The Washington Post placed the O’Reilly soul-food scandalette on the front of the Style section on Thursday. Paul Farhi’s report provided some context to O’Reilly radio-show remarks on the improvement in race relations, but CNN’s Rick Sanchez implied that O’Reilly thinks white women are endangered by sexually overpowering black men. Or at least, that’s what comes through when you use the word "Mandingo," a 1975 movie about a white woman having an affair with a black slave:
Sanchez, in a phone interview, said O'Reilly is perpetuating racism by using "the Mandingo argument" against black rappers. "The idea [is] that there's a big, bad African American out there that we all need protection from," he said. "It's a dangerous way of looking at racial relations. The African American community is extremely complex. The thinking that black culture is confined to guys sticking their underwear out is just wrong, and many African Americans resent it."
O’Reilly’s camp surely will object that this is exactly what O’Reilly was saying, that black culture is more than gangsta rappers. Earlier in Farhi’s story, he reported O'Reilly also described going to an Anita Baker concert at Radio City Music Hall at which "the blacks [patrons] were well dressed." He added, "This is what white America doesn't know. They think the culture is dominated by Twista, Ludacris and Snoop Dogg."
If anything, whites could take offense at O’Reilly for being cast as culturally clueless. Surely, white Americans know that their black friends and neighbors dress up, and often love Anita Baker and John Legend and jazz (just like I do). What liberals object to is that anyone would dare to take offense at gangsta rap, which they often promote for its "authenticity," as poetry of the streets. Never mind how disgusting the lyrics are, and never mind what kind of role models they suggest for black children – not to mention white children, who are often very enthusiastic rap consumers.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The African American
September 27, 2007 - 08:44 ET by motherbelt"The idea [is] that there's a big, bad African American out there that we all need protection from," he said.
Oh, right, the Mandingo argument! That's what this is all about!!
Good grief! Are these guys in a contest to see who can be the most outrageous in their attempt to exaggerate this into a conflagration?
The African American community is extremely complex. The thinking that
black culture is confined to guys sticking their underwear out is just
wrong, and many African Americans resent it."
Isn't that pretty much what Bill O'Reilly meant when he commented that the people in Sylvia's restaurant didn't talk and act like rappers?
Excuse me ...
September 27, 2007 - 09:17 ET by Dave Pierrebut are we going to see the same media "outrage" for Sanchez' comments?
Hello?!?
No, because even though he
September 27, 2007 - 10:06 ET by motherbeltNo, because even though he was the one who thought up that argument, he is accusing BOR of being guilty of thinking that way. He's basically doing an amateur "psych analysis" or O'Reilly and deciding what his subconscious thought process is.
So maybe we should now do a psych analysis of Sanchez, and wonder why his thoughts immediately went to black men raping white women?
I mean, really....BOR says he didn't hear anyone sayin MoFo get me some ice tea in a restaurant and Sanchez's first thought is that he's afraid of black men raping white women??? How much of a stretch is that?
That's why I said it sounds like an attempt to be the most outrageous.
}}---> WaPo stays offensive
September 27, 2007 - 08:47 ET by Cool ArrowWho is this Sanchez guy who knows how to channel the thoughts of Bill O'Reilly?
That Mandingo stuff is really funny, dont y'all think. Really cute how he's all hip and all that stuff.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
It's also interesting that
September 27, 2007 - 08:50 ET by motherbeltIt's also interesting that he assumes it's about sex......
What was it Willie Geist said the other day about something being a throwback to the 70's? LOL
Considering history
September 27, 2007 - 09:11 ET by sarcasmo& the vibrator-factor O'Reilly TOTALLY-got-away-with, it's not that much of a shocker to me that sex would come to mind...But IMO that one was the scandal that should have stuck, and this one's just ho-hum -- aside from what I mentioned on day-one, which was basically: "O'Reilly doesn't deserve collard greens because he's an authoritarian statist." Whenever the media (and consequently NB's masthead) goes nuts on a race/sex non-issue like this, I start wondering what story they're desperately-trying to make us ignore...
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
After using gay smear
September 27, 2007 - 08:55 ET by robert108After using gay smear against Craig, the lefties are now trying to use racial smear on O'Reilly. Can't anyone stop the leftie bigots?
I have to assume there are
September 27, 2007 - 08:55 ET by ckc1227I have to assume there are absolutely no qualifications required to be a journalist these days.
Why Is It That Blacks Are The Only Ones Who Are Complex?
September 27, 2007 - 09:01 ET by BourbeauNot the whites? Not the Hispanics? Not the Chinese? Not the Muslims? Lord, the MSM can turn water oozing from a fountain into a race issue, if you gave them a minute to think.
