to another race?

While some may be used in jest, I don't see any of them being used in a complimentary manor(?).

As a Black woman, I can say I don't think you are overreacting AT ALL! I have to say I cringe and get pissed off when I hear ANY slur whether it be directed toward, Whites, Blacks, Arabs, Gays, Jews, Hispanics, Asians, what have you. And I do not allow them to be said in my home

So the double standard doesn't work with me!

Have any of you ever heard of the concept of political capital?

You are endowed with a bit of political capital and earn more throw your experiences, etc. You can spend it as you wish. Sometimes you can squander it.

Saying the word "niggardly" is racist was squandering political capital. There were so many other issues to spend that political capital on.

Constantly saying blacks are sensitive and can't handle blackface is squandering political capital.

This isn't even an issue of right or wrong anymore, as much as it is turning into a redundant waste.

-Rudey

I am continuously surprised at the number of people who don't understand "historical context."

It is not a double standard, it is not "reverse racism" . . . it is placing things in their proper historical and cultural contexts. "Cracker" is more acceptable than "nigger" because of the historical implications of such terms. If you are a white person who is offended by "cracker" then GREAT -- make it known. If no whites ever comment on the fact that they're offended by that, then it will continue to be seen as less harmful. And if you're a white who's not offended by the use of "cracker" or "honkey" but you're just using it to make a point, then I don't think they're comparable.

Also, Rudey, comparing the "niggardly" example to blackface is hardly accurate. "Niggardly" had no ties whatsoever to racial issues. Blackface does, and is offensive. It isn't about people not being able to "handle" it -- it's about what's appropriate.

I'm not sure why so many people are obsessed with their "right" to wear blackface. I don't know, but I'd cheerfully give up my right to paint myself brown and call myself Oprah if it meant that there would be less racial conflict in this country.

I have to agree here. When I hear the term "cracker" doesn't really offend me. But it does tell me a lot about the person using it. I don't think it's a double standard at all. When you hear "cracker" used in a tv show. Do you call the station/production comapny/fcc to complain about? Probably not. Most people just shrug it off. To me, there are worse things you can call me than a "cracker".
Now this is just how I feel. I still think using the n-word is 100 times for offensive than "cracker".

There was no comparison made. I brought up the concept of political capital.

-Rudey

Sorry, I disagree. Cracker, White-Trash, Honkey, White-Bread...etc., are used on TV and Radio every day. The "n" word is not said at all, if it is, then that station is fined heavily or thrown off air.

I don't condone those actions, but I think justice should be fair both ways. Fair is fair, but that game is not being played. This is a prime example of P.C. America at its best I guess.

If those kids truly did that in a non-offensive way, whether they knew the history or NOT, they shouldn't have to run from threats and feel as though they will be beat up walking to class. And for that kid to have to think about what shirt he wears every day and who it may offend, is such shit. Ask yourself the same question, do you think about that every day? I doubt it.

Also, they shouldn't have to know the history behind everything prior to doing something - thats a lame excuse.

Maybe people should focus more of their time protesting the Klan or White-Sepremicist groups or something, not some 20 year old kids dressing as Chingy and Dr. Driz-ay.

'...chillin at the Holidae Inn'

You seem to be spending a bit of time on here protesting that they protest.

-Rudey

Exaclty....you should see the protest sign I made.

The reason why "cracker," "white trash," etc. are used when the n-word is not is because the majority of white Americans are not offended by "cracker," or if they are, they don't make their offense known. If that happened, "cracker" would be off the air almost immediately.

Sorry, but ignorance is not an excuse. You do something racist, it doesn't matter that you don't know the history behind it -- it is still unacceptable. It's ridiculous that anyone can make it to college these days and not understand the historical implications of blackface.

And as for the white supremecists -- racism is played out by stupid ignorant 20-year-olds in this country much more often than the Klan makes their precense felt. Racism doesn't just apply to cross-burners -- it is something that we all influence on a daily basis.

To be fair, Rudey is referencing a situation that occured in DC a few years ago, early into Mayor Anthony Williams' administration.

Full Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...iams020499.htm

In this case I don't have much of an opinion. But in general, I'm more threatened by "20 year old kids" in college than the klan or white supremicists, when it comes to racism. White supremists and the klan are extremists that very few people take seriously. On the other hand, college students have potential to be become future leaders, such as politicians, managers, teachers, etc. They will have more power, unlike those extremist groups.

I'm not too interested in this discussion, but props to the old president for confronting them right when they walked in. Whether they had a right to wear it or not, I think it's great that someone was intelligent enough to learn from another chapter's mistakes and be proactive.

I don't recall ever being taught about blackface in my schooling, from grade school through my undergrad and never heard about it, it's history, or any of its offensive meaning, until I read about the Auburn incident - sorry. I doubt it is being taught in the majority of schools...so, ignorance may not be an excuse to you, but its not fair to assume that everyone and their mother is aware of that. I am sure there are plenty of people who'd agree with me.

Still, everything listed below is not an excuse to make these kids lives hell. Its an un-level playing field, unfortunately.

paging ZZ-kai . . . paging ZZ-kai . . . you have a beating awaiting (from Dionysus no less) in your own thread . . . last call for ZZ-kai