Michael Richards' racist rant: Career-killer or career-reviver?

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ML Tue, Dec 25, 2007 at 06:02 PM EST

agreed. i think they deserved to hear what they heard. im not rascist or anything at all, but i hear black people talk about whites ALL of the time, and i think it is time that they heard it. THEY DO NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT CALLINGS US NAMES will only be reversed onto them

Are you kidding? There is never a reason that it would be ok for that top ever come out of your mouth you racist. Your people stole people from their homes and subjected them to hundreds of years of inhumane treatment. Hundreds of years of free labor to build this babylon of yours! It will never be ok for that word to ever come out of a white mans mouth! You walking on eggshells around black people is a small punishment for whites to endure in comparison to burnings, lynchings and raping. One day! Just one day if you could walk in a black mans shoes. You have no idea what it's like to hate yourself because society tell you it's a bad thing that who are who you are even though you have no control of that.

idk.... Wed, Nov 28, 2007 at 08:29 PM EST

ok, i think he was trying 2 just do some act...like a joke [hes a COMEDIAN, REMEMBER?]. who would really jeopardize their career like that??

j Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 09:19 PM EST

hate is hate. but i have to disagree with DaTonya---whites have been slaves too. The impoverished of the U.K. were abducted and sold into slavery in the new world to feed the demand for slaves. Unfortunately this is an oft-neglected topic from American history

KLOK KAOS Tue, Aug 28, 2007 at 04:01 AM EST

The tragedy here is that this is getting any attention. People are racist, sexist, violent and intolerant. They always have been and they always will be. Was it a revival in a manner of speaking for his career? Sure. Was it likely a mistake that he made based on some other deeper issues he had, maybe, but really, who cares? Public speakers are people too. Sometimes they do dumb screwed up and unforgivable things just like the rest of us; and like you and me they deserve a pardon for being human every now and again. Whether or not this was some scheme on the comedian's part for attention, well, only he knows for sure, and he certainly seems to want to retract his statements.

This isn't news, this is people's feeble attempt to lash out their own hatred... and the funniest part is that is what they are complaining about to begin with, hatred and intolerance.

nicolee Wed, Dec 6, 2006 at 07:50 PM EST

RESPONSE TO TIM:
________________________________________________________
My god people. Of course it was a joke. The alternative is what - he decided that was the best time to vent his racist spleen? It was him performing an act. You know like in a book and it says pretend things that never really happened? Well its a little like that. Simply using racist language does not make one racist. If you dont get it, read my blog, i cant be bothered to repeat myslef.
________________________________________________________

agreed. i think they deserved to hear what they heard. im not rascist or anything at all, but i hear black people talk about whites ALL of the time, and i think it is time that they heard it. THEY DO NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT CALLINGS US NAMES will only be reversed onto them,
and to YOU "dr. don key",
white boy or not,
if i were to say "little black boy"
i'd probably be shot.

kriyavan Sun, Dec 3, 2006 at 09:52 PM EST

I have never seen Seinfeld or heard of this Richards guy before today, so I don't have any preconceptions about him. All I know is I saw him ranting in bare hostility. I didn't know about the 'forks' aspect of lynching either. To say what he said about that clearly shows a very nasty undercurrent in his thinking. And I think his career is OVER OVER OVER!

matthew Fri, Dec 1, 2006 at 11:38 PM EST

Michael Richards' racist rant: Career-killer or career-reviver?....OJ anyone?
Sadly this knife continues to cut through a society made of cotton. Will his career be revived? Only by those that endorse, consume, and sponsor trash. Your answer is therefore yes. The issues of race sex and religion have never been more polarized and the media and blogs thrive on it. Michael Richards will do a short term circuit a la Rush Limbaugh, Al Campanis, and Orenthal James Simpson to name a few in the cash grab commonly known as rascism. I look forward to the day the way evolve past watching what we are and wish we weren't.

David Mon, Nov 27, 2006 at 08:14 AM EST

Tim,

Please don't bother us by repeating yourself.

a.j Sat, Nov 25, 2006 at 10:28 PM EST

I am more interested in what the heckler did to set him off.I think if blacks can call whites names then whites can do the same.As my mother always said turn about is far play.I agree that it was a poor choice of words but I can understand why he said what he did and if no one else does then walk a mie in his shoes.He was doing his job and someone interferred with it.Both sieds should get over it before it is blown out of preportions.
I was sexually abuse by a black person but never sued because of racism so I think both sides should shake hands because they are both jaded.

Batman Sat, Nov 25, 2006 at 08:10 AM EST

Honestly, I do not believe this was publicity stunt, this was a man that was angry with his hecklers and his own feelings at the time gave way. I am not saying the guy is a racist but he let his true feeling at the time be made.

Gigohead Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 03:41 PM EST

NY Daily News columnist Stanley Crouch (an African-American) said it best. The N word is unacceptable and it will be once the black community embraces the concept. The word shouldn't be used in pop culture, rap songs and urban literature. It should just disappear.

I would think that black comics like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle would come out swinging, but they had no ammo. The hurl the same insult to their own people. Chris Rock has a joke that goes there is a difference between N@#$ and black folks. The joke goes on for quite a bit. Chappelle humorized the word with a sketch of a white family called "Niggars". They lost their footing just as Richard Pryor did when he started introducing the word in his comedy.

I hope the Kramer rants proved how a joke, when handled by the wrong comic...BOMBS.

Reed Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 03:34 PM EST

"Hasn't it dawned on anyone that he was angry at certain individuals, and not a whole "people", and that in his anger he fell upon the easiest and most hurtfull insult he coult throw at these people?"

Has it dawned on you that "50 years ago" (as Richards started rambling about) the man he referred to as n***er wasn't even alive? That's enough to make it an attack on an ethnic and not an individual. Fact is, he was heckled and the first thing he saw in his heckler was his race. That's racism per definition.

