Wednesday's opinion section of The Washington Post carries a piece by Post columnist Eugene Robinson, a former Post reporter and editor of the Style section. Like clockwork, like reporter Paul Farhi yesterday, Robinson merges Michael "Kramer" Richards screaming the N-word at a black heckler with defeated Sen. George Allen's "Macaca" reference, alongside Mel Gibson's drunken anti-Semitic rant:
Look at the two celebrity blow-ups together, and maybe throw in Sen. George Allen's "macaca" moment, too. One thing they teach us is that there are no unguarded moments anymore. Richards's outburst was filmed by someone with a tiny digital camera, Allen's by a young man with a video camera. Footage of their indiscretions and facsimiles of Gibson's drunken-driving police report were disseminated to the world within hours via the Internet. You can't even run anymore, much less hide.
The other lesson is that in each case, something ugly erupted from somewhere so deep inside that I'm not sure Richards, Gibson or Allen even knew the ugliness was there.
...[Richards] didn't see the heckler as a man, he saw him as a black man -- one who needed to be reminded that once upon a time he might have been lynched for his impertinence, and who needed to be put in his place with the most explosive word in the language.
Gibson's rant about Jews was a similar thing. Allen's fumble was less unforgivable, but then again he's a United States senator, not an actor or a comedian.
Out of nowhere, for no apparent reason, come explosions of vitriol, suspicion and disdain, all aimed at minorities. Don't tell me that racism is dead. It just shuns the light of day.
It doesn't matter how many black friends George Allen has, how many black people endorsed him for re-election, how many blacks have denied they ever saw a racist bone in George Allen's body. There is, in the minds of The Washington Post crowd, a seething "Segregation Forever" George Wallace in there inside his head, and it doesn't matter if there's evidence to the contrary. They're going to just keep fiendishly pushing the "Macaca" button as if it proves Allen is forever tainted with a scarlet "R" for racist.
But the most ridiculous liberal Post columnist today is actually Ruth Marcus -- another former Post reporter -- who composed an entire hypersensitive column excoriating President Bush for removing the "-ic" from "Democratic" Party on the campaign trail. I'm not kidding.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Repeat after me:Macaca is n
November 22, 2006 - 08:02 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsRepeat after me:
Macaca is not a real insult, it is a made up word, like kwanza
Macaca is not a real insult, it is a made up word, like kwanza
Macaca is not a real insult, it is a made up word, like kwanza
Macaca is not a real insult, it is a made up word, like kwanza
DSG
Macaca was (is) not a real in
November 23, 2006 - 12:36 ET by MikeBMacaca was (is) not a real insult, but it is not a made up word. It is the genus part of the scientific name for the macaque monkey. Did Allen know this? I kinda doubt it, unless his college major was biology. I don't buy the argument that, because his mother was of French Algerian (?) descent that he automatically knew that macaca referred to a monkey.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
he saw him as a black man -
November 22, 2006 - 08:11 ET by DontFeedTheTrollshe saw him as a black man -- one who needed to be reminded that once upon a time he might have been lynched for his impertinence . . .
Allen's fumble was less unforgivable
Grrrrrrr. Let's get this straight, using a nonsense word, recently invented and deemed by the left to be a great insult, but one which you can print and say openly without offending a single soul, is worse than an implied lynching of a person. Sheesh, double sheesh and triple sheesh! A macaca by any other name would not stink so foul.
DSG
"he saw him as a black m
November 22, 2006 - 08:45 ET by ckc1227"he saw him as a black man -- one who needed to be reminded that once upon a time he might have been lynched for his impertinence . . ."
Hmm, I'm curious, unless he is color blind, what color was he supposed to see him as? Does that mean when I look for a date that I'm not supposed to see men and women, but only people? Sorry, I'm not playing that game.
