Michael Richards aka "Kramer" racist?

[Reds6]

Originally Posted by macallan25

I'm not assuming anything. But I certainly wouldn't label a person a racist if they didn't know about the negative context behind the word.

I'm sorry, but I see very VERY few blacks that don't use that word towards one another. I certainly wouldn't call it a strange phenomenon. I hear it on a daily basis....way more than often.

I know very few blacks that do use the n-word and I'm black, and I'm pretty sure I know more blacks than you. My family never used it, I didn't and my child won't be raised to think it's ok to use it period.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by macallan25

So what do you call a person that calls a black man "nigger/nigga" just because he always heres them saying it to each other and didn't think anything bad about it. I don't know if there is actually anyone that naive still left on the planet......but it could happen. Do you call him a racist?

That person is called an idiot who is looking for an excuse to use the word.

I hear whites call each other white trash and Hispanics call each other "spic" but I've never wondered if it would be appropriate for me to use those terms. As I always say when this topic comes up, if people want to use certain words and phrases within-group, it's not my job to challenge it or wonder why I can't do it. Why would I WANT to do it?!

[smiley21]

Originally Posted by Phasad1913

AND, I don't care what you say, the man IS racist. You people who are saying this bull about you can say it and not be racist and you don't know what's in his heart and all that mess are walking around with blindfolds on. You don't have to be smacked in the head BY a person while calling you a nigger before you realize the person is a racist person. You also cannot shave parts of the definition of racism off so that what you do or say doesn't fall within it. Everytime something happens that is clearly racism in practice, someone finds a way to argue against it being actually racism. The average person knows racism when they see it and THAT was racism. He may not think he is, he may have never in his life said nigger before, but he may have just been given the wake up call of his life when he lost it and went on the way that he did. It also isn't that big of a deal to call it what it is. It isn't like racism in this country is a new concept. Why wouldn't he be racist? There are plenty of folks here in America who are. I am so tired of people playing this game like people just aren't racist in America and if they are they are so few and far between that the level of racism is negligible. How much is going to have to happen before people listen to what we have been saying forever!? This country hasn't changed as much as whites would like to think it has. Its the PEOPLE who harbor these feelings and always have, its not the government as an entity anymore. The people themselves have not come to terms with these feelings and until that happens things like this will continue to occur.

My main point is this: the man said it and it is clear as day what he meant. There is no reading between the lines to get an indication of a less sinister meaning. He said "throw him out, he's a nigger! he's a nigger". He said "50 year ago we, WE(!) would have had you upside down with a fork up your ass." That's some sick stuff and if you brush it off, then you are just as bad as he is.

I definitely agree with this. I was also thinking, "How can someone say such a vile thing about a particular ethnicity and be considered racist?". Someone does not just say something like that because they are upset. It came from a deeper place.

Kramer had a nervous breakdown and he has serious problems. That is obvious.

But I am so uncomfortable with word "racist", because the definition is too broad. Sometimes, it is obvious when someone is a racist. Other times, it is not so simple. I HATE the "N" word. I don't care who says it. My dad even says it when he is telling a joke and I wish he would stop. (FYI, I am black). But I KNOW my dad is not a racist and I truly believe you could be racist against your own race.

If he (Michael Richards) was attacked by two Cubans or Muslims instead of two blacks, I think he would have reacted the same way.
The fact of the matter is that I am not fan of Michael Richards anymore. If you don't think he is racist, then he is obviously full of hate.


One more thing, about the word "racist". How many times have we laughed at jokes that make fun of other races? No matter how graphic or light hearted the joke is, I am sure that almost all of us have had a little chuckle here and there. Where is the line drawn? Is making racial and homophobic comments ever just comedy? Should the person be considered racist if their intent is to solely make someone else feel inferior? Based on that, I would consider Michael to be a racist. He was not drunk or high. He knew full well what he was saying and how it would be taken.


I heard Paul Mooney this morning on the radio and he said that Michael Richards, Mel Gibson, and OJ Simpson need to do a movie together called, "Three Men and Thank God There's No Baby". ..lol

[southernelle25]

Originally Posted by Phasad1913

My main point is this: the man said it and it is clear as day what he meant. There is no reading between the lines to get an indication of a less sinister meaning. He said "throw him out, he's a nigger! he's a nigger". He said "50 year ago we, WE(!) would have had you upside down with a fork up your ass." That's some sick stuff and if you brush it off, then you are just as bad as he is.

