Race and Freedom of Speech

If you go into a racist tirade while on stage, people will notice. TV's "Kramer" decided he wanted to yell at some people in the audience who were heckling him. Ok fair enough, but he went into a racist laden screaming match with them and pissed off a bunch of people. Now, I'll be the first to condemn him for it, however, in this video comedian Paul Rodriquez makes two incorrect statements.

First, he says "If the word nigger comes out of your mouth and you aren't African-American, you have some explaining to do" My response is why? Why does Chris Rock get to use the word but I do not? I don't use the word in my vocabulary, however how is it fair that certain people can use it but I cannot? Would it be fair if African-Americans couldn't use the word "Cracker"? Or "Honky"? Or "White Devil"? Of course not, that would be taking away from their freedom of speech. Now, I have every right to be offended if someone uses those words with malice, but I'm not about to take away their right to say what they want. But there in lies the difference; malice. Malice is what makes you a racist for saying "nigger", not merely the word. I've been called "nigga" by African-American friends of mine, and there's clearly no malice involved. "Nigga" and "nigger" are the same words, I do not care if you spell them differently.

Secondly Paul Rodriquez also states "Freedom of speech has its limitations and I think that Michael Richards crossed that line". Paul is half correct in this one instance. Freedom of speech does have its limitations. However, the limitations are only when you infringe on other peoples rights. Threats are one of those limitations. You cannot threaten someone and claim freedom of speech because you are trying to intimidate or coerce someone else. Some of the things that Michael Richards did say could be construed as threatening speech, however simply calling someone a name is not, unfortunately for Michael Richards, it appears that he didn't merely say "You're a nigger". He said "I have enough money to have you arrested". That can easily be interpreted as a threat.

Race relations are always a hot button for many people. Many people might be offended by my merely asking "Why" when I just really want to know the answer to "Why". People who know me personally know I don't have a thread of racism in my heart and I show it by the friends and family members in my life, just in case you were wondering.

Travis
travis@right wing lunatic.com