This is a touch old, but I still think it's a great statement.
The question is not can you burn a flag, but what it means. For those that shun politics, it's a good magic trick so watch it anyway.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Duane 'Dog' Chapman part 2 - 11.1.2007.2
Continued from Duane 'Dog' Chapman part 1...
Perhaps Rev. Storey is correct. Maybe ‘Dog’ is not racist. But he sure knows how to use racist language in a denigrating manner that racists use. And he has no problem having his associates do the same. So based on that alone, I respectfully disagree with the reverend.
The worst part of this is that news commentators, and no doubt pundits in general, are using this to attack hip hop and organizations that seek to improve the condition of African Americans. I am no fan of Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson, but I respect that they and their organizations do try to improve my life from time to time. I am no fan of 50 cent or gangsta rappers. But pundits comparing Chapman to 50 cent is wrong.
I disagree with any use of the N-word. Yes I realize I have promoted the Boondocks, but I believe they emphasize the idiocy of the common use of this word. And I hate the message promoted by corporate executives of misogyny, drugs, and imprisonment that is gangsta rap. I am upset that the rappers that are the figureheads of this genre have sold-out for a few pennies and are aiding in the pain, suffering, and difficulties many African Americans live through to varying degrees daily.
But Chapman is not an entertainer. He is a bounty hunter that happens to be televised. He is not being artistic in his words or actions. He is not commenting on society. He is just doing a job, like all those who don’t get television shows in his industry. So even that flimsy excuse of art is unavailable to him. Those pundits that try to draw a line between Chapman and gangsta rap are merely trying to change the subject and turn away from the fact that another White male has been caught being a racist and it embarrasses them.
How long will this be a public issue? Not long. Very quickly this story will be dropped, perhaps after Dog goes to a program to help him with his ‘insensitivities’. But the issue will not end. Like with Imus it will be deflected to rap and hip hop. The argument will become, “if Blacks say these words why can’t I?” Because ALL African Americans don’t use that word or such language. Most African Americans whether entertainers, celebrities, or regular people don’t speak in this manner in private or at work. But the media loves to promote the idea we all do. But because some don’t understand the meaning of a word, and executives of corporations want to continue to make money off this ‘inside’ joke, the accusation is made and sticks.
The biggest reason why the issue will be deflected and then dropped? Because the thought that some Whites are as racist today as in the 1950’s is unpopular. The realization that PC does not end racism is undesirable. Because too many Whites will be embarrassed, and like reparations or Slavery the issue is unpleasant for some Americans. Besides, the media can forgive Whites that act in a racist manner. They forgave Michael Richards, and sales of the Seinfeld DVD’s have gone on unabated. They forgave Don Imus, and he has had a 9 month vacation, a multi-million dollar windfall, and a new job for millions more.
Just don’t be African American and be controversial. OJ Simpson is going to go to jail not because of what happened in Las Vegas, but what happened over a decade ago. Mr. Genarlow Wilson spent 2 years in jail for a trivial action. Ms. Megan Williams won’t even be discussed by the media.
So is Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman racist? I say yes. Will he lose his television show? No. [And remember that will not affect his ability to work since he is a bounty hunter and not an entertainer anyway.] Do I feel bad or accept his apology? No, and I’m insulted by his attempt to preserve his income with this slap in the face. But he shouldn’t worry, and we should. White men that degrade and disparage African Americans are forgiven and their actions forgotten quickly anyway. At least according to the media.
Don’t you feel happy now? I would suggest that I would stop watching his show, but I don’t watch it already. If you are upset, stop. I’m not sure the demographic of my readers actually watch this but it might make a difference. The other thing is to contact A&E with letters for ‘Dog’ which can be sent to feedback@aetv.com.
Perhaps Rev. Storey is correct. Maybe ‘Dog’ is not racist. But he sure knows how to use racist language in a denigrating manner that racists use. And he has no problem having his associates do the same. So based on that alone, I respectfully disagree with the reverend.