Natasha Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 01:44 PM EST

I will never buy anything with his name on it.....for all those who don't think it's a big deal and it was a joke.....I'm African American and I'm not laughing.
Prime exampe of a racist.

tandy Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 12:41 PM EST

It is kind of amazing that michael richards rant didn’t get the coverage that mel gibson had. in this world Hollywood is controlled by Jewish money, every celebrity is afraid to react, just imagine that will smith had made the following comment, joking or otherwise "hitler would have done the world a favor by killing all the jews." people would be foaming at the mouths in outrage. This would follow him will all the way to seventy generations to come. I also think that michaels is a little deluded about his race because he himself would have been lynched. He is a Jew, a minority and 40%black. Really funny, But I am not laughing.

Dr. Don Key Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 02:46 AM EST

response to (nicolee | Nov 23, 2006 11:52:47 PM)
"I think what he said is true. Black people go around calling all of us 'whites, or honkys'., but the moment soemone white says anythign all hell breaks loose."

Wrong. Firstly, the n-word has several "definitions" if you will. In the African-American community, it means friend. It's obvious that Richards did not use it in this context. There is no derrogatory term for Whites, which equals in potency, the n-word for Blacks. White Boy? No. Honky? No. It's equivalent to rednek.

Secondly, you mentioned that "all hell broke loose." That's true. I don't know the entire story about the hecklers. They claim they didn't heckle Richards. He cleaimed that they did. That said, I've done a lot of reading about how how most professional stand-up commedians deal with hecklers. Apparently, the best way is to smile and then sardonically attack the heckler. Of course, the cardinal rule is that you don't attack people's "race." Btw, I'm all for free speech, but Kramer's tirade created an environment of clear and present danger. When you hurl racial slurs while pointing and alluding to dark days in America's history - that is clear and present danger. It's somewhat synonymous to Republican George Allen's "Macaca" episode.

"IF YOU WATCH the video, the black person is calling him a little white boy."
True. But again, "little white boy" does not have the potency of the n-word. Also, Richards was on stage. He was supposed to be the professional. If he felt that the hecklers were umbearably impeding his routine, he could have had them removed.

"its the same both ways, and if they dont want to hear it from us, we dont want to hear it from them, its that simple."
You're really reaching. In a civilized society, there's absolutely no justification for Richards' behavior. Not in Dixie. Not in L.A.

You reap what you sow. Richards' unprofessional, bigoted, unacceptable behavior and words have been forever captured on video. He can say "AMF" to any career in show business. His actions show that you don't need to wear a white hood, in order to be a racist. Richards showed what a lot of Anglos in America are thinking and feeling. That's what makes the event so tragic.

nicolee Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 11:52 PM EST

I think what he said is true. Black people go around calling all of us "whites, or honkys"., but the moment soemone white says anythign all hell breaks loose. IF YOU WATCH the video, the black person is calling him a little white boy, its the same both ways, and if they dont want to hear it from us, we dont want to hear it from them, its that simple.

Yann Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 09:43 PM EST

Hasn't it dawned on anyone that he was angry at certain individuals, and not a whole "people", and that in his anger he fell upon the easiest and most hurtfull insult he coult throw at these people?

Our society is the one that laddens this word with so much meaning, makes it into a powerfull insult, and in this case it was used as just that - an insult. The same as the word "motherfucker" was thrown around without anyone REALLY thinking anyone copulated with their mothers.

Tim Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 04:55 PM EST

My god people. Of course it was a joke. The alternative is what - he decided that was the best time to vent his racist spleen? It was him performing an act. You know like in a book and it says pretend things that never really happened? Well its a little like that. Simply using racist language does not make one racist. If you dont get it, read my blog, i cant be bothered to repeat myslef.

steve Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 03:46 PM EST

Please give me a break. If for some strange reason he did this as a publicity stunt, it's still now funny. And yes it would have me stop watching Seinfeld. Koffman did some pretty crazy stuff in his day but it was different. If Richards now tries to claim that it was all a joke. I'll tell you what happened. He will pay the two men millions of dollars and have them shut up for ever.
But then again would Seinfeld have appeared on lettermen and would he have done all the damage control that he has done to date?
I love in his apology how he says he's not a racist. Give me a break. He is as big a racist as they come.
I will never watch Seinfeld again.....why???? because of Micheal Richards.

Mark Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 12:06 PM EST

I dunno. I just don't buy it. Here's the thing- racists are used to having to keep their sentiments to themselves. A word like that is so inflamitory that if it were part of someone's regular vocabulary they'd be in the habit of being hush-hush about it, keeping it to themselves- only saying it among friends who they already knew shared their views. If it accidentally slipped out in public, the first thing they'd do is look around to make sure nobody heard them.

If someone DID hear them, they'd be quick to retract it, because they'd know that most people didn't agree with them- they'd have already trained themselves of that. The LAST thing they would do is keep repeating it, shouting it at the top of their
lungs, and assume that everyone else agreed with them.

Like Mel Gibson's racism- that's real- one sentence slipped out while he was drunk, and he tried to retract it immediately. He didn't go on for 3 minutes about Jews Jews Jews Jews Jews in public at the top of his lungs.

When someone's racism comes out in public, it's in the form of a slip-up. An accident. An "oops".

This was staged, I tell ya. Staged.

GKOOB Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 08:43 AM EST

It appears that Michael Richards is racist, anti semetic, and mysogynist and he has an anger management problem. Mel Gibson can get away with it because of his power and money. Not taking a hard line with the powerful and their hatred towards other ethnic groups has put them in the position where someone has to be sacrificed to give the optics that Hollywood controls their stars. Why not Michael Richards as he is on a downswing in his career and won't be much of a loss. It is all a chess game. He can counter with the usual drug treatment manipulation and all will be well. It is all a game and no one cares about the hurt and offended as they are powerless and inconsequetial.

Daniel Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 02:26 AM EST

Is interesting to note how his comments caused public outrage and people called him racist while in the same week six imams (Muslim religious leaders) were forced out of an airplane handcuffed in front of dozens of people dur to "security concerns". Their only crime was to say their prayers in a public place. What does this say about our culture? Isn't all this very hypocritical?