Actually, I'd think 'less unf
November 22, 2006 - 08:53 ET by SoldierOfEternityActually, I'd think 'less unforgivable' means it's not as bad... if it was more unforgivable, it'd mean it was a worse action and therefore cause for greater alarm.
My take, too, SOE. But it's f
November 23, 2006 - 14:44 ET by Indiana JoeMy take, too, SOE. But it's followed by words to the effect that, being a "U.S. Senator," Allen should be held to a higher standard than an "actor" or a "comedian."
Ah, there's the rub!
The libs think they have a wi
November 22, 2006 - 08:37 ET by Hunter12The libs think they have a winner with tying Allen to racism via the Macaca comments. This won't go away until after the '08 elections. One reason for the big press against Allen was his national appeal to a lot of conservative. The MSM has to keep this man down.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
liberals
November 22, 2006 - 10:14 ET by iveseenitallAs usual, the liberals in the media take something of consequence (racial epithet), misinterpret it ,and blow it out of proportion for their own petty politics. This is why most people just shrug when this nonsense appears in the press. Unfortunately,the "race card" is now known for what it is and when serious racial issues occur, they don't get the attention they deserve. Liberals screw up everything they touch.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
This is pretty ridiculous, th
November 22, 2006 - 11:00 ET by CheetoianThis is pretty ridiculous, this guy is an actor, and he was trying to be a comedian, he was trying to be controversial and illustrate how racism works in this country and he took it too far, he wasnt skilled enough and he wasnt good at stand up, not to mention he was probably drunk too, i think he and mel gibson r both genuinely sorry. Allen on the other hand has nothing to be sorry, macaca is a made-up word, it was jjust a joke and people took it too far and now he lost his seat because of some liberal dirty tricks.
I am a Capitalist/laissez-faire/Irish-Catholic/Carnivorious/
Supply-Side/Reaganite/John Wayne-loving/Chauvinistic/American Imperialist/Politically Incorrect/Zionist/Pro-War Conservative, plain and simple. Vindication is only 2 years away.
"I am a Capitalist/lais
November 23, 2006 - 14:48 ET by Indiana Joe"I am a Capitalist/laissez-faire/Irish-Catholic/Carnivorious/
Supply-Side/Reaganite/John Wayne-loving/Chauvinistic/American Imperialist/Politically Incorrect/Zionist/Pro-War Conservative, plain and simple. Vindication is only 2 years away."
Love it, Cheetoian! A club I can finally feel at home in! Where do I sign up?
And do you take "Irish-Italian-Catholics?"
Regards,
IJ ... ;^)
racial, ethnic slurs
November 22, 2006 - 11:20 ET by misterbillFor what it's worth--when someone gets truly angry, one wants to hurt those who caused the anger. It is, IMHO, a very natural thing to choose the most noticeable difference between you and the person who angered you. It has always been that way. There are those who would call it racism or ethnic hatred. I don't always agree with that charge. Sometimes I think it is childishness. W An anecdote from my formative years: at about 16 years of age, my friend Eddie had a fight with another acquaintance. Eddie Was Polish, his opponent was Irish. Part of the dialogue was Eddie saying, "I never liked you you Goddamned Mick." Later I said to Eddie. "Why did you say that. you had always told me you liked him." Eddie said , "You gotta say something like that when you're mad." so, go figure. I have been called a wop, a ginny and other assorted names. I am still here and I am not one bit scarred by it.
forgive me for calling you
November 22, 2006 - 11:40 ET by tumblerMist, forgive my calling you on this matter;
But using that incendiary word in the faces of black people to hurt and humiliate is unforgiveable. It's way lower-level than having the words spic, wop, mick, ANY other, to a black person.
Those of us who have met with that kind of bash don't KNOW what it does to a black. He feels incredible pain and humiliation. Why? Because YOU are white and he's not. To him, Micks, Heebs, Dagos, is nothing really bad-- we're all white. He is isolated from our world. This is insupportable because he's a Man. Only a man like all other men. What Kramer has accomplished is to set back race relations 30 years, with one insane PUBLIC display of hatred . He ought to go to JAIL for that. It was shameful to every one who saw that, and have hoped for peace between all men of good will.
