Say It Loud, I'm Racist and...Proud??
UPDATE 12/26: The title of this entry was a take on a song that became an anthem for African-Americans, 'Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud).That song was recorded by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, who passed away early yesterday morning. In addition to fancy footwork and memorable melodies, Brown will also be remembered for his political activism - especially as it concerned black people and the poor in this country.
R.I.P. James.
By now, you've no doubt heard about the tirade launched by former Seinfeld castmember Michael Richards - aka Kramer - at an LA comedy spot a few weeks back. It seems that, after being heckled by two black audience members, Richards thought it appropriate to fire back with some heckling of his own -- in the form of the 'n' word and other ostensibly racist imagery. If you've not heard about it or have been under a rock somewhere, feel free to check it out here.
The fallout was fairly swift: the Laugh Factory offered a refund to its entire crowd that night, the first such move in the club's history. LF also banned Richards. The actor-turned-comic and his publicist then reached out to (heavy sarcasm here) the authorities on black American life, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, to discuss how to make amends. The subjects of his verbal assault made their expected talk show rounds, demanding not just an apology but monetary compensation. Richards himself appeared on David Letterman in following nights, offering a mea culpa and the standard 'I am not a racist' line. Today, he turned up on Jesse's Keep Hope Alive radio program, saying his behavior was rooted in anger, not bigotry. How he was humiliated onstage and wanted to presumably give as good as he got.
Now, I have no idea if Michael Richards is a racist or not. I have never met the man and wouldn't presume to know the workings of his mind or his heart. Nor did I watch Seinfeld, but as I understand it, Richards is an actor first -- and not at all skilled in the standup game. The Laugh Factory incident may have been the rare, unscripted gig for the cat. However, if you are having an 'off' night in your standup routine - as Richards is said to have had - and you decide that the only way you can revive your act is to attack your audience members' race, then you have a serious problem.
But instead of saying 'I am seeking treatment for anger management' and shrinking away from the label of racist, maybe folks should just admit their prejudices. There is a song from one of my favorite Broadway shows, Avenue Q, entitled 'Everyone's Just a Little Bit Racist'. Here's an excerpt of the lyrics
If we all could just admit
That we are racist a little bit
Even though we all know That it's wrong
Maybe it would help us Get along.
Am I saying that I want folks to yell 'Hey, N---' when they see me walking down the street or shopping in a store? Absolutely not. But what I am saying to Michael Richards and others who might find themselves in a similar predicament (Trent Lott, anyone?) is that the cat's out of the bag, the chicken has flown the coop or any other tired cliche about futilely trying to save face after the fact. I don't know anyone who truly believes racist commentary is an acceptable, albeit misguided, attempt to make a joke, to honor an old Southern statesman or anything else. For those who issue these comments to think their audience is that naive is insulting.
It might be better to just own up to it, especially when it is on tape, and meet with everyday people (vs. so-called 'leaders') to talk about exactly what is on your mind and theirs. Then maybe you could get a better understanding of how, along with sticks and stones, words can and do hurt. An honest, open discussion on race will be painful but at least it will put us on the right road. And it surely can't be any worse than the alternative of ignorance.
And to the two guys seeking money for this, give me a break. Why don't you seek to educate people instead of lining your pockets? Because anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of a racial epithet or taunt knows that it ain't all about the benjamins.
posted by Miss E @ 5:20 PM
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