Did you see Michael Richards going nuts like a crazed racist? That's f'd up. One may argue that some one in the crowd made some racial comment toward him first (since we can't see all of the video), but honestly, that's no excuse. He's the performer, and he's the one bearing responsibility.
I watched part of Comic Relief the other night. Why is so much of "comedy" based on race jokes? So much of it reinforces stereotypes instead of helping them. The funny thing is, the hottest comics right now don't go for the "easy" race jokes. Dane Cook, Rita Rudner and the like, don't do it. I much prefer the dick and fart jokes, you know?
I did see the video and am surprised that you are claiming that he should be bearing responsibility because he's a performed. What about bearing because he's a fellow human. As you mentioned, we can only go on what was shown in the video, but it sounds like he started slipping before the two guys did.
The thought that stuck out in my mind was how thankful I am for people and their mad cellphone video skills. More and more of this shit is going to get to the public as camera get better/cheaper.
Unfortunately, I think a lot of people look up to celebrities (I know it's debatable if anyone would consider him one ;)). To that extent, when people, even adults, see a famous person say shit like that, they think it's OK too. Maybe I'm just disappointed that he turned out to be such a moron.
I did.
It was nice to see big Jerry & big Dave bailing out the guy but the shit that came out of his mouth was beyond a level that I'm comfortable saying, "You're sorry? Then I forgive you." He's going to have to kiss a lot of black babies for me to put him back on my list of "OK Guys."
I've heard about it, but have yet to see it. I never liked Kramer, and even if he did apologize, this isn't something he 'accidentlaly' did, like put a dent in my car.
What is the point in apologizing for your views on someone? Instead of apologizing, why not try and change the way he thinks?
I will say this about race jokes, I LOVED the joke that Sarah Silverman made about 'chinks' and being an a jury because it was a joke making fun of how stupid racism is. I still don't agree with the chinese guy that 'didn't get the joke' and thus had it banned from ever being shown on Conan ever again. Some people just don't get it some times, but yeah, race jokes aren't even funny and are totaly stereotypical.
P.S. I hate stupid racist people, and I hope that his career has thoughly ended. Just like Mel Gibson.