This was nothing but a ratings stunt for CNN
September 27, 2007 - 09:01 ET by PamOr they are just too ignorant to hear what is being said. The discussion that precipitated all of this could not have been more clear.
Sanchez can take his victicrat attitude and shove it. If the blacks really do resent "The thinking that black culture is confined to guys sticking their underwear out", then it is time that they do something to change it. Quite frankly, I am sick of seeing their underwear. The blacks created the image, as with anything, reactions are not always going to be to your liking.
This is nothing like the IMus controversy, and O'Reilly isn't going anywhere..that being the key..they thought they could get him fired.
Did Media Matters cover the Soros/Hansen connection?
}}---> Victicrat attitude
September 27, 2007 - 09:09 ET by Cool ArrowSounds like somebody else reads Larry Elder around here.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Oh yea
September 27, 2007 - 09:20 ET by PamI am a fan.
Reminds me of the guys that
September 27, 2007 - 10:12 ET by motherbeltReminds me of the guys that used to dye their hair green and orange, and spike it. Then when they were in the mall and someone stared at it, they'd snarl "What are YOU lookin' at???" Um, excuse me, I didn't think you did your hair like that in the hope that no one would notice.
So if you walk around with your pants down and your underwear (or worse) showing, don't be surprised when people notice it and comment on it.
Do you REALLY think ANY of
September 27, 2007 - 09:09 ET by nicksmith112Do you REALLY think ANY of these "Journalists" actually took the time to listen to the unedited audio of the show in question in it's entirety?
Absolutely not! They continue to get their info from the looney left websites.
I'm a refugee from the Democratic Party.
The real question is, even
September 27, 2007 - 10:23 ET by general companyThe real question is, even if they had listen. Do you think it made any difference to them?
Mandingo? This is a
September 27, 2007 - 09:26 ET by SMGalbraithMandingo? This is a reporter saying this. This isn't Krugman or Rich or Dowd.
Of course, O'Reilly is saying the same thing - in a different way - that this Sanchez fellow is. That is, black culture is not defined or represented by people with "their underwear hanging out." But if the only images you receive of black Americans is from the media, one would get that image or impression.
Well, anyone want to be a news journalist? Just come on down...
No skills needed, say or write whatever you want, get your information from websites, don't need to check the allegations, don't need to call people up or go to original sources (those layers of editorial fact-checking will catch things anyway, oy).
The complete and total collapse of journalism has taken place in this country.
SMG
Of course, O'Reilly is
September 27, 2007 - 10:15 ET by motherbeltOf course, O'Reilly is saying the same thing - in a different way - that this Sanchez fellow is. That is, black culture is not defined or represented by people with "their underwear hanging out." SMG
GMTA!! That's how I took it. See my comment above, the first one in the thread.
But those who want to twist it into something else and manufacture a scandal won't quit.
"The thinking that black
September 27, 2007 - 09:23 ET by mattm"The thinking that black culture is confined to guys sticking their underwear out is just wrong."
Yeah right, and the thinking that White culture* is confined to genitally challenged nerds who are afraid of anyone with rhythym is also just wrong...and we honkys resent the hell out of that, you racist piece of elephant feces!
*BTW If there has to be a distinctly Black culture, isn't that a racist concept?
Additional note to the homeys: Pull up your pants, take your hat off indoors, and speak so someone can understand you...if you don't, then don't be surprised if they hire the white guy.
"Sanchez, in a phone
September 27, 2007 - 09:36 ET by jdhawk"Sanchez, in a phone interview, said O'Reilly is perpetuating racism by using "the Mandingo argument" against black rappers. "The idea [is] that there's a big, bad African American out there that we all need protection from," he said."
Oh, sure. We can all be really afraid. Let's see, when African-American men aren't killing each other it's only because they are already in jail.
If the above sounds racist, too bad. Go to the FBI crime statistics web site if you think that I am off the mark.
Yeah, their "culture" is complex . . . Where is my Ebonics as a second language class?
Oh, sure. We can all be
September 27, 2007 - 10:42 ET by JasonCOh, sure. We can all be really afraid. Let's see,
when African-American men aren't killing each other it's only because
they are already in jail.
So are you channeling David Duke or George Lincoln Rockwell right now? I need to know who I'm talking to.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
No, Malcolm Little and
September 27, 2007 - 12:05 ET by jdhawkNo, Malcolm Little and Stanley Williams . . .
Isn't it ironic?