DaTonya Thu, Nov 23, 2006 at 12:30 AM EST

Richards did not know when to shut up. There wasn't anything funny about slavery and since African Americans were enslaved by white people than thats a place no white man should ever go. It's hard for white people to understand why the wounds are still raw because your race as a whole was not affected by it like ours. Racism is still very much present today as you can see. Asking black people to just get over it is like telling us to erase our history and just forget about it. That will never happen, we may forgive but not forget.

xxx Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 11:16 PM EST

So how come it's OK for Chris Rock to say the "N" word but not for this guy?????

dam yo mout Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 10:55 PM EST

Obviously only some people are getting the point. He responds to racism with equally stupid comments to show how stupid racism is. He gets called a "jew boy" and says "niggah" back and wow, what a suprise, black people hate jews and it's OK. Everyone knows black people are some of the most racist hateful people around and it is time they are confronted on it. He confronted them and yet again, they can cry foul.

LowKey Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 09:01 PM EST

"One of the primary problems with American democracy is its failure to allow people their prejudices."
I don't believe anyone, of any race, who makes the claim: "I am not a racist." We are all different things at different times, and different aspects of our personalities find greater or lesser expression from moment to moment. Something like this tirade is not ultimately meaningful. The pendulum swung very far against African Americans in this country, and now it's swinging back the other way, and people like Richards are the casualties. Let's try to go ahead and jump our perceptions forward to the future, wherein we will have accepted that people are flawed, ugly and hateful just as they talented, compassionate and courageous. Honestly, the more this kind of reaction- that is the kind that we witnessed against Mel Gibson and that we are witnessing now against Michael Richards- occurs, the more the hate impulse will be suppressed and the more likely therefore that it will eventually explode. If we keep crucifying people for their prejudeices, I guarantee we will see more, not less, of this kind of incident. The worst a person's reaction to watching that video ought to be is: "Man, that was lame." And it was. Boo, Michael Richards. Bad set. Keep doing sets like that and your career ought to go to hell, not because it was racist, because it wasn't funny. That's the end of it.

Bubba Juice Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 08:54 PM EST

I believe that he meant what he said. It wasn't a comedy routine. Then again, I never found anything he did particularly funny. He isn't a regular standup comic. He got flustered when two guys heckled him. Hey, that's standup comedy! You get heckled. Now, the fact that some people are allowed to say things others aren't sounds like a middle school clique. It is juvenile. Either everyone can say it or nobody should. And if you don't like it, then be as outraged when others like Chappelle use the words. This speech control/mind control/thought control is probably due to environmental pollutants that mimic estrogen. This also could explain the midterm elections. Anyhow, this may be the end for Kosmo Klux Kramer.....racist!

Rob Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 02:50 PM EST

I listened to the tape and it sounds like "Kramer" went off the deep end a bit. But it did not sound like his hecklers were acting like complete gentleman either. Imagine being on stage and being harassed the entire time. I heard some "crackers" thrown in by the hecklers as well. So just becuse "Kramer" is a celebrity he has to be held accountable for his actions. Those hecklers are equally to blame for their racist beliefs.

David Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 01:53 PM EST

Steve and Mike,

If you aren't joking, you are horribly misguided.

Jason Hartford Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 01:48 PM EST

Do you know what the irony is with that sick racist bas****'s rant: that the son of a b**** isn't white himself! Now this is a fact: and you can even research it: the ugliest whites (who European Nordics don't even consider white!, like Italians and Spaniards, well, they're the ones who make such a big fuss about their race!) I'm Anglo Saxon white, and I found his racist rant very disturbing indeed. You know, I mean to hate someone because of their race, is absolutely insane.

Steve Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 01:43 PM EST

Mike comes from a performance thesis who's intent is to raise strong emotion in the audience.

I do not believe this was to revive his career, however, I do believe it was staged. I do believe he achieved what he was looking for, public debate. Not just on race, but the nature of art, the first amendment, our own discomfort. Mike's art, like Andy Kaufman's was, is not to necessarily be funny, nor to "entertain" in the shallow sense that we have all been made to expect. It is to challenge. It is to make people FEEL SOMETHING. You all feel very uncomfortable. He did his job.

I believe that this is a grande acte in the style of Andy. The hecklers are to Mike as Bob Zmuda was to Andy, and if, indeed, he plays this out to the full extent that Andy used to, we'll never hear the true story from any of the players.

Mike, Andy would be proud.

Or maybe he lost a bet!

David Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 01:14 PM EST

Shayla,

I agree wholeheartedly! You stated the following: "That was not art...it was public slander of 2 men." I think I might go further and research whether Richards criminally assaulted the men under some current form of Hate Crimes legislation. I think the D.A. in California needs to look into this. Richards clearly verbally abused these men in a very public way. His words and actions must not be ignored or excused. Richards should be punished. His apology was motivated by greed, insincere and dubious. I am not African American, but if I were, I would be looking for justice!

David E. Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 01:02 PM EST

Ya know what...

This is a bunch of crap. Yeah, of course Michael should have known better, BUT... why do these guys whom he offended need lawyers. How much is being called the N word worth. I guess we'll find out.

Funny thing is, Im gay, and if every time someone on T.V. said "fag" or everytime a republican said it, and I was paid $1.00, I would be a millionaire.

Its just pathetic that these guys think they deserve money.

GET OVER IT, MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE.

It would seem to me that if your heckling a comedian on stage... THEN YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. If you cant take it, then dont dish it out.

Richards apologized. Thats all that needs to be done.

Its amazing how these guys show up on the Today show and act completely innocent. They heckled Richards and couldnt take the results.

Im not at all saying what he did was right, but in the environment they were in, and the situation, everything is game.

They just seem like money grubbers and attention seekers.

Well... they got their attention...

Now we'll see if they can make a lawsuit about it.

RICHARDS SHOULDNT PAY THEM A DIME. PERIOD.

USING THE RACE CARD JUST TO GET A FEW BUCKS FROM A CELEBRITY IS JUST AS BAD.

Shayla Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 12:19 PM EST

I am sorry but what that gentlemen earlier described as racism is NOT racism. Racism is and always has been a MENTALITY that manifests into DISCRIMINATION. Just because someone isn't out lynching people or burning crosses doesn't make them NOT a racist. Racism is the worlds oldest human injustice this is true. It doesn't just extend to white people and african americans...it extends to us all. We all know the devastasion that a "mentality" can manifest into...Hitler had a racist mentality and we see where that got him!!! So don't sit up here and say that Racism is defined by actions...Even the mentality of racism can be devastating. That was not art...it was public slander of 2 men. I'm not saying that he wasn't justafiably angry...but I am saying that his comments as the gentlemen said in the video was UNCALLED FOR!!!. Be mad...yell scream...but the N word? Come on man...

David Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 10:46 AM EST

Chris Freas,

Perhaps Richards is inhabited by Andy Kaufman's spirit! NOT!!! Richards screwed up! If it was an act, it was probably the biggest career mistake he could have ever made. It was no act. Apology NOT accepted.

Chris Freas Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 10:24 AM EST

I have been thinking about this quite a bit. I believe Michael Richards is performing a stunt to pay homage to Andy Kaufman and also revive his career. The coincidences are just too man.

First of all, there is the obvious connection of Richards and Kaufman with the "Fridays" skit. I read an interview that Richards did in Aspen, Co in 2002. In that piece, he mentions that he was in on the tirade. He even says that he and Andy came up with the skit idea together.

Now it gets real crazy. 27 years ago on November 27, Kaufman was performing at Kutsher's Resort in upstate New York. The routine was not well received. Andy was very unhappy and left the next day. Andy shouted "You're the type of people who give Jews a bad name!!”

Let's not forget it was Andy who was on Letterman apologizing about his comments about women in 1982 long before this week's appearance by Richards.

Also, didn't Richard’s apology seem very comical? The audience was laughing. He even slipped into some Kramerisms during the speech.

Did anyone find it odd that he continued to walk the stage like he was doing his act while he was yelling the racist comments, pausing between lines for the audience to react as well as to hear the responses from the "hecklers"?

Another Ed Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 10:05 AM EST

Why is it? When Dave Chapelle or Carlos Mencia makes a joke about any ethnic backgrounf it is Funny but when a caucasion(white) person says it the comment becomes racist. I think the people in the US need to grow up. The N word is about as commonly used as the F word so if you cant take the trash thats about to get thrown back at you dont talk it to begin with.

d.frazier Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 06:56 AM EST

To say the least, I'm deeply disturbed by Michael Richards recent tirade at the Laugh Factory. I just saw the whole video, and I am repulsed.

What repulses me more? The pathetic and half-hearted disdain that other celebreties are showing at this outrageous act of racism.

As I watch the reactions of people like Regis Philbin and Glenn Beck, to name a couple, they seem more upset over the fact that the man has lost his mind rather than the fact he has totally and completely insulted an ENTIRE RACE of people. I mean, who cares about "how sad" this is for HIM. No one has thoroughly expressed how sickening an act this was and how awful an act this was.

Instead, we are faced with the age old question of: "Why is it okay for "them" to say it and not us? Well, here is the answer: (and I happen to be African American) We say it because it has no power to harm or insult in our community. When we say it, we have dismantled the harmful effects that it was originally intended to inflict.

When one fat person calls another fat person "fat", where is the injury there? Who is harmed? A very similar reaction takes place in the Black community. Now the point is, that there is a level of familiarity there. I wouldn't walk up to someone I have no close relations with and call them that. I certainly would not walk up to Condoleeza Rice or Oprah Winfrey and say it. The point is, it is used in close company in a totally different context.

So back to the Michael Richards incident, it wasn't cool, it wasn't funny and just plain stupid! Yes, Michael, you are a racist and there is no apology in the world that is going to begin to undo what happened that fateful night at the Laugh Factory.

Yas Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 05:58 AM EST

Hey All,

Reading this blog has worried me somewhat. I'm British, mixed race (black & white) and was raised a Muslim but I am not religious. Now to suggest that Richard's outburst was an expression of free speech or a career revivor is ridiculous, the man lost it and purposefully set out to humiliate and offend the patrons of the comedy club, because he felt humiliated and offended by the hecklers.

Does this make it right? Of course not, he should be condemned and ostricised similar to what happens to Muslim fanatics who preach the same vile, racist bile. However he won't be, because unfortunately we live in an institutionally racist society, where someone different to the majority will be treat differently, through the media or law courts. During the height of the Northern Irish violence, although IRA malitia were blowing up most of England, I did not hear one politician publically condemn the Irish or shackle and detain "suspected" militants in the most notorious jail/torture farm since Auschwitz. Why? Because although they were Irsih, they were white, and the general public could identify with a white Irsihman, but cannot relate to a Pakistani youth.

If I had my way, such offensive crap like this would be illegal, as would legally acquiring guns. I loved Sienfeld and especially Kramer, but now I feel cheated, as this guy was happy to make me laugh, but wouldn't be happy to shake my hand because of the colour of my skin. Just like Rush Limbar, George W Bush and Mel Gibson. Dear me what a world we live in.

So, what next, I'm thinking his career will get back on track because in the US, although I love the culture, music and movies, is for a better word backward when it comes to social progression. I'm sure I'll be called all sorts of things for that, but I'm sure you'll notice the irony for that.

jhors Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 01:08 AM EST

Funny how the truth comes out when people are drunk or angry!!!

Heil Kramer
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/jhors/The_Kramer-hitler-small.jpg

Bob H Wed, Nov 22, 2006 at 12:29 AM EST

Aside from the whole double standard argument, First Amendment issues, and to what degree you were offended by Richards' tirade, people need to understand what is racism and what is not.
Racism is not name-calling. Racism is refusing to hire someone, rent to someone, or patronize someone's business solely on the basis of race. Racism is being arrested, imprisoned, physically harmed, or killed because of your race.
Racism is not the mindless blathering of a comic on
stage. This is called artistic freedom, whether or not you think it's art or just plain stupidity.

tom Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 11:10 PM EST

So, how did it start? What did the heckler say? What that super racial? I mean, the guy obviously lost it, part of the general mass drug adiction in the entertainment industry, probably, but I get the feeling that the heckle might have been racist, so he bounced back racist, over the cliff to end up just a ranting racist after a bit of video editing. It the full show on the net anywhere?

Lindsey Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 11:08 PM EST

I agree completely with Mike. With the many seasons of Seinfeld, he has to have loads of cash. I understand doing stand-up comedy to get back in the spotlight.

