Today's Chicago Tribune features "Left speechless?," by columnist Clarence Page. Page, who also serves on the Tribune's editorial board, writes:
Besides whispering to another guest on the set that he would like to de-sex the Democratic presidential candidate, Jackson also accused Obama of "talking down to black people . . . telling niggers how to behave."Jackson has since issued two statements of apology for his self-described "trash talking." He also might issue this word of advice: If you want to whisper something that could be damaging if traced back to you, don't whisper it over a microphone.
Am I surprised by Jackson's use of the racial slur? Not really. I was more surprised to hear that so many other people are shocked, especially non-African Americans.
Ethnic etiquette has always given greater latitude to epithets expressed about one's own ethnic group, as long as they are expressed inside of one's ethnic group. That's how people talk within one's family or ethnic group, especially when you regard your ethnic group as affectionately as you regard your nuclear family.
But if we hold Jackson to a higher standard, it is because he has held us to one too.
This higher standard must be the one Jackson used in describing Jews as "Hymies" and New York City as "Hymietown." Perhaps the standard didn't apply because, as Jackson was quoted in the New York Times:
''It was not done in the spirit of meanness,'' he told an overflow crowd in the synagogue, Temple Adath Yershurun. ''However innocent and unintended, it was wrong.''
Oh, OK, since it wasn't done in the spirit of meanness and was innocent and unintended, it's not all that offensive.
Interestingly, Clarence Page has not always been so openminded about those using the N-word. When in 2006 comedian Michael Richards was, in Page's words, "spewing the N-bomb," Clarence's judgement wasn't so generous:
Meanwhile, Richards is living with his own punishment, properly condemned by the court of public opinion. Even his hip and edgy comrades in comedy are acknowledging that there still are lines of decency that none of us should cross.
A line that shouldn't be crossed unless you're Jesse Jackson, that is. Then it's not surprising. Epithets apparently are acceptable as long as they are applied with appropriate ethnic etiquette.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
That's how people talk
July 20, 2008 - 11:21 ET by MidAmericaThat's how people talk within one's family or ethnic group, especially when you regard your ethnic group as affectionately as you regard your nuclear family.
Somehow.... I don't believe if a conservative Black such as Judge Clarence Thomas used the "n" word that it would just be brushed aside as affection within his ethnic group. I believe only liberal Blacks can refer to their beloved ethnic brothers as n*****s. Man... can't you just feel the love.
Judge Thomas
July 20, 2008 - 11:22 ET by Mike BatesGood point.
My guess is if Judge Thomas were quoted as using it, we'd really see a high tech lynching.
Single standards
July 20, 2008 - 13:56 ET by sarcasmoAs many of you know, I often find that Fox News gets off easy around here, as I've already implied on this particular subject, but it would be "interesting" in a different way if Fox had held back the same kind of comment from such a politically-different black person.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
>>>That's how people talk
July 20, 2008 - 11:41 ET by seanrobins>>>That's how people talk within one's family or ethnic group, especially when you regard your ethnic group as affectionately as you regard your nuclear family.
If a "group" does not like the use of a particular word, then THEY too should stop using it. Simple. Period. Cut the "we can use it amongst ourselves" crap.
If not, then anyone should be able to use whatever word they choose, and the complainers (who continue to use it themselves) need to just shut up.
Sheesh! (this is getting really boring, Jesse)
sean robins
blog.seanrobins.com
Boring Jesse
July 20, 2008 - 11:46 ET by Mike BatesI think Jesse's miffed because he fears he won't be invited back as a spiritual adviser at the, if you'll pardon the expression, White House if Barry wins.
Plus Jackson's use of the N word
July 20, 2008 - 11:44 ET by Dee Bunkimplied that Obama was a racist - treating them like his personal slaves. If Jackson had used the word to a friend as a term of endearment - that would be completely different.
He used it to slam another black person. Not a family member, not a friend but a rival whose privates he wanted to permanently disfigure.
Disfiguring
July 20, 2008 - 11:48 ET by Mike BatesHe used it to slam another black person. Not a family member, not a friend but a rival whose privates he wanted to permanently disfigure.
If Mama Michelle hasn't already done so.
Yeah - good point Michael - Michelle is no political wife like
July 20, 2008 - 13:34 ET by Dee BunkHillary was. They are in love and she is the boss.
→ She may be the boss
July 20, 2008 - 13:42 ET by Cool ArrowBut there's evidence Obama has "punished" Michelle at least twice.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Cool
July 20, 2008 - 13:58 ET by Free StinkerI would ask you to elaborate, but I'm not 100% sure I want to hear the answer . . . ;-)
"They're both doofuses!" --Mark Levin (speaking of Obama and McCain)
→ No problem
July 20, 2008 - 14:00 ET by Cool ArrowHe's already on record as not wanting his daughters punished.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
¢¢ Cool
July 20, 2008 - 14:03 ET by Free StinkerI had a hunch . . .