It could have been worse. He could have said it in Mississippi. I don't know whether he would have made it off the stage in one piece...

[_Opi_]

Originally Posted by Phasad1913

I have a problem with the wole calling for an apology thing. It irks me. I heard on the news this morning that someone was saying he won't be allowed back into the club until he apologizes and the african american community accepts it or deems him worthy or some mess like that. Why are we the only ones who are supposed to be given an apology? I obviously understand why a person would look to see how black people feel about it because we are the ones who are called niggers but you mean to tell me that no one else cares? Is it really like the rest of the country hears something like this and says "oh that's their problem"? That's a shame if that is the case, although I wouldn't be surprised. I just do not care for the concept that someone should force someone else who says or does something like that to apologize. What is that supposed to do? So many people call us that word all the time so it really means nothing to me if when someone who is popular or famous (even if you are a has-been) says it and is heard by many people saying it apologizes AFTER the fact. He said it, he meant it and its done. So what? The word isn't going anywhere, whites will always call us that, they always have, so just accept that you feel that way about us...period. This fake apologizing for this crap once you've said it and exposed your true feelings is making me sick! The more groups like the naacp and the so-called "leaders" of the black community call for apologies, the more rediculous it sounds and comes across because people continue to come out of their a$$es and use the word. Their apologizing for it doesn't change a thing. I think the anger and energy exerted at times like this should just be used for something more constructive.

AND, I don't care what you say, the man IS racist. You people who are saying this bull about you can say it and not be racist and you don't know what's in his heart and all that mess are walking around with blindfolds on. You don't have to be smacked in the head BY a person while calling you a nigger before you realize the person is a racist person. You also cannot shave parts of the definition of racism off so that what you do or say doesn't fall within it. Everytime something happens that is clearly racism in practice, someone finds a way to argue against it being actually racism. The average person knows racism when they see it and THAT was racism. He may not think he is, he may have never in his life said nigger before, but he may have just been given the wake up call of his life when he lost it and went on the way that he did. It also isn't that big of a deal to call it what it is. It isn't like racism in this country is a new concept. Why wouldn't he be racist? There are plenty of folks here in America who are. I am so tired of people playing this game like people just aren't racist in America and if they are they are so few and far between that the level of racism is negligible. How much is going to have to happen before people listen to what we have been saying forever!? This country hasn't changed as much as whites would like to think it has. Its the PEOPLE who harbor these feelings and always have, its not the government as an entity anymore. The people themselves have not come to terms with these feelings and until that happens things like this will continue to occur.

My main point is this: the man said it and it is clear as day what he meant. There is no reading between the lines to get an indication of a less sinister meaning. He said "throw him out, he's a nigger! he's a nigger". He said "50 year ago we, WE(!) would have had you upside down with a fork up your ass." That's some sick stuff and if you brush it off, then you are just as bad as he is.

Pretty much..

[Senusret I]

Brand new for the 07 -- Kramer's racist tirade, NOW with Seinfeld theme!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNmQq9v-4XU

[lovelyivy84]

This thread makes me laugh-

I said it over on the Ave, so I might as well say it here- his apology was NOT for black people. We are not a significant part of his fanbase. It was all about making the white and jewish people who are in his fanbase feel ok about what happened, and giving them a means to excuse his statements.

The media brouhaha about the whole thing is ridiculous. That's how the man feels, all the apologies on all the late night talk shows in the world won't change it. People who still want to like him will (just look through this thread), all the black folks who didn't care in the first place still won't. Maybe with an extra eyeroll for flavor.

[FHwku]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Brand new for the 07 -- Kramer's racist tirade, NOW with Seinfeld theme!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNmQq9v-4XU

that theme song makes watching the mental breakdown of an unstable comedian even funnier.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by FHwku

that theme song makes watching the mental breakdown of an unstable comedian even funnier.

I agree. It's Monty Python-esque in its absurdity.