But if these were white peopl
November 22, 2006 - 11:54 ET by CheetoianBut if these were white people being called crackers there would be no big deal.
I am a Capitalist/laissez-faire/Irish-Catholic/Carnivorious/
Supply-Side/Reaganite/John Wayne-loving/Chauvinistic/American Imperialist/Politically Incorrect/Zionist/Pro-War Conservative, plain and simple. Vindication is only 2 years away.
grow-up
November 22, 2006 - 12:02 ET by LionKingFirst of all...everybody just needs to grow up. You can choose to be offended at just about anything from what was said to how it was said...tough sh$t.
I have been called various names of all kinds: racial, intellectual, political, religious...even just good old-fashioned ad hominem.
My Dad used to say, "I don't care what you call me, just don't call me late for dinner."
The important point here is
November 22, 2006 - 12:55 ET by TruthMongerThe important point here is that the NYT - like all liberals - REALLY DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE A RACIST. What they care about is being able to use racism in order to trash conservatives - simply so that they can gain power...
Conservatives as a group really do abhor racism much more so than libs - libs know this - which is why the libs must always attempt to paint conservatives as racist, and liberals as not - when it's ironically just the opposite...
It's not as if conservatives are inherently better people - we're just held to much higher standards under the MSM microscope - while libs get cover or a free pass. One nice thing about these constant MSM attacks on conservatives is that we inadvertently strengthen our character more than libs in the process...
irrational
November 22, 2006 - 12:02 ET by iveseenitallPut people in JAIL for what they say??? You are irrational, Tumbler.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
jail time?
November 22, 2006 - 12:11 ET by tumblerOf course, seenitall. But um not irrational, it's called H Y P E R B O L E --look it up.
What I tried to express is how devilish and unforgiveable it strikes me.
This is a free country. You don't have to tell me. You should realize; as when you said it with hyperbole, "Illegal aliens will DESTROY our country."
I was supposed to cut you some slack and I didn't. Mainly because I don't agree with you about "destroying" it. But you said something even more foolish. I really wish there were some way to repay "Kramer" for his tirade. Not for the sake of offended black Americans. For what he's done to AMERICA!
LOL
November 22, 2006 - 12:43 ET by iveseenitallLOL! You've said that our troops are "killers" -is that also hyperbole? Typical liberal. When you get caught, you deny it and start with the personal attacks.
NEVER, NEVER trust a liberal
Repay Kramer = Repay the Dix Chix
November 22, 2006 - 13:08 ET by PSPCplMuch like the Chix, "Kramer" can say whatever he wants to. And just like the Chix, he can suffer the same fate. Given his position and trade, he will pay for those remarks. The difference between them is that no one will lament his fate. No one in the MSM will complain about "censorship", etc., etc. ad nuaseum.
Tumbler, you can't deny that the MSM felt that it was okay for the Chix to insult the President, their fans, and their fellow muscians on several different occassions with no repurcussions, but it isnow persecuting "Kramer" for the same offensive behaviour.
More hypocrisy from the MSM and the libs.
another generation
November 22, 2006 - 11:52 ET by iveseenitallYou're from another generation, misterbill-- a real one, not a fake PC world . For those like me, who grew up on the streets of New York, this is all nonsense. If someone were "offended" by words (rarely), he would have it out with the other guy and that would be that. No more. We are now in an America where personal feelings,feigned outrage, long held grudges, gosssip, and law suits are the order of the day. Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
youseenitall?
November 22, 2006 - 12:00 ET by tumblerA generation back when you did time in the pen for marijuana possession? Nice.
Or were blatantly prejudiced and nobody cared.
