Kramer Goes At It
So I'm sure for those of us that live within five feet of a television know about Michael Richards' (Seinfield's "Kramer") bout at the Laugh Factory. Yeah, it was racist and a little out of hand but for those of us with a sense of humor, I found it funny.
People are completely right when they say that his statements were taboo and probably not the wisest thing to say (his career is destroyed, really) but still, laugh a little bit. You have black comedians mocking the white race all the time. I'm not saying any form of racism is right, and anything that's ton out of true hatefulness should be punished, but still, laugh a little bit.
Try and enjoy it. It's a swan song.
posted by k. edward warmoth @ 12:23 PM
8 Comments:
Haha you found the video. My dad told me about it, but the video makes it much better. And it's true, as racist and wrong as it was for him to say that, black comedians use their own race and history to crack jokes, but it is wrong wrong wrong for a white man to do it.
It's sad that you will never understand the significance of events like this one. As an obvious member of the "majority" your perspective likely won't allow you to grasp this, but I'll try anyway. When black or latino (or even white) comedians comment on the differences in ways of life, upbringing, traditions etc. in a humorous way...you have comedy. When a comedian of ANY race jumps into the bowels of history..a disgrace to ALL americans, to pull up some of the most painful and sensitive roots of african american history and in a rage tops it off by addressing people with racial slurs...you have a racism. I have no ill-will toward you or Ms. Lauryn who posted the first comment because there is an obvious lack of insight, but just think about what you are saying...don't be so quick to generalize.
Or maybe a lack of a sense of humor on your part?
When you have those people that were "offended" (not killed, maimed or beaten, just "offended") threatening to sue and saying on the Today Show that there should be "limits" on free speech, I think that's more of a problem.
If Kramer had beaten a black man down, he'd be a fascist and a sick man, but he didn't. He said some words that might be hurtful to sensitive people. If you don't like it, don't listen.
I also like your potshot at how those in the majority are incapable of "grasping" something. Racism much?
Actually, if you read again, you'll see that my reference to an inability to "grasp" had to do with perspective and not intellect.
And that has more to do with background than race...Don't be too offended.
Anyways, the words he said WERE hurtful to an entire race of people...and while he has a right to free speech, that's not comedy.
I don't agree with the lawsuit and you're right...free speech is free speech. I just hope that at some point you open your mind to the true severity of this situation.
Don't accuse me of not having an open mind. I'm anti-racist. Racism is killing the planet and its pointless. Militant racists like Nazi's need to be shot, no question. However, comedy is comedy. One man's trash is another man's treasure. You might say it's not comedy and I might say it is, for how absurd it is.
Yeah, his words were hurtful, but I am offended when Chris Rock blasts on white people (not really, since I appreciate jokes, but you know what I'm getting at).
i though it was hilarous. i thought he was going to kill someone.
they can have latinos( like Carlos Mencia who is the shit by the way) and about any other race say shit about us and get away with it. but when a white makes one little remark about a different race we are considerd racist. Other races can have organizations, but if a white person trys to make one we are considerd racists.
I believe "kramer" did get a little out of hand, but if he made unpostive remark about another race calmly he would still be attacked by the press for being a racist. which he may be but, they never attack a latino or a black for being racist, but we if we ever did we would be called a racist right back
I dont think you're going to feel me on this so this will be my last time bothering you about this one but even as you reference Chris Rock (or whoever) as commenting on the white race...I agree, he does. BUT he comments on things like lifestyles, upbringing and whatever nuances he's observed. If he made a joke about the Holocaust or some other historical tragedy (eg- Black people being enslaved and hanged), I would be just as offended. I'll state again, when comedians comment on the various races and the differences between them etc...that's one thing. What "kramer" said was of pure hatred.
And trust me, I believe that you aren't racist but your mind is not as open as you'd like to believe.
Oh and lastly..whoever this "anonymous" person is...that comment was outright idiotic.
"Anonymous" had a point to make and they did. They weren't as subtle about it, but they got their point across.
You're right when you say that joking about historical events is wrong by some definitions, but at least we're remembering how bad that history was instead of forgetting it.
Still, in the end, it all boils down to taste.
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