;-)
"They're both doofuses!" --Mark Levin (speaking of Obama and McCain)
→ Thanks
July 20, 2008 - 14:07 ET by Cool ArrowThanks for your two ¢'s
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Cool
July 20, 2008 - 14:10 ET by Free StinkerAlways glad to oblige ! :-)
nice word
July 20, 2008 - 11:52 ET by tejanodiablotha reeeeverend nesse nackson does it again ..
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
The N word is just a word
July 20, 2008 - 12:05 ET by jefflebowskiI am amazed at how much power is given the N word. To my knowledge it is just a word. It has never broken a bone or killed. If a white person uses it, it is considered worse than blapheming God. It can end a career if one is white....it enhances careers if one is a black rapper or a liberal preacher. I have been called many names. They roll off my back. I had a black man write me on my personal blog and tell me he would kick my "lilly white ass." Should he lose his job? Should I start a march protesting him and black people? Nah, I've too much to do.
I really believe that the N word over-reactions are just another way to deflect criticisms of blacks not taking responsibility for their own actions. It obviously doesn't offend blacks that much since so many of them use the word. Political correctness!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Clarence Page, the great
July 20, 2008 - 12:05 ET by d1carterClarence Page, the great defender...nothing new.
The Great Defender
July 20, 2008 - 12:19 ET by Mike BatesClarence Page, the great defender...nothing new.
And enabler, too.
My 2 cents…. Every pundit
July 20, 2008 - 13:20 ET by maggieqpublicMy 2 cents…. Every pundit (like Clarence Page) who announces that it’s just fine for blacks to use the n word within their own culture, should be specifically asked if he/she uses the n word in his/her personal interactions. Let’s get everybody on record… when using a particular word is so commonplace in the culture, there should be no embarrassment attached to answering this question. Right, Clarence?
→ Postracial "N" word
July 20, 2008 - 13:29 ET by Cool ArrowLet's hope the PostRacial "N" word isn't "NO"
But it will be. You will not hear "NO" to anything an Obama rubbernecked Presidency sends to the Democrat rubberstamp Congress.
Pelosi will offer "Reparations Stimulus Packages" and Obama will sign off on it.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
I’m not sure if you are
July 20, 2008 - 14:06 ET by maggieqpublicI’m not sure if you are kidding about the reparations, but the spouse and I have been discussing what we should do with our retirement accounts in anticipation of an Obama/Pelosi Presidency.
→ maggie
July 20, 2008 - 14:10 ET by Cool ArrowI'm flipping beteen Guaranteed Interest and Company Stock. So far I'm doing OK with jumping into the valleys and bailing at the peaks.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
I need a financial planner
July 20, 2008 - 14:19 ET by maggieqpublicI need a financial planner who offers a course called… What to do with your Retirement Assets when (before) Barack moves to the White House (or the Winter Palace as I heard Jim Cramer call it).
¢¢ Maggie
July 20, 2008 - 14:28 ET by Free StinkerIt's simple. Gold & shotguns
Gold as an obvious store of value and Shotguns to protect your self from looters & rioters.
"They're both doofuses!" --Mark Levin (speaking of Obama and McCain)
My husband and I have been
July 20, 2008 - 14:47 ET by maggieqpublicMy husband and I have been thinking of acquainting ourselves with the shotgun you mention, but SF Bay Area law enforcement agencies discourage citizens from protecting private property with the use of firearms.... one of our cars has been stolen twice from our driveway (and recovered) within the last 6 months...
maggie...
July 20, 2008 - 14:53 ET by Clear thinker"...but SF Bay Area law enforcement agencies discourage citizens from protecting private property with the use of firearms...."
Why? Do they want you to throw rocks at the bad guys?
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
→ Get wit it Clear
July 20, 2008 - 15:00 ET by Cool ArrowThe monthly stipend to the homeless renders them al happy campers.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Homeless stipends
July 20, 2008 - 15:05 ET by Mike BatesThe monthly stipend to the homeless renders them al happy campers.
OK, but where's their iPhones? They've got their rights too!
Cool... Ok, now I'm
July 20, 2008 - 15:10 ET by Clear thinkerCool...
Ok, now I'm catching on. It's sorta like... allowing your property to be stolen by someone that is less fortunate than you, should be considered an honor. Think how much your stolen property means to the less fortunate. In order to further San Frans goal to help the needy, an order should go out telling property owners to leave their doors unlocked and the keys left in their autos (with a full tank of gas of course).