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by Phasad1913

I have a problem with the wole calling for an apology thing. It irks me. I heard on the news this morning that someone was saying he won't be allowed back into the club until he apologizes and the african american community accepts it or deems him worthy or some mess like that. Why are we the only ones who are supposed to be given an apology? I obviously understand why a person would look to see how black people feel about it because we are the ones who are called niggers but you mean to tell me that no one else cares? Is it really like the rest of the country hears something like this and says "oh that's their problem"? That's a shame if that is the case, although I wouldn't be surprised. I just do not care for the concept that someone should force someone else who says or does something like that to apologize. What is that supposed to do? So many people call us that word all the time so it really means nothing to me if when someone who is popular or famous (even if you are a has-been) says it and is heard by many people saying it apologizes AFTER the fact. He said it, he meant it and its done. So what? The word isn't going anywhere, whites will always call us that, they always have, so just accept that you feel that way about us...period. This fake apologizing for this crap once you've said it and exposed your true feelings is making me sick! The more groups like the naacp and the so-called "leaders" of the black community call for apologies, the more rediculous it sounds and comes across because people continue to come out of their a$$es and use the word. Their apologizing for it doesn't change a thing. I think the anger and energy exerted at times like this should just be used for something more constructive.

AND, I don't care what you say, the man IS racist. You people who are saying this bull about you can say it and not be racist and you don't know what's in his heart and all that mess are walking around with blindfolds on. You don't have to be smacked in the head BY a person while calling you a nigger before you realize the person is a racist person. You also cannot shave parts of the definition of racism off so that what you do or say doesn't fall within it. Everytime something happens that is clearly racism in practice, someone finds a way to argue against it being actually racism. The average person knows racism when they see it and THAT was racism. He may not think he is, he may have never in his life said nigger before, but he may have just been given the wake up call of his life when he lost it and went on the way that he did. It also isn't that big of a deal to call it what it is. It isn't like racism in this country is a new concept. Why wouldn't he be racist? There are plenty of folks here in America who are. I am so tired of people playing this game like people just aren't racist in America and if they are they are so few and far between that the level of racism is negligible. How much is going to have to happen before people listen to what we have been saying forever!? This country hasn't changed as much as whites would like to think it has. Its the PEOPLE who harbor these feelings and always have, its not the government as an entity anymore. The people themselves have not come to terms with these feelings and until that happens things like this will continue to occur.

My main point is this: the man said it and it is clear as day what he meant. There is no reading between the lines to get an indication of a less sinister meaning. He said "throw him out, he's a nigger! he's a nigger". He said "50 year ago we, WE(!) would have had you upside down with a fork up your ass." That's some sick stuff and if you brush it off, then you are just as bad as he is.

I just thought I would point out:

1.) "whole" is spelled w-h-o-l-e, not wole
2.) "exposed" should be "exposing" here.
3.) "naacp" should be capitalized here.
4.) "ridiculous" is spelled r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s, not rediculous.
5.) This should be set in quotation marks, as you are refering to the thoughts of other people.

I know grammar is a big thing for you, just thought I would help out. Give me a call if you need to talk about anything. I'm here for support, always.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by macallan25

1.) "whole" is spelled w-h-o-l-e, not wole
2.) "exposed" should be "exposing" here.3.) "naacp" should be capitalized here.
4.) "ridiculous" is spelled r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s, not rediculous.
5.) This should be set in quotation marks, as you are refering to the thoughts of other people.

I know grammar is a big thing for you, just thought I would help out. Give me a call if you need to talk about anything. I'm here for support, always.

Actually, since you all are ridiculous:

1) "exposed" is correct
2) "refering" is actually "referring"
3) Some of your corrections were really a spelling thing rather than a grammar thing.

Now you all stop being silly.

[Phasad1913]

Originally Posted by macallan25

I just thought I would point out:

1.) "whole" is spelled w-h-o-l-e, not wole
2.) "exposed" should be "exposing" here.
3.) "naacp" should be capitalized here.
4.) "ridiculous" is spelled r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s, not rediculous.
5.) This should be set in quotation marks, as you are refering to the thoughts of other people.

I know grammar is a big thing for you, just thought I would help out. Give me a call if you need to talk about anything. I'm here for support, always.

Boy, my small correction of your SPELLING (not grammar) really got to you didn't it? My goodness, it really shouldn't have, but if it did, ok.

I only said something about it because you made the error twice. For you to come back over an hour later and sift through my post to find my errors is really amazing and funny. I wonder if you plan to take the same amount of time and devote similar amounts of energy to the substance of what I have said over the course of this thread. Short of your name calling, I haven't noticed any meaningful responses to my challenges to you and your ill-conceived opinions. You probably won't though. It's good that I did succeed in prompting you to slow down and GO BACK and critically read.