That being said, I have a few things to say about the "Kramer" incident. This is in no way meant to offend anyone.
#1 - Richards apologized three times and still he is being hassled. I can understand the community being upset, but if you cannot accept one apology, you cannot accept three, four, five, etc. He has said he is sorry and whether any one else believes him or not, he seems to believe it. If you forgive him….Kudos to you….if not I am sorry you feel that way. I have no opinion either way. I think he made a STUPID STUPID STUPID move…and was an asshole.
That being said, I, for one, am SICK of hearing he apologized…again and again and again and AGAIN! He obviously is messed in the head. Is his 25th million apology going to be good for him or will he be so fucked up by then his shrink will have to admit him to the insane asylum?
#2 - Banning the N word is never going to work. First, I am not fond of the n-word. I can understand how it hurts much like I hate being called a cripple. To me that is a disgusting slur against me. However, I cannot get rid of the word cripple any more than people can get rid of the n-word….Free speech cannot be restricted.
It is not right, it is not fair…but nobody said life was. In fact, I think it is MORE harmful to the African American community to make such a big deal about this. Accepting apologies (supposedly) then turning around and trying to boycott some show the racist hate monger was on is taking it a bit far. Jerry Seinfeld is not guilty of this crime nor is Jason Alexander or any of the other Seinfeld actors…so, why are we punishing them, for Michael Richards’ disgusting faux pas?
However, to try to erase a word from history…just seeks to make it more taboo. Remember prohibition? We restricted alcohol and look what happened. We start restricting words then any kid who may not understand the context or may not get why it is banned can be a smart ass and start using it…just to bend the rules. It is better to be able to have those open dialogues so use of the word can be prevented in other ways then a ban.
Remember: Ignorance leads to prejudice….and hopefully the more intelligent we make our children….the less ignorant they will be. If they pick up a Mark Twain book and wonder what that unrecognizable word is…they might think it is ok to use it and ok to tell their friends about it. Repression of anything only seeks to harm.
#3 - If we ban one word, we must ban them all. Ban the n-word then lets ban cripple, Pollock, handicapped, retarded, kike, spick, porch monkey, fag, lesbo, fudge packer, freak, "it", he/she, etc. The list could go on. What should we do if one word is banned and not another, yet the other is still offensive? Should we file a lawsuit? Then once all those words are banned how about banning derogatory names for body parts? I know people who get very upset when people say pussy, cunt, cock, dick, hot salami, or twat.
Let’s take it a step further…and infringe upon my vocabulary here because I love to swear when I am in a passionate argument. I love the feel of those "powerful", vivid words on my tongue. However, some people hate those words and get offended when they hear fuck, shit damn, Jesus Christ (oh yeah taking the "Lords" name in vain is a no-no), bitch, bastard, whore, cocksucker, etc.
Can you see where I am going with this?
My final point is this….we need to let it go. What he did was wrong. What you think about him is your business, but he apologized numerous times and yet the public lynching continues. Can we at least try to remember a song we all used to sing as children?
Sticks and Stones may Break My Bones…but words can never hurt me…This week has proven this saying is a fallacy. However, perhaps it is not wrong. Take back the words for you and become empowered by them. That is truly the only way you will win…You cannot really argue when people call themselves cripples before you can get to it…
However, racism, hatred, sexism, ableism, homophobia, etc. is not going to end over night. We have to work together to end it, and we can only do that…through vocalizing and conversing about any topic without fear of restrictions imposed by the government.
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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
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Dominick Evans is in his late 20’s. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.
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I agree that banning a word from the English language would be an ignorant solution to a yet unadressed problem. To use one of your highly OVERUSED phrases, “that being said,” in reading your post I find your arguments to be terribly underminded by your incessant apologizing before you even get started on your opinion. Do you really believe what you said? Because you sure did set me up as a reader to disregard most of it before I even got to the heart due to your lengthy and unnecessary list of disclaimers.
It seems your inclusion of “swear words” are meant to add shock value and a sense of independent apathy to your opinion. It’s as if you want to communicate that you not only don’t care what people think, but that you’re bold, cutting edge, daring even, in your writing. Except that you repeatedly remind your readers that you aren’t trying to “offend” anyone.
I’m not offended by your use of slang and slurs. I’m offended by the arrogant tone you attempt to establish after the cowardice you displayed for the first 4 paragraphs of this blog… as if being a Pagan Polish kid in a wheelchair who’s best friend is a black lesbian adds credit to your writing.
Claire,
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions. Actually, I don’t think you caught my sardonic tone in my apology. I should try to make my sarcasm a bit more obvious.
I thought since so many of the most famous celebrities in the world get out of tough situations by apologizing I’d make sure I didn’t pull a Kramer with damage control.
I also thought it pertinent to mention my obvious reason why I couldn’t possibly be “racist”. I’m in a wheelchair…duh. Coincidentally, that was sarcasm, too because some of the biggest racists I know…are in wheelchairs oddly enough.
Honestly, you are right I do not give much thought to what others think. I have no true apologies for who I am nor my swearing. I really speak like that in every day life, so do not assume I added it just for the shock.
It’s kind of funny how for some swearing is a shock and for others…its just every day word usage.
I do thank you for your thoughts. Keep reading
Dominick