Michael Richards has a point when he says he has suffered racial abuse. Racism is racism whether it comes from a white person, an African or an Indian. But just because someone is racist to him does not give him the right to be racist to others in his comedy.
When it comes to Special Rights for minorities, he completely misses the point. He forgets the legacy of Colonialism and Slavery that made Europe and the USA rich at the expense of the Third World.
With respect to him, he may have suffered racism from kids on the street, but does he know what it's like to be viewed with suspicion by the police and the Authorities just for the colour of his skin or the fact he is a Muslim? If you are black, you are still more likely to live in a ghetto or prison. Is this fair? This is not because black people are inherently more violent. It is because they are often born into the poorest parts of society with the least prospects from childhood onwards. This is what Special Privileges are trying to rectify.
Good comedy can and does explore issues of race, if it does this from a viewpoint that celebrates difference. Look at the stand up of Woody Allen, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Omid Djalili or Crissy Rock! These people celebrate their ethnic background and help others to understand it without fear.
On the other hand, the comedy of hate seeks to laugh at other races or religions or sexes. It seeks to keep 'us' and 'them' apart. It doesn't increase understanding, it increases fear and hatred and suspicion.
Michael Richards has a point when he says he has suffered racial abuse. Racism is racism whether it comes from a white person, an African or an Indian. But just because someone is racist to him does not give him the right to be racist to others in his comedy.
When it comes to Special Rights for minorities, he completely misses the point. He forgets the legacy of Colonialism and Slavery that made Europe and the USA rich at the expense of the Third World.
With respect to him, he may have suffered racism from kids on the street, but does he know what it's like to be viewed with suspicion by the police and the Authorities just for the colour of his skin or the fact he is a Muslim? If you are black, you are still more likely to live in a ghetto or prison. Is this fair? This is not because black people are inherently more violent. It is because they are often born into the poorest parts of society with the least prospects from childhood onwards. This is what Special Privileges are trying to rectify.
Good comedy can and does explore issues of race, if it does this from a viewpoint that celebrates difference. Look at the stand up of Woody Allen, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Omid Djalili or Crissy Rock! These people celebrate their ethnic background and help others to understand it without fear.
On the other hand, the comedy of hate seeks to laugh at other races or religions or sexes. It seeks to keep 'us' and 'them' apart. It doesn't increase understanding, it increases fear and hatred and suspicion.