September 27, 2007 - 10:49 ET by c5thenWhen O'Reilly says something that brings to mind that the rapper and hip-hop superstars are actually hurting their their own culture by perpetuating sterio-types, and creating a few negative ones themselves, the liberals jump all over him for being "racist" while making excuses for the scammers making a fortune off of racism.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Fred08.com
I have a problem with this
September 27, 2007 - 11:05 ET by JasonCI have a problem with this generalization. A huge percentage of rap music is thoughtful, indeed poetic, and requires a great amount of skill and vocal control to produce. Check out Digable Planets, Blackalicious, Jurassic 5, A Tribe Called Quest, Roots, Big L, Mos Def and many many others. Unfortunately, the marketplace's demand for sensationalism, bombast, and minstrelsy places the small percentage of socially destructive rap music at the forefront of exposure and success. That is a problem that rests on the entire culture, not just black culture.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
That's great!
September 27, 2007 - 11:36 ET by c5thenSo why is it that the ones putting out the vile garbage that seems to get all the publicity (and sales?) cannot be critisized for it without the critisizer being dubed a "racist"?
Why is it that blacks can say nigger (nigga') but a white person can't use the word black?
Why is it that Jackson can say that Barrack Obama is acting too "white" and the media doesn't bat an eye, but O'Reilly says that "OMG, blacks are normal people!" and he gets called a racist?
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Fred08.com
Well those that do put out
September 27, 2007 - 12:22 ET by WisdomWell those that do put out the "vile garbage" can be criticized without the criticizer being called racist. I have criticized that form of rap music many times and never been called a racist. The term "racist" comes usually when someone makes remarks beyond just criticism. And "racist" is often overused in those situations, when "ignorant" would be the more accurate term.
Blacks using the word "nigga" started as a way to flip the word around on whites that were using it. Now, it is used as a form of togetherness and unity. A way that the kids feel allows them to "own" something, like an exclusive club. Since white people pretty much own everything else and run the world, it makes since that KIDS, especially those in poverty-stricken areas constantly use the term with each other. And whoever told you whites can't use the term "black" is being ridiculous.
Thanks Wisdom, you beat me
September 27, 2007 - 12:54 ET by JasonCThanks Wisdom, you beat me to it and I couldn't have said it better.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
"I have criticized that
September 27, 2007 - 14:07 ET by MightyMouth"I have criticized that form of rap music many times and never been called a racist."
How does your experience come close to comparing to a media celeb? Unless you is one?
Blacks using the word "nigga" started as a way to flip the word around on whites that were using it.
The key word is "started". Maybe it's about time it stopped. Do you think THAT will happen, f*** NO!
"Since white people pretty much own everything else and run the world,"
Really? Have you checked the bank accounts of non-white despots and "leaders" around the world? I think the Saudis(brown folk) would laugh you out of the room. And what about that Oprah chick? What color she be?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
How does your experience
September 27, 2007 - 14:54 ET by WisdomHow does your experience come close to comparing to a media celeb? Unless you is one?
-I would respond, but I don't have a clue what you're asking.
The key word is "started". Maybe it's about time it stopped. Do you think THAT will happen, f*** NO!
-That's exactly my point. There's no way it will be stopped. So lets just move on.
Really? Have you checked the bank accounts of non-white despots and
"leaders" around the world? I think the Saudis(brown folk) would laugh
you out of the room. And what about that Oprah chick? What color she be?
I was talking from the mindset of black kids that started using the term "nigga" amongst themselves. From their perspective, white people do seem to own everything so it gives them a feeling of owning something that white people can't have. Maybe I shouldn't have said the "world" but should've said this "country". Because really, in this country, white people pretty much run it. I mean, is that up for debate? Look at the minority representation in the Senate in relation to the minority representation in the general population. Whites have always definitely been in control.
"-I would respond, but I
September 27, 2007 - 15:11 ET by MightyMouth"-I would respond, but I don't have a clue what you're asking."
This thread is about BOR and racisim. I was pointing out that your personal experience is not germane unless you are a media celeb like BOR.
"Because really, in this country, white people pretty much run it."
Meaning what? If anything, minorities are given too much special treatment. You're assertion that whitey is running the country is way off base. Special intrests and minorities have more to do with running the country than whitey. How old are you anyhow?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
My response
September 27, 2007 - 15:34 ET by BrillianceMy response was intended to challenge the idea that since a few powerful whites make a dis-proportionate number of decisions, somehow ALL whites rule by proxy,which is NOT THE CASE.
The key word is "started".
September 27, 2007 - 15:04 ET by JasonCThe key word is "started". Maybe it's about time it stopped. Do you think THAT will happen, f*** NO!
For us, as white men, to suggest that it's time for it to be stopped, is rather ironic. Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose, disagreeable as it may seem, behind the practice of black men in certain circles referring to each other as "nigger"? If re-appropriation and empowerment do indeed compose the starting point of that practice, then we hardly have any credibility in saying "OK, that's enough of that now."
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Well Jason, the longer
September 27, 2007 - 15:23 ET by MightyMouthWell Jason, the longer minorities demand racism, the longer racisim will thrive in this country.