Anyways, thats very true that America just likes to see people mess up so they can view themselves better. Its just a self-esteem issue everyone seems to have. People especially love celebrities messing up since they are supposed to be "perfect role models." People think, hey if that celebrity messes up, I must be better than them since I didnt do what they did! Reality is, celebrities are people, just like everyone else, and people make mistakes.

Even though I have a very low tolerance for discrimination of any kind, I'm still willing to give Richards another chance. It is obvious he completely lost it, possibly drug-induced or otherwise. When he apologized on Letterman he looked like he was humiliated and upset about the whole thing. And true, he doesnt have to apologize at all. So everyone, cut him some slack, we all know we've lost control of what we were saying, he just happened to be videotaped.

Also, there is no reason to boycott Seinfeld products, since Jerry Seinfeld and the rest of the cast were not part of this by any means.

Disrobed Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 10:40 PM EST

Something to keep in mind -- How sorry would Mr. Richards have been if the incident hadn't been caught on tape? Umm... not even a passing thought in his head? Bingo!

MR Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 08:32 PM EST

dg,

i am thinking you generally agree with me (see "amen!"). . . and perhaps i am underestimating richards' comments as an analogy to "kill all black people". that said, our reactions to muslims should be as fervent and they should be as marginalized as richards presumably/hopefully will be.

LizDexic Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 06:11 PM EST

...what J Brown said. Well said.

And here's what I say:
Stick a fork in *Michael Richards*. He's done.

dg Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 05:41 PM EST

I don't understand how you can even type the question of whether this could possibly be construed as a "career revivor."

Can we consider Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic rant a career revivor? At least Gibson can blame the alcohol, but Richards can't. So, what's Richards' excuse?

"Hang you N$%&^ upside down with a fork up your a$$" is no less shocking than saying "hey J$%&^, shower time. No soap? Don't worry about it, we wash your skin before we finish the lampshades and wallets."

What I just typed above is so vile and disgusting to even remember as a part of history, it sickens me to type it, or to expose myself to some nut who takes it out of context and starts yelling that I am, somehow, Anti-Semitic.

But, it's almost equally sickening to me that someone might entertain the discussion that such a statement could possibly revive anyone career. Even if it did, that's not the way your headline should have read.

David Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 05:03 PM EST

MC,

Amen! As far as "freaking out", Richards told those men that, "Fifty years ago you'd be hanging from a tree with a f...g fork up your a.s!!!" That sounds suspiciously similar to "KILL ALL THE BLACKS" to me. The difference I see is that Richards is attempting to profit from his comments and maintain that profit through a meaningless apology. We control that profit! I say, expose him and Seinfeld and all like them and refuse to purchase their product. That is my opinion. I'll use my freedom of speech to encourage that!

MC Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 04:52 PM EST

Wow. It appears to have been some kind of meltdown of who knows what crazy origin. I appreciate the negative reactions people are having and everyone is certainly entitled to debate where he is coming from. And, as always in America, racism should not be tolerated.

What amazes me is the energy devoted to analysis and outrage regarding this incident against the backdrop of our bigger world where as Americans we seem to be lazy apologists for the constant, frightening, violence-inciting and forboding comments made by the always increasing global muslim population against Americans in particular (whether black, white, asian, hispanic, atheist, agnostic, christian, jewish, etc, etc) and non-muslims in general. When Richards makes his comments, blacks and whites (i didn't say every single one) are outraged and say so. Where is any "moderate" muslim voice when muslims repeatedly threaten our lives!!!

What if an American celebrity said we should make it our life's work to "kill all the black people". We would FREAK OUT--and should.

You may think this sounds reactive, but we infidels have become a "race". And, we need to stick together--all races, creeds, etc. We need to get off of our politically correct asses and quit making apologies for the jihad.

David Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 04:42 PM EST

CC,

Tolerate no more! Expose the hypocrites for who they are!! Richards attempted to use racism for profit. Seinfeld on Letterman last night attempted to save the profitability of his new DVD by forcing Richards to "apologize". We must refuse to honor such pandering. Do they think us stupid?!!!!

CC Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 04:33 PM EST

gimme a break - as a society, we tolerate a boat-load of BS in the name of freedom of speech. I hate being subjected to rap music that bags on the establishment, white people, latin people, asian people - but i'll defend their right to express their opinion. with respect to mr's outburst - puh-leez, get over yourselves.

i don't have to be called whitey or cracker by someone verbally - sideways, dismissive or up-down looks and rolling eyes pretty much communicate the point in a different way. and seriously, how many african americans have even been labeled racist? very few, if any, and yet ......

David Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 04:22 PM EST

Mike,

Success is relative. Some might say Hitler to be quite successful before his fall. Stop defending Richards; he used his influence and microphone to preach hatred and racism. He is finished. I too am a big fan of his Seinfeld work. Sadly, I'll not be able to enjoy his scenes on that show again.

Take heed all Hollywood hypocrites!!! We are watching you; and we do not like what we see.

David Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 04:00 PM EST

Jack, I'm David. I'm not an idiot, you liberal! You sound just like Michael Richards!!! Busted.

Mike Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 03:54 PM EST

Being a huge fan of the TV show Sienfeld I did a Google search on the Michael Richards incident and clicked the link to this page. After reading a few of the comments left by people here I realized something. I realized that ordinary people, like many of you people commenting here, love to see successful people like Michael Richards make mistakes so people like all of you can call him a “washed-up has been” or G-d forbid “not funny”. Point is this guy was part of one of the most, if not the most, successful TV sitcoms in history. Many also see him as the funniest character on that show; I personally think that the Seinfeld show would have had no success without Michael Richards. The guy also probably has more money then many of you put together. I am sure he does things like stand up comedy because he has fun doing it, unlike many of you that have to go to work to pay the bills. So you can pretend the guy is a loser all you want, but by doing so you are denying reality. Maybe all you that are calling Mr. Richards a “wash up” should take a look in the mirror.

