"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Sharpton#Accusations_of_racism_and_homophobia
Sharpton was quoted as saying to an audience at Kean College in 1994 that, “White folks was in caves while we was building empires … We taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and them Greek homos ever got around to it.” Sharpton defended his comments by noting that the term “homo” was not homophobic but added that he no longer uses the term."

Well, actually, this quote is in reference to the myth that Europeans were the beginning of all civilization and schools of thought. It's in response to racist ideology that targets people of color as being from uncivilized and unlearned societies.

The "homo" part was in poor taste and is the only bigotry here.

Macallan:
As for the first comment, IF it's been substantiated, he's factually correct. It's been historically proven that the Egyptian and Greek empires "borrowed" heavily from the accomplishments, traditions, alphabet, disciplines, etc. from the Nubian population in ancient times. They just "forgot" to give the Nubians credit.:rolleyes: Perhaps his usage of the word 'homo was in bad taste, but since then he's made it a point to crusade against homophobia (especially in the black community). As for the second comment, I'll reserve judgement on that until I observe the context of the statement. Maybe it's me, but I don't see the anti-Semitism in calling Jewish people 'diamond merchants.' I don't see how that phrase is demeaning. It sounds like a great occupation to me. I wouldn't say it though if I knew that it offended people of Jewish descent. So, IF that statement has been substantiated , I have no problem aquiescing to you on that point. Sorry to say my trust in Wiki is not bedrock.

PiKa:
Yes, I do know what the "white man's burden" was...A FIGMENT OF THE IMAGINATION. And the newer version is, too. Back then, it served as a justification to build economic empires on the backs of people that were not recognized in their full humanity; and, now it serves as justification to not clean up the mess that the first "white man's burden" started. Personal responsibilty is not a race issue. It's a HUMAN issue. Neither white nor black people are exempt. Both of us will continue to be affected by an unwillingness to be accountable and responsible for our actions, past and present. And since you're so quick to diagnose the black community's ills, why don't you be just as proactive in prescribing and administering a remedy? Trust when I say that there are PLENTY of black people who are ready for solutions.

I heard first heard the quotes and the proof on major news networks....I just found the quotes in full on wikipedia. I don't think they were made up or fabricated. The quotes, among many others, were made known to Sharpton during a recent debate that he was in against Sean Hannity. I watched the entire thing. Sharpton didn't deny that he said any of them, rather making up some pathetic excuse that they were all "taken out of context."

......and if you don't think there is anything wrong with calling Jews "diamond merchants" and telling them to "pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house"......then you need to get a clue.

I find it really humorous when people try to defend this asshole. But I guess that's what happens when a supposed "saving grace" for black people turns out to be a bigoted racist.

"Diamond merchants" isn't a reference to an occupation.

It's a symbolic reference to the stereotype of Jews. But you've conceded that it is a potentially offensive reference. Not inherently racist on the part of Sharpton but bigoted and potentially offensive.

No. That's what happens when clueless white people search long and hard for someone or something to take the negative attention off of their systemic bigotry.

It isn't about defending Sharpton as a person but defending Sharpton as a concept.

I don't think it took a very "long and hard" search to expose that hypocritical assclown.

I love how black people automatically assume white people are "clueless" in situations like this. Great logic squirt.

It actually did. But I wouldn't expect you to get it. There are enough people who get it.

Not just black people. My white and Hispanic colleagues call clueless white people "clueless," as well. ;)

DSTCHAOS:
Thank you for the clarification on the term and thank you for actually reading my post. Apparently that's too much to ask of other people.

Macallan:
Did you read all of my post or just the part that you wanted to respond to? Perhaps you don't understand the meaning of the word.
Let me help you:
ac·qui·esce
to assent tacitly; submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent:
I don't know anyone who looks at Al as "saving grace" of any sort. But I can appreciate his efforts to stand up against oppression, degradation, and civil rights abuses. I can appreciate the stands he took on Diallo, Louima, Vieques, Hollywood, hip hop, Imus, Democrats and the "black vote," etc. These are all recent things (last 10 years). Can you acquiesce to any of those?

You're debating on a message board. Specifically THIS message board. This place is a bottomless pit for such discussions.

Unless you are trying to procrastinate as I do when I discuss such topics on here, save your time and brain space.

Thaaaaaats it....resort to your "clueless white people" " speech, like always.


Oh, so you actually know how long it took people to discover racist/bigoted comments that Al Sharpton has made??? Explain? Furthermore, I don't think there really are a whole lot of people who "get it". Why the hell would people not want to try to expose guys like Al Sharpton in order to take off some of the negative attention? He is the one perpetuates it in the first place.

Our social world is based on patterns of behavior.

And this inability to think abstractly and figuratively is why you're clueless. Not all white people are.

Instead of arguing this untruth, you should attempt to reach social consciousness. ;) Then you can disagree or have whatever opinions you choose but AFTER being able to see the larger picture.

Bwahahahahah. I have understood perfectly what you have been saying all along...........but I really find it much more fun to act completely naive so I can read your ridiculous responses. "Searching long and hard for someone/something"......yes, I really do realize what you are getting at. I realize what you have been getting at pretty much the whole time. I have to think you are one of those type people that is truly infatuated with the sound of their own voice. You can talk about white people being clueless, untruths, social consciousness, thinking abstractly, and all of that jazz all that you want...I really could care less. To be completely honest......I think you are absolutely full of shit. You resort to the the same assumptions and arguments in every single situation that is similar to this. It's always the same. So please, spare me any more of your worthless crap about white people being "clueless" and blah blah blah.


..........oh, and none of this takes away from the fact that Al Sharpton is a racist, anti-Semitic, hypocritical, fat piece of shit. I wouldn't piss on that man if he was on fire.

I only read your posts. Not your mind.

Congratulations.

No, congratulations to YOU for supposedly not being clueless. ;)


But typing like you are.