You want to be treated as an equal? then get a job like I did and get off welfare (don't tell me you can't).
You want responsibility? Act responsible, don't have 7 kids with 8 different guys.
You want respect? Act respectful and don't dump on your kids and wife so you can have a good time.
This country has turned the corner on equality decades ago regardless of what Jesse and Al say. There is no excuse to be a "nigga in the hood" in this country. Opportunities abound for all.
Now, as a cracker, My thoughts don't carry the same weight as a minority speaker, but that's part of the problem...truth is truth regardless who is the speaker.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
All of your examples,
September 27, 2007 - 15:45 ET by JasonCAll of your examples, unfortunately play into stereotypes that would be at home in a White Power pamphlet. I know you're not a racist MM, but to ascribe those behaviors specifically to blacks is irresponsible. Don't tell me that all of the abhorrent things you've described - leeching off of welfare, neglecting family, being too stupid to go on birth control - doesn't affect all strata of race. I'd say all of those things are symptomatic of class and entitlement issues, not race.
And my point stands; if certain black subcultures choose to appropriate a word like "nigger" and render it empowering, it's certainly not up to us to decide when enough is enough. I can't say that I fully understand why they do it, and I know that some black leaders speak out against it, but the fact remains that it is generally not considered racist when spoken within black-American circles.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
"I'd say all of those
September 27, 2007 - 16:09 ET by MightyMouth"I'd say all of those things are symptomatic of class and entitlement issues, not race"
You see that's the problem, no one wants to be realistic about the situation, except the race baiters like Jackson and Sharpton. If you were to ask them if it's about race they would mostly disagree with you since you are saying it is not. It's all about race with those guys!
If the majority of welfare receipents are black (and I don't even know if they are) that would just be a fact. If the majority of murders and crimes are black on black (again without the stats not saying they are) but that again would just be a fact. Why do you fear the facts just because they might reinforce a stereotype? Or vice versa?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
So...we're sort of
September 27, 2007 - 16:14 ET by JasonCSo...we're sort of agreeing, right?
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
LOL, Yeah I guess so.
September 27, 2007 - 16:24 ET by MightyMouthLOL,
Yeah I guess so. Doesn't mean we're engaged or anything, but ya maybe...
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
The way facts "reinforce a
September 27, 2007 - 16:43 ET by WisdomThe way facts "reinforce a stereotype" is dependent on how they're used. It is a fact that blacks commit crime at a much higher rate than white people in relation to the percentage of blacks in this country as opposed to whites. One person could state that fact in the context that black people aren't as smart or as productive as white people are to the well-being of society. When you break it down, that could actually be argued true and still at the same time be viewed as prejudiced and racist. But, the other person might say due to the fact there has been discrimination and prejudice for hundreds of years against black people in this country, it has gradually (over generations of time) moved some of them to the poorer areas of town and made it harder for them to get educated at the same rate as white people. This poverty and lack of educational resources then creates more crime due to desperation. One person could be called "ignorant" of the issues and possibly be called racist, albeit unjustifiably so; and the other person might be looked at as someone who is attempting to get to the root of the issue and understand it more. So yes, facts can reinforce stereotypes, but it's really all about the context you are using those facts in.
"wisdom"?
September 27, 2007 - 13:16 ET by Brilliance"since white folks pretty much own and control everything"
The above statement is one of the stupidest remarks I have read pertaining to race issues and is reflective of the level of ignorance encountered reguarding the so-called "race debate".
brilliance/wisdom - racism is as racism does.
September 27, 2007 - 14:11 ET by acaiguanaThe comment about white people reflects a mentality that stops at the home boy's block streets.
I'm sure the Chinese, the Dubai citizens and the people of Kuwait (very rich group) and many other citizens of the world would be appreciative of this comment.
Maybe Obama shouldn't be President after all.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
Since, from their
September 27, 2007 - 16:53 ET by WisdomSince, from their viewpoint, white people pretty much own everything else and run the world
There, is that better?
Even though I could easily make the argument that white people do, in fact, control most of the country and always have (since 1492 that is), as opposed to any other race, I don't feel its an argument I need to have.
This whole so called 'Black
September 27, 2007 - 14:23 ET by EvokeThis whole so called 'Black culture' thing is ridiculous in itself in my opinion, another tool of division. The only culture going on in my family and 'community', seem to be distinctly American. I cannot think of one tradition or passtime that does not cross racial boundries amongst my family on both sides. Then again I am bi-racial so obviously my black parent wasn't black enough in the first place.
Excellent point. Makes
September 27, 2007 - 14:33 ET by MightyMouthExcellent point.
Makes you wonder why we don't concentrate on the things the races have in common, rather than the relatively few things we don't.
The problem is, the race baiters like Jesse and Al would be out of jobs fast!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...