The American media feeds American idiots like many of the people posting here these types of stories because America is full of people who like to see other people make mistakes. The media is just profiting from all you morons. Americans in general are self righteous, the “holier than thou” mentality in America is ridicules. There is a saying, “nothing makes a person feel as perfect as another person’s mistakes”. Rev. Haggard and Mark Foley are great examples of how many Americans love to judge others before they judge themselves. Now instead of realizing the evident hypocrisy in society in general, the media and the public just shun the individual hypocrites because no one wants to admit that hypocrisy is so prevalent in society. We want to pretend that hypocrisy is the exception, not the norm that it is. Sin is also the norm not the exception. Many Americans also pretend that sin is rare and promote a no excuses, no forgiveness type of society that is being sold by the media and eaten up by self righteous Americans. The problem is this view of sin just promotes more hypocrisy, because people become too scared of admitting the truth. At the end of the day we have more and more severe cases of hypocrisy. So much hypocrisy really makes it hard to get at the truth.

Of course Michael Richards made a mistake, just like we all make mistakes. He said he is sorry to the public, which he really was not required to do, there is no law saying a person can not say the N-word. The problem is with Americans also being a bunch of vigilantes Mr. Richards would probably be risking his life if he did not apologize, although I am sure a few vigilante animals will still be looking for him even with the apology. The point is the guy did not break any laws, and if you do not like what he says boycott his work. Calling him a “has been” and lowering him to “loser” status makes no sense coming from the type of people I am guessing are commenting on this site, since the guy has seen more success in his life so far then most of the people commenting.

jack Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 03:54 PM EST

What's up with the idiot who makes the comment about Micheal being a liberal because he mentions Katrina and Iraq during his apology. I thought this discussion was about racism?

Donald Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 03:51 PM EST

I have to agree with the post regarding Chris Rock using race as fun, not hate.

Does anyone think Jerry Springer hates poor white people even though he brings them on TV and make fun of them. No...everyone understands he's having fun and this is for entertainment value only....same as Richard Pryor, Rodney Dangerfield, etc.

Michael really hurt his career with this.

Chris Rock Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 03:48 PM EST

I'm a bit confused with those that keep bringing up Chris Rock to somehow defend Michael Richards. It seems to me we are comparing apples to oranges. Yes, Chris does bring race with his show. And yes, he does make fun of Blacks, Whites, Hispanic, Asians, Iraqis and, we'll all races. However, the big difference here is that 99.9% of the people watching Chris know full well that his remarks are being said in fun...to make people laugh.

Michael Richards, on the other hand, was not using race in fun or to make a joke. Rather, we hear hatred which is why there is so much outrage. Many comedians over the years have made fun with race but seldom do we hear such hate and anger associated with race remarks.

I think Michael's apology was good. However, realizing he's an actor he will have to continuously prove he's not a bigot to regain my support.

David Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 03:02 PM EST

Michael Richards revealed his typical liberal character by screwing up, then appearing on Letterman with the excuse that Bush made him do it. He made no acceptable apology. Blaming "Katrina" and the war in Iraq for his blatantly racist hatred does not satisfy me. Racist or not, he's finished. Hollywood will no-doubt unite to his defense; but I've seen enough to know that Michael Richards deserves no audience in America!

Newman Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 11:52 AM EST

What would Chris Rock call the hecklers? We know the answer don't we. In fact he does a whole routine on people he considers the "N" words. "Everyone hates "n"'s they ruin it for everyone" Chris Rock.

J. Brown Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 10:25 AM EST

I was shocked when I learned of the racial incident involving Mr. Richards. Whether heckled or not, Mr. Richards could have found other ways to deal with the situation. Hurling racial slurs at someone is not the way to go. As an African American, I am outraged that this man was allowed to continue the show the following night without mention of the previous night's incident. Is our society so thrilled with the dollar bill that such behavior is rewarded and not condemned?
Mr. Seinfeld's comment about it being a "big mistake" was disappointing at best. Apparently, the only "mistake" Mr. Richards made was expressing his racist views in public. He did not appear to be at a loss for words during his three minute tirade. He seemed to have carefully chosen just the words he wanted to say. As far as Mr. Richards believing that he is not a racist, well, maybe he needs to look the word up in the dictionary. While he's at it maybe he needs to review the definition for "bigot" also. Both anger and/or alcohol loosen the tongue and makes one say things that one may feel badly about later. However, anger and/or alcohol do not make one say things that are not already a part of one's thinking/feeling. So Mr. Richards I do not accept your apology. I do want to thank you for letting all of America know that you are a bigoted racist. You should be shunned by the powers that be in Hollywood. We do not want or need your kind of entertainment.

Lennbob Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 08:54 AM EST

I think his career is over. It's clear to me from watching the clip that he was trying at first to maintain a "comedian" tone to what he was saying, but then lost it. You'll notice that he actually points out that what he was saying was shocking because it shows what is underneath. Consequently, any claims that he is not a racist are going to ring very hollow, indeed. Oh, and Michael Richards is no Andy Kaufman.

Honeybee Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 08:44 AM EST

I've watched the tape a few times, only on broadcast tv where the offending language was bleeped, and it's still a tough thing to watch. Clearly, the man has significant issues that include and go beyond racism.

I actually disagree with Slezak. Given the level of vitriol in that rant, I don't think it is recoverable. Unlike Mel Gibson, he doesn't have the excuse of alcohol and a loopy, morally bankrupt upbringing that was well-known prior to his rant. The only excuse I think that could ever work is if he turns out to have some kind of legitimate brain illness like Pict's Disease, which can cause such outbursts in a normally mild-mannered person but in all cases is fatal.

However, I doubt that Richards is physically sick. Looking back, Richards always came off very uncomfortable about his fame and was known for being unfriendly to his many overzealous fans. I think he is just an angry person and bitter about his post-Seinfeld failures. He should have just quietly retired, but it is too late. Again, I don't think a Mel Gibson style mea culpa is going to fix the damage that has been done to him.

steve-o Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 05:56 AM EST

cokehead...yea...definately cokehead.

Karla Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 04:49 AM EST

I saw a bit of his apology on Letterman - the man looked drugged to me. Totally dazed. Maybe he actually is on drugs, or maybe he's just acting the part so he can use it as an excuse later on, just as predicted by Slezak.