What we did NOT know then has much to do with technological advances. You saw Richards on national TV, in your living room. This is much more shameful than settling things out on the curb with a fool who slurs your race or country. He's not doing that in everybody's living room. You can almost forgive him. In fact, we did. There was no point in fussing about it then. Everything changed after TV and the Internet. It's all in our FACE.
What?
November 22, 2006 - 12:06 ET by iveseenitallForgive him or put him in jail? Which do you want?Oh, you mean, it's not what he says, only to how many people he says it. You are illogical, Tumbler
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
iveseenitall New York
November 22, 2006 - 12:11 ET by misterbilliveseenitall New York
Ive I spent many years of my career in NY/NJ area . Met many guys/gals who grew up there. Didn't see much difference in their growing up interactions or mine. The insult was, quite often, a compliment. Lots of great folks except for a lot of liberal leaning. The BIG argument was in NE it was tomato sauce NOT "gravy". Any memories there???
ive attack dog
November 22, 2006 - 12:15 ET by misterbillIve , I just noticed our illegal hugging attack dog has gotten out of the yard again. Ignore him, his bark is worse than his bite.
Old days
November 22, 2006 - 12:29 ET by iveseenitallMisterbill. In the Bronx, where my wife grew up, you were a whimp if you were NOT called a name which reflected your ethnicity. It was a badge of honor. They had gangs with names like " The Golden Guinneas". BTW, a few days back Tumbler called our troops "Killers". Typical liberal, only your words are offensive, not theirs.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
cheap shot seenitall
November 22, 2006 - 12:41 ET by tumbler"a few days back Tumbler called our troops "Killers". Typical liberal, only your words are offensive, not theirs." Just another cheap shot. Same from misterbill, who, when he hates, he hates. Not unusual, as vendettas are to the Sopranos. BTW, Jerks, I'm a conservative Republican. Not a Liberal, much less typical.
I have not referred to the troops in such derogatory terms, seenitnot. My respect for our armed forces is well-recorded in this blog's archive. I only deplore YOUR ideas about stationing troops at our southern border; and suggesting they might fire on unarmed peones. That would REALLY count as the Big Cheap Shot. And thank God our defense dept. wouldn't sink so low.
troops on the border
November 22, 2006 - 13:01 ET by iveseenitallI never wrote about troops on the border or killing innocent people. That is a despicable lie (or is it just more of your" hyperbole"?). How dare you, Tumbler.
NEVER, NEVER trust a liberal
pardon moi, seenbutlittle
November 22, 2006 - 13:43 ET by tumblerTHIS: I never wrote about troops on the border or killing innocent people. That is a despicable lie (or is it just more of your" hyperbole"?). ----Oh, come on;
it's a technical foul. I must've confused you with some cretin friend who joins you in dumping on ONE single opponent. I'm the only guy who disputes the myriad BS posts here over their racial innuendo and hatred. You have at least five Bozoes on your team, all intent on making me lose it, and you haven't had much luck. Cheap shots don't faze me, Pal.
Mainly because you and the others haven't the power of human reasoning. You strain and puff, and all you pass is hot air. It's easy to mistake your mess for another stupe's.
if you're straight
November 22, 2006 - 12:50 ET by tumblerYou're a straight-shooter, aren't you, seenalittle?
"In the Bronx, where my wife grew up, you were a whimp if you were NOT called a name which reflected your ethnicity. It was a badge of honor."
We see then, that the black guy who was called a nig--- on the video and TV all over the country-- he's just a wimp. He ought to see that as his badge of honor? You liked it?
My. Now I've seen it all. At least your wife grew up. (In the Bronx.)
truth
November 22, 2006 - 13:05 ET by iveseenitallOh, how the truth hurts the liberal.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
ive mr tumbler
November 22, 2006 - 13:11 ET by misterbillIve, I believe that mr tumbler is actually a Mexican National who is in our blog to fight for the cause of illegal immigrants. He tries to hide behind the lie that he does not espouse support for them. He lies. He challenges anyone on this blog as soon as they show that they feel illegals are, overall bad for the country and have broken our laws. He may be a coyote trying to use his wiles so that he can do more business. He needs to remember what usually happens to Wily Coyote!! His PC may be in America, but his heart is in Mexico!!!!!!!!!!
