Michael Richard’s racial slurs used during a stand-up comedy routine ‘Seinfeld’ had enraged black leaders to an extent that they triggered the scandal and challenged the entertainment industry including rap artists, actors, and major studios, to stop use of racial slur.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader and others said they will meet with TV networks, film companies and musicians to discuss the “N-Word.” They also wanted an effort by the public to stop using such words that degrade black people.
At a news conference Jackson said,
We want to give our ancestors a present. Dignity over degradation.
Jesse Jackson also asked the public to not buy a DVD box set of the seventh season of the TV show “Seinfeld” that was released last week.
Michael Richards on November 17, blowed racial slurs against two black men during a stand-up comedy routine because he lost his temper after being interrupted on stage. His outburst was caught into a video camera by one of the patron.
Several apologies had been made by Richards and recently he apologized on Sunday on Jackson’s syndicated radio program in which he quoted: ‘I am not a racist.’
When Jesse Jackson was asked about free speech issues and the ‘N-Word’ he actually said “it’s unprotected”. The N-Word is unprotected by our freedom of speech.
At the press conference, comedian Paul Mooney said he has used the “N-Word” numerous times during stand-up performances but will no longer do so after watching Richards’ rant.
“He’s my Dr. Phil,” the black comedian said. “He’s cured me.”
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters charged that only circumstances such as the Richards incident turn mainstream media attention to issues involving the black community.
Waters said,
This is not simply about whether or not the black community forgives or forgets, this is about understanding that this is pervasive, that this happens in all of our institutions, one way or the other.
Why the N-Word hullabaloo?
The ‘N-word’ was referred to black slaves in the past and hence in the present context there is not point in its usage. To whom they’re referring to now?
Putting restrictions on a free speech doesn’t looks like a tyrannical attitude towards free speech or right to speech and especially for comedians. But the use of ‘n-word’ is unprotected and might offend someone. Jokes that offend for the sake of offending and anti-semitic remarks should be voluntarily banned.
However, we cannot deny the fact that the N-word has percolated with time into the common usage, especially in popular culture. But, this doesn’t give us reason enough to misrepresent and disrespect the minorities, which, in fact, now are not so even. Certainly, the N-word shows hatred, abuse, and anti-black attitude and should be banned.