To Sense and Sensibility Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 01:53 AM EST

I agree, you (we) should hate to hear the "N" word from anyone...INCLUDING Blacks. Why the "especially"? Makes it seem like its just a bit ok for others to use.

jack Tue, Nov 21, 2006 at 12:19 AM EST

I don't think Michael Richards is racist, he was getting heckled, and he's an actor, and didn't know how to handle a tough crowd. He was hurt, so he said something that would hurt those people. That doesn't make it right, but it doesn't make him a racist either.

With Mel Gibson, there was years of behavior, and winks and nods to his anti semitism, but with Michael Richards, there was just this one unfortunate incident.

I saw him on Letterman, and I believe him when he says he's sorry, and that he isn't a racist.

Sense and Sensibility Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 11:40 PM EST

What I don't get is how these one-time stars seem to stay addicted to something they will never have again. Couldn't Richards have taken his Seinfeld money, moved to a real place and lived a happy life without the pressure to do a 'hit' ever again? I have more respect for ex-stars who know they can never reach that pinnacle again and quietly become regular citizens. At least Jason Alexander and Julie Louis-Dreyfus have kitsch value as all-round celebrities. Richards has revealed himself to be little more than a nasty and bitter man.

The difference between Mel Gibson and Richards is that I know Gibson has anti-Semitism inside of him because of the way he was brought up and his fundamentalist religious views. I don't think he chooses to be anti-Semitic, but he is (and yes, I am defending him, but not his remarks, and if that offends you, too bad!) Even going back to Braveheart, there were signs he was anti-Semitic, homophobic and even misogynist. I wasn't surprised at all to hear his drunk-driving rant.

Richards' outburst was petty and exploitative of the audience's objections to racial slurs. There's no way to prepare yourself to hear such outright racism that doesn't seem to be part of a pattern other than a comedian losing his cool and launching a counterattack that he thought would hurt his hecklers. That's the difference between having implicit racism inside of you since childhood (like Gibson) and being a bitter middle-aged washed comedian trying to hurt his hecklers (like Richards.)

I'm a white guy who uses the 'N' word, but only when I'm quoting someone else who has used it. I'd like to see it made obsolete and archaic so it's never used at all, but it's too common in the hip-hop culture that I like for me to ignore it, so I have to use it to quote rap lyrics (I won't censor them) or to describe a Dave Chappelle sketch to my friends (I won't censor those either.) What Richards didn't know is that, like me, it's not his word to use, and for a 57-year old man who supposedly still lives and works in L.A., that is very ignorant, and no excuse can make up for it.

Juju Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 10:56 PM EST

This man is obviously washed-up. Racism is just an ugly thing. Unfortunately, there is still alot to learn. I hate the N word from anyone. And I especially hate it when Blacks use it. It truly sounds quite ignorant. He is going to hear about this for a long.... time.

Ned Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 10:52 PM EST

I usually like Michael Slezak's posts, but his one is way off -- a remarkably unperceptive post. First, this was obiously no performance art comedy thing gone wrong -- Richards has already apologized and admitted he just lost it in an interview with letterman (not yet aired). Second, this is not the kind of publicity that could possibly help his career -- it's ridiculous to even speculate about that. Paris hilton boffing some guy on videotape is one thing -- a once-famous and respected sitcom actor spewing racial hate is obviuosly quite another. The pop-culture consuming public may be cynical, but not that cynical -- there's no way in hell anyone's ever gonna hire this guy for any respectible project again.

yawn Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 10:00 PM EST

Why would anyone give credence to what Michael Richards has to say? He's nothing but a washed-up has been who could only be funny when the words were scripted for him. Left to his own devices, he proves himself to be unfailingly unfunny and really rather pitiful.

Faye Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 07:18 PM EST

As Frank Constanza once famously heard from the Dali Lama - "This guy, he's not my kind of guy"

Talking Moviezzz Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 07:11 PM EST

As disgusting as the tirade seems, I also remembered back to Michael Richards "performance art" with Andy Kaufman on FRIDAYS. People were outraged by that, and it turned out to be all planned.

Here, as mentioned after BORAT, who knows if it was planned?

This is an incredibly stupid thing to do in any case.

Maeve Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 07:06 PM EST

FYI...
Michael Richards is going to be apologizing via satellite tonight on Dave Letterman, during which Jerry Seinfeld is a guest.

bootsycolumbia Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 06:36 PM EST

I think "junior" hit the nail on the head. As a white person who occasionally refers to herself as "poor white trash" and "redneck" in a joking way, I'd be extremely offended if anyone else referred to me that way (and race doesn't matter. If a well to-do-white person called me those names, I'd be ticked). I hear black people refer to themselves and each other as "n*&*%^" all the time. I don't agree with it, but it's not for me to say what my opinion is. There's obviously a lot of racial issues that still need to be addressed in America (and Canada, for that matter). But Kramer getting up on stage and screaming those hateful words is not the way to start addressing them.

Chris Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:46 PM EST

The jerk store called, they're running out of Michael Richards.

poochie Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:29 PM EST

There is not explaining hatred, and that is what that video showed. Ignorance and Hatred at the highest levels! Truly sad and disgusting...Later interviews showed that Paul Rodriguez was disgusted as well.

BPeriod Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:28 PM EST

I'm tired of people using the argument "I think it's such a double standard when people make a huge deal about a white person using the N word, but black people throw around everyday and that's ok?" That's BS..although I am black, have used it in the past, and have made a conscious effort to stop for personal reasons, what "Kramer" did has nothing to do with any of that. He couldn't deal with hecklers so he reached for the first thing he could think of to hurt, and demean them.....and I have experienced that many times with white people. They run out of comebacks or get flustered and that's all they have because it's guaranteed to effect people. There is no more powerful word. He said it with hateful intentions. Most black people who use it amongst themselves never take that tone with it and it is not used the same way. Whether you agree with the use of the word or not, black or white...it's not comparable to what he did. Lastly..I am more blown away with how much that video effected me. I am a HUGE Seinfeld fan, and I don't know how I am gonna watch it now without thinking of this everytime I see Kramer. Very sad.