The worst part of this is that news commentators, and no doubt pundits in general, are using this to attack hip hop and organizations that seek to improve the condition of African Americans. I am no fan of Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson, but I respect that they and their organizations do try to improve my life from time to time. I am no fan of 50 cent or gangsta rappers. But pundits comparing Chapman to 50 cent is wrong.
I disagree with any use of the N-word. Yes I realize I have promoted the Boondocks, but I believe they emphasize the idiocy of the common use of this word. And I hate the message promoted by corporate executives of misogyny, drugs, and imprisonment that is gangsta rap. I am upset that the rappers that are the figureheads of this genre have sold-out for a few pennies and are aiding in the pain, suffering, and difficulties many African Americans live through to varying degrees daily.
But Chapman is not an entertainer. He is a bounty hunter that happens to be televised. He is not being artistic in his words or actions. He is not commenting on society. He is just doing a job, like all those who don’t get television shows in his industry. So even that flimsy excuse of art is unavailable to him. Those pundits that try to draw a line between Chapman and gangsta rap are merely trying to change the subject and turn away from the fact that another White male has been caught being a racist and it embarrasses them.
How long will this be a public issue? Not long. Very quickly this story will be dropped, perhaps after Dog goes to a program to help him with his ‘insensitivities’. But the issue will not end. Like with Imus it will be deflected to rap and hip hop. The argument will become, “if Blacks say these words why can’t I?” Because ALL African Americans don’t use that word or such language. Most African Americans whether entertainers, celebrities, or regular people don’t speak in this manner in private or at work. But the media loves to promote the idea we all do. But because some don’t understand the meaning of a word, and executives of corporations want to continue to make money off this ‘inside’ joke, the accusation is made and sticks.
The biggest reason why the issue will be deflected and then dropped? Because the thought that some Whites are as racist today as in the 1950’s is unpopular. The realization that PC does not end racism is undesirable. Because too many Whites will be embarrassed, and like reparations or Slavery the issue is unpleasant for some Americans. Besides, the media can forgive Whites that act in a racist manner. They forgave Michael Richards, and sales of the Seinfeld DVD’s have gone on unabated. They forgave Don Imus, and he has had a 9 month vacation, a multi-million dollar windfall, and a new job for millions more.
Just don’t be African American and be controversial. OJ Simpson is going to go to jail not because of what happened in Las Vegas, but what happened over a decade ago. Mr. Genarlow Wilson spent 2 years in jail for a trivial action. Ms. Megan Williams won’t even be discussed by the media.
So is Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman racist? I say yes. Will he lose his television show? No. [And remember that will not affect his ability to work since he is a bounty hunter and not an entertainer anyway.] Do I feel bad or accept his apology? No, and I’m insulted by his attempt to preserve his income with this slap in the face. But he shouldn’t worry, and we should. White men that degrade and disparage African Americans are forgiven and their actions forgotten quickly anyway. At least according to the media.
Don’t you feel happy now? I would suggest that I would stop watching his show, but I don’t watch it already. If you are upset, stop. I’m not sure the demographic of my readers actually watch this but it might make a difference. The other thing is to contact A&E with letters for ‘Dog’ which can be sent to feedback@aetv.com.
Duane 'Dog' Chapman - 11.1.2007.1
Here it comes. Now that Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman has been shown for what many call a racist, the question comes out what he means and how offensive the N-word is. I will state what I think in one second. But there is a statement of apology out today as well.
The first thing I want you to be able to hear is the actual comments he made. This conversation comes from the Enquirer and can be heard in full at http://www.nationalenquirer.com/2007/popup/full-wmv.html. I warn you that it is filled with offensive language.
I think it’s clear that, by his own words, Dog uses the N-word often, as do those he works with. It’s used to describe African Americans in the meaning that is the historical vile meaning, and in no way the “new” meaning that kids today wish it to be. Not to mention his demeaning inference to Mexicans and women.