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
→ Well, DUH
July 20, 2008 - 15:18 ET by Cool ArrowSorry you didn't get the memo.
SF Mayor Newsom was a little sloppy with communications while Kimberly Guilfoyle was raking hm over the coals.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Rocks also too violent.
July 20, 2008 - 15:17 ET by maggieqpublicRocks also too violent. (Apparently you didn't get the memo that we are responsible for the desperation that brought about the car thefts.) Auto theft is also a real money-maker for certain police departments... 1) officer locates car, 2) officer has car towed to city-owned lot, 3) citizen informed that vehicle to be picked up at lot for minimum $300 (add on for additional days), 3) no fingerprints taken, 4) citizen fills out form and pays $1 for single copy of police report, 5) repeat, Groundhog Day.
Financial planning under President Obama
July 20, 2008 - 15:00 ET by Mike BatesFor heaven's sake, no matter what you do, just don't toss your assets down a black hole. The PC police will be picking you up.
Reparations
July 20, 2008 - 14:57 ET by Mike BatesBO left himself a big loophole on the subject, saying in 2004 that he's against "just signing checks over to African-Americans."
Now, of course, if the bucks were to be distributed in a different fashion. . .
Obviously,
July 20, 2008 - 14:31 ET by DelsaIt is NOT the word you use, it the context in which you use it.
AND it is not how it is used so much as WHO is using it.
I get it.?
Clarence Page
July 20, 2008 - 14:10 ET by cjkClarence page is the media equivalent of his Bro. BHO. Actually
Clarence is worse because he has some knowledge inside that head of
his. The left's hypocrisy has reached astounding levels.
ICABOD
Hells Bells as my dad would say
July 20, 2008 - 14:29 ET by DelsaWe can't even use the word niggard anymore because blacks and white liberals, who belong to the ignorant illiterates classes, think niggard refers to color.
It would only refer to a black person if he or she was "stingy" or "miserly".
If you don't know the word, you could look it up or just know that Niggard means,
A stingy, grasping person, miser.
My father who was an author often used the word niggardly. He'd be slammed today for using it.
Hells bells, they might even call him a racist and he was anything but!
There is a wonderful black woman in my life who does not like being referred to as "black american" or "african american".
She uses the term "negro", has her entire 75 years and dislikes other terms.
For as long as I have known her she has NEVER USED THE TERM NIGGER FOR ANY REASON WHAT SO EVER!
PERIOD!
You gotta love it, the
July 20, 2008 - 14:34 ET by ckc1227You gotta love it, the cries for equality, while demanding at the same time that we give you unequal treatment.
Lesson from Humpty Dumpty
July 20, 2008 - 15:03 ET by Mike Bates"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."
I have said it for a long
July 20, 2008 - 17:17 ET by red_dragon311I have said it for a long time EQUALITY is no longer good enough, they want EVENITY.....to get even for the sins evil white man.
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Why would anyone be
July 20, 2008 - 16:48 ET by RESTLESS 1Why would anyone be surprised? Jesse is nothing more than another street hood pos. That anyone ascribes the term "reverend" to this asshole is an affront to God (please don't ban me).
Regarding his "hymie" comments:
"'It was not done in the spirit of meanness,'' he told an overflow
crowd in the synagogue, Temple Adath Yershurun. ''However innocent and
unintended, it was wrong.'"
Jesse, in what other spirit were these terms used? Should you so much a short tip a Jew in the future, it should be treated as a "hate crime" with mandatory sentencing.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Hymies
July 20, 2008 - 17:12 ET by Mike BatesI'm sure that, if a reporter were to confront Obama about this, he'd say it was regretful, but - like the words of Jeremiah Wright - taken out of context.
How many contexts does GD America fit in?
Mike,
July 20, 2008 - 17:19 ET by RESTLESS 1I hope I can call you Mike, as I am one too, but there are as many contexts as the messiah says there are. It all depends on who obama is addressing at the time. Do not question our exalted next President. While his tolerance knows no bounds, the same can't be said of his peers on the left.
I'll let the readers decide where the sarc on and sarc off should be. :)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
/sarc
July 20, 2008 - 17:48 ET by Mike BatesMike is fine; there can never be enough Mikes around.
Letting readers decide where sarc starts and stops must make for some interesting responses.
Something tells me that He Whose Tolerance Knows No Bounds will establish bounds galore right after next January 20th.
Re. sarc on an off:
July 20, 2008 - 18:04 ET by RESTLESS 1Most here will be able to figure out what I meant, and I can with those who can't.
You're right about the tolerance. Once they get what they want, tolerance will go out the window.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008