Rose Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:21 PM EST

Lisa, I'm not the biggest Chris Rock fan in the world, but I've never seen a routine where he screams "Cracker! You're a cracker! I long for the days when we'll be able to hang you crackers with a fork up your a$$es!" I've never heard him say anything like that (by the way, I am white) so let's not compare him to this pathetic piece of garbage, okay?

Lisa Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:14 PM EST

Has anybody ever been to one of Chris Rock's shows? Um he is more racist against white people than this yet nobody says anything about that. Double standard? I think so. I am not saying it's OK what Kramer did but nobody ever calls out Chris Rock on his racist rants.

Slammy Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:14 PM EST

Richards accomplished something I never thought he could - he actually became less funny than he already was.

http://slam-cut.blogspot.com

Katie Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:12 PM EST

Richard's comments were disgusting. I don't buy that 'social experiment' crap - the hatefulness from which he spewed showed his true character... talking about lynching people with forks up their asses?

The world shouldn't accept this crap, and if Richards benefits from some ridiculous turn of events, I, for one, will be boycotting anything he does in the future.

Real deal Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 05:03 PM EST

CNN.com has an interview with an African-American male that was there during his tyraid. He ended up loosing his temper and showing his true ignorant self.

Maeve Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 04:59 PM EST

After watching the video a few times, I don't think Richards said, "we'd have you upside down with a fork up your a--," as it was written out, I think he said "hang," which is much, much worse.
I am just so disappointed in Kramer. This makes me so sad.
And Slezak, I don't think this will help Richards's career.

Rose Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 04:40 PM EST

Just watched the clip. Um, no, that's NOT performace art! That's a washed up, pathetic, racist old fool who seems to have no clue whatsoever on how to handle hecklers. There's no way he'll be able to "spin" this into some kind of misunderstanding. I hope the comedy clubs just cancel his washed up old a$$!

Rose Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 04:19 PM EST

This won't ruin Seinfeld reruns for me, Kramer was always the most annyoing character on the show anyway.

I thought about the episodes of Seinfeld when they were shooting their pilot "Jerry!" and the "actor" playing Kramer was a really mean, nasty, obnoxious person. I wonder if that was an inside joke?

Tre Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 04:19 PM EST

I too, am black, a HUGE fan of Seinfeld, and I also subscribe to the feeling that no one should use the word. I find too, that the defenses/explanations about how it's "ok" for blacks to use it but not ok for non-blacks to use it, is further proof that the word IS damaging and the community as a whole, has not moved past it at all.

One of the reasons why, after the hype about his show died down for me, I care less and less about Chappelle's Show, is the fact that the word was sort of the "go-to" line on the show. And yet, people wonder why we find more and more instances of non-blacks using the word....

Can't have your cake and eat it too, people.

Faye Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 04:11 PM EST

I just got as excited as a kid on Christmas day because season 7 of Seinfeld is out on DVD and I ordered an advanced copy from Amazon.com. Kramer has always been favorite character but I cannot keep those videos or laugh at this aging idiot without feel guilty, so off they go back to Amazon. Knowing part of the profits are his makes me sick. He has ruined the best show ever for me. Didn't he see the episode of Seinfeld when Jerry was heckled by Toby, the woman Kramer was dating. Did Jerry starting yelling the N word? No, he went to her job and heckled her..one of the best episodes ever. Why didn't Mr. Richards just follow those two men wherever they were going and then heckle them for a while. It would have certainly created the buzz he needs to get his career back on track and gave us all something to laugh about as well as bringing back fond memories of a show he just ruined for everybody!!! SERENITY NOW

Anna Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 04:00 PM EST

I too am a black person who can't stand for anyone to use the word. The explanation I often hear from blacks who use the N-word is that when they use it they mean it as a term of endearment. Personally, I think that's a load of crap especially since if you listen to the way blacks use it, it's almost always derogatory.

That said, I agree that Richard's advocating lynching is far worse. I can't even begin to imagine the context in which that is okay.

junior Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 03:53 PM EST

[Bell rings] Okay, class in session. I don't proclaim to know everything but I do have a pretty good handle on the "N" word thing so here it goes. Black people can choose to use the "N" word (and all its variants, which I have used aplenty) because we have taken the word as both a way to link together our community through a common experience (i.e. slavery, civil rights movement) and a way of never forgetting our past and how society views us (and no one can argue that there is still a 'less-than' attitude about black people in the U.S.)) That's (originally) why rappers used it, etc.

However, people who are not black shouldn't use it because they do not share the same experience or history. White people especially share the opposite history which is why people get upset when they use the word. It's the same thing with poor white trash (which I use as an example and not to be offensive). I've heard white people refer to themselves as that but I would never say it because it's disrespectful. I don't come from the same place so I can use the term. Make sense.

As for Michael Richards (I can't believe we're still talking about this) there was something about his committment to the words that screamed "Andy Kaufman" to me. A person, even intoxicated, would get angry when someone would scream back but he seemed too cool as if he were in an acting class and was told to "go with whatever happens." That's why I think he was trying to make a point but took a wrong turn down Disrespectful Boulevard.

mony Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 03:42 PM EST

I agree with the couple of posters that commented more on his lynching jokes...ugh, that to me was more outrageous and disturbing and just not funny. The "N" word obviously isn't cool, especially shouting it at people he just called motherf***ers...just sad.

Kay Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 03:31 PM EST

'Jasmine' So what you're saying is if people call you stupid, you start calling yourself stupid to make you not feel stupid. I don't think that has any kind of logic to it.

Sally Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 03:29 PM EST

I couldn't see the video, but I heard someone in the audience react in shock. That tells me he wasn't joking, or he was trying to be funny and it went astray. As for the word N*****, when the rappers stop saying it maybe everyone else will. But it's out there now, and it's now who says it but HOW they say it.

nathan Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 03:24 PM EST

Even Borat would cringe at that little tirade.

Kay Mon, Nov 20, 2006 at 03:23 PM EST

I totally agree with 'kinglouieXVIII', why is it okay for some blacks to use this word and other people can't. I am black and I don't like anyone using the word...be that as it may, I believe Richard was just trying to get some attention. People will do anything nowadays for cheap publicity.