And, for God's sake, never, n
November 23, 2006 - 12:43 ET by MikeBAnd, for God's sake, never, never bring up the Spanish Inquisition for any reason whatsoever. ;-)
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
ive names
November 22, 2006 - 12:51 ET by misterbillI just tried to post the anthropological definition of the three races to illustrate how perfectly polite words have been changed to mean something bad. I was bounced by the NB script monitor. I do not understand.
The words are: caucasoid, negroid and mongoloid. Let's see if this gets bounced. If so, a Dio , mio amici. I go elsewhere.
Forensics World
November 22, 2006 - 13:22 ET by PSPCplThose terms are also used to define the three types of hair found in the human race. Political Correctness will be the down fall of us all.
Just shows that the media flo
November 22, 2006 - 12:30 ET by Airforce_5_OJust shows that the media flocks around one of their own when they are exsposed as what they are, racist.le="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">
The new world order is in power. God help us all. Airforce_5_O, 2330, November 7, 2006
right
November 22, 2006 - 13:16 ET by iveseenitallRight,Airforce. They deny that liberals ( or anyone besides conservative white males) can actually be what they accuse others of being. It's the definition of hypocrisy.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
NB =great disappointment
November 22, 2006 - 12:47 ET by misterbillWhile attempting to post the anthropological definition of the three racial groups, NB bounced my post. I assure you there was nothing more in the post than a defense of those who have a good vocabulary and who get in trouble because those without a good vocabulary see politically incorrect meanings in totally acceptable words.
To say I am disappointed is an understatement. If any editors of this blog care a whit about free speech, I ask you to explain why an innocent, well intended blog was blocked. Are you, indeed, as bad as those who we deride daily???
misterbill:
November 22, 2006 - 12:52 ET by tumblerClam up, crazy mother!
words
November 22, 2006 - 12:55 ET by misterbillOK, I found the problem, It was the link. I feel better. Tumbler Bacio mio culo. Tu piccolo cane!
gracie, signore
November 22, 2006 - 13:34 ET by tumblerIl suo culo e vecchio e moffo senza lavartilo come cornuto che carezze di bagno in casa.
stumbler
November 22, 2006 - 13:41 ET by misterbillstronzo!
mrbill - blocked post
November 22, 2006 - 12:55 ET by Blondemrbill,
You post was probably "bounced" because NB has changed something technical in order to put up the new ads, etc. They may have even changed servers as was indicated by one of the editors a while back.
It's just a technical glitch...not to worry.
Happy Thanksgiving!
blonde help me out here
November 22, 2006 - 13:00 ET by misterbillblonde help me out here. what did I say in my previous post that would warrant tumblers nasty comment? I know he is a hypocritical fool, but I am at sea on his attack.
Obviously the wife burned the
November 22, 2006 - 13:02 ET by Dave RObviously the wife burned the Thanksgiving turkey.
misterbill,Probably nothing a
November 22, 2006 - 13:06 ET by Blondemisterbill,
Probably nothing at all.
You joined the game and now he'll attack you incessantly.
Ignore it.
Or post back "Yawn".
There are much better things to do on such a lovely day than get in a flame war with tumbler.
Blone,Sorry for my rudeness.
November 22, 2006 - 13:17 ET by Dave RBlone,
Sorry for my rudeness. I really didn't mean to butt in there.
Geez, now I'm having trouble posting. What is up with that?
Dave R
November 22, 2006 - 13:24 ET by BlondeDave,
Don't be silly. That's not rudeness...it's timing....merely slow typing on my part. ;-)
Technical difficulties today, I think.
But hey, I'm in shrug off mode. It's a beautiful day, I'm not at work, family arrives tomorrow.