Now I realize that this conversation was intended to be a private one. I realize that this is between Dog and his son. Perhaps he spoke in anger, perhaps he has reasons to dislike and/or distrust this woman. But that is not the issue I want to address.
The mindset that allows the use of the N-word and other disparaging terms against people of color is the issue. It’s that mindset that is angering. He isn’t upset with the words he uses, he is angry if others find out he uses these words. He knows he’s wrong, and doesn’t care.
That is racist. To cowardly use terms to disparage and degrade people, but not be willing to let anyone of the race in question to hear it is racist. Add to this that in the presence of his minister of 7 years, who is Black, he would not use this term but has no problem saying other curses in front of him adds to his deception. He is more than just racist; he is the hidden racist that acts in secret, in a way similar to the KKK.
I don’t accept the apology of ‘Dog’ Chapman (an ex-convict convicted of murder). It’s insincere. He knew the words he chose. He knows them in this conversation and with those on his show. His often use of the word, and more importantly non-use in front of some people shows his fear and true feelings. I don’t know the man, but I am lead to these conclusions by his actions.
Now A&E has suspended his program. There has been constant conversation all day on this controversy. His minister, Rev. Tim Storey, has been on Hannity & Colmes has come to his defense. And the arguments are being spun to rap and hip hop.
Does he deserve to lose his show? No. I have to say that. Why? Because this was a private conversation, and not place on the airwaves. If he said it in his television show, I’d say pull him off the air just like Don Imus. [Though I think Imus deserved to stay off the air just a bit longer] Had he said it in public, like Michael Richards, I’d be happy to lead the charge to see him unemployed. But he did not, and private conversations, no matter how objectionable cannot be punished. If we do we violate the First Amendment and invite policing of our words everywhere.
Continued in part 2...
The first thing I want you to be able to hear is the actual comments he made. This conversation comes from the Enquirer and can be heard in full at http://www.nationalenquirer.com/2007/popup/full-wmv.html. I warn you that it is filled with offensive language.
I think it’s clear that, by his own words, Dog uses the N-word often, as do those he works with. It’s used to describe African Americans in the meaning that is the historical vile meaning, and in no way the “new” meaning that kids today wish it to be. Not to mention his demeaning inference to Mexicans and women.
Now I realize that this conversation was intended to be a private one. I realize that this is between Dog and his son. Perhaps he spoke in anger, perhaps he has reasons to dislike and/or distrust this woman. But that is not the issue I want to address.
The mindset that allows the use of the N-word and other disparaging terms against people of color is the issue. It’s that mindset that is angering. He isn’t upset with the words he uses, he is angry if others find out he uses these words. He knows he’s wrong, and doesn’t care.
That is racist. To cowardly use terms to disparage and degrade people, but not be willing to let anyone of the race in question to hear it is racist. Add to this that in the presence of his minister of 7 years, who is Black, he would not use this term but has no problem saying other curses in front of him adds to his deception. He is more than just racist; he is the hidden racist that acts in secret, in a way similar to the KKK.
I don’t accept the apology of ‘Dog’ Chapman (an ex-convict convicted of murder). It’s insincere. He knew the words he chose. He knows them in this conversation and with those on his show. His often use of the word, and more importantly non-use in front of some people shows his fear and true feelings. I don’t know the man, but I am lead to these conclusions by his actions.
Now A&E has suspended his program. There has been constant conversation all day on this controversy. His minister, Rev. Tim Storey, has been on Hannity & Colmes has come to his defense. And the arguments are being spun to rap and hip hop.
Does he deserve to lose his show? No. I have to say that. Why? Because this was a private conversation, and not place on the airwaves. If he said it in his television show, I’d say pull him off the air just like Don Imus. [Though I think Imus deserved to stay off the air just a bit longer] Had he said it in public, like Michael Richards, I’d be happy to lead the charge to see him unemployed. But he did not, and private conversations, no matter how objectionable cannot be punished. If we do we violate the First Amendment and invite policing of our words everywhere.
Continued in part 2...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)