Much to be thankful for.
Yeah, we're having a beautifu
November 22, 2006 - 13:29 ET by Dave RYeah, we're having a beautiful day in Atlanta. I'm pretty much in full holiday mode now, anyway. I think I'll crack that bottle of The Mcallan I've had sitting around since March. Nice birthday gift, I thought.
Beautiful Indeed
November 22, 2006 - 13:42 ET by BlondeDave R,
Nice birthday gift, indeed. Cheers!
Here's one of my favorite links...sorry, my link button appears to be broken.
http://216.199.153.109/popup.html
It's a live video cam from the beach here in Fort Lauderdale. It refreshes every fifteen seconds or so.
Wow, crazy people in the water. It's about 60 degrees today, and a little on the windy side.
Blonde,I love that link. Is t
November 22, 2006 - 17:25 ET by msh1973Blonde,
I love that link. Is that at a Hotel? We spent last weekend in Naples. It was beautiful. We had to laugh...we were in our jackets, socks and long pants, the "snowbirds" were in their bathing suits. It was windy out on the Naples Pier and about 60degrees. You gota love the tourists in Florida.
msh,Glad you liked it...it's
November 22, 2006 - 17:33 ET by Blondemsh,
Glad you liked it...it's a great link and I pop it up whenever I need a mental break from work.
It's shooting from a live camera at Beach Place right on A-1-A...which is a combo building...shops, restaurants, bars, and a hotel (miserably expensive parking though). It's kind of cool to see the cruise ships and such...plus the comings and goings of the people. Crazy tourists, indeed.
Nothing to see after the sun sets, unfortunately.
One thing I've always wondere
November 23, 2006 - 12:49 ET by MikeBOne thing I've always wondered: if it's called "Tourist Season", why do the authorities frown on it when we hunt 'em?
Yeah, I know it's an old joke, but this is a well over 2 century old holiday.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
As a some-time tourist in Flo
November 23, 2006 - 17:37 ET by Indiana JoeAs a some-time tourist in Florida (with a sense of humor, I might add) I had a thought that might make you a buck or two. Haven't worked out the details, but the gist would be a t-shirt:
TOURIST: take my money, and call me "Stupid!"
No offense, struck me as funny.
Regards,
IJ
Blonde,Love the link! Saved i
November 23, 2006 - 17:33 ET by Indiana JoeBlonde,
Love the link! Saved it myself. Great dreamscape from here in the Midwest.
ONLY "60 degrees?" Here it's 60, and it's a GREAT day!
Everything's relative, huh?
IJ
Mr Bill...Don't sweat it, Tum
November 22, 2006 - 13:21 ET by Clear thinkerMr Bill...
Don't sweat it, Tumbler pulls this crap all the time. He can't argue his positions logically so he turns to striking out instead. You know, the old time liberal junk.
It may be the animation of th
November 22, 2006 - 13:00 ET by Dave RIt may be the animation of the ads. It's wreaking a little havoc with me at the moment.
Dave R
November 22, 2006 - 13:50 ET by BufordSo it's not my computer that is the problem? My back key stacks up 3 or 4 lines of the same node. I'm breaathing easier!
My back key is toast, too.
November 22, 2006 - 14:20 ET by Dave RMy back key is toast, too. I can't copy and paste without selecting everything above. Had a couple of posts not make it through earlier. Haven't tried posting a link. I thought it was me at first, too, as our IT guy has been screwing around w/ the network this week, but that's not it.
Gotta love that technology stuff.
I guess I'm just a bad boy.
November 22, 2006 - 22:00 ET by lnthompI guess I'm just a bad boy...I installed "Adblock Plus" with my Firefox, and I see a heading Please support NB by visiting our advertisers with no ads under it :-P
LNTHOMP previously posting as LEENT. U.S. Navy (ret.)
My success and happiness are not determined by who wins elections.