Last week, comedian Jackie Mason did a stand-up act in which he referred to President Obama as a “schwartza” (also spelled “schvartze”). This word is Yiddish slang, and according to various sources, it could either be an innocuous word for “black man” or the Yiddish version of “n-gger”.
Different sources claim “schwartza” means different things, but Jackie Mason claims the word is not “demeaning.” Mason also explained that he is “an old Jew” and that he “was raised in a Jewish family where ‘schwartza’ was used. It’s not a demeaning word and I’m not going to defend myself.” TMZ has the video, and The Jewish Telegraphic Service has more details about the whole incident:
Twenty years ago, comedian Jackie Mason got in trouble when he referred to David Dinkins, then a candidate for New York City mayor, as a “fancy shvartze with a mustache” while campaigning for Rudy Giuliani. Last week, Mason used the Yiddish term again, this time to describe the president, reports TMZ:
Comedian Jackie Mason used what some say is a racial epithet in describing President Barack Obama during his act Thursday night, infuriating at least several people in the crowd.
During a performance at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency in NYC, Mason referred to Obama as a “schwartza” — some say it’s equivalent to the “N” word — others say it’s just part of the Yiddish culture and a literal translation of the word “Black.”
We’re told one person walked out fuming, “He’s more offensive to the Jews than Madoff tonight.”
We spoke with Mason by phone a few minutes ago, and he was outraged at the criticism, saying, “I’m not going to defend myself. Chris Rock has told a lot more jokes about whites than I have against Blacks. What about the demeaning words Blacks say about Jews?”
Mason added, “If it’s a racist society, the white people are the ones being persecuted because they have to defend themselves.” Mason called people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson “professional racists.”
Mason added, “I’m an old Jew. I was raised in a Jewish family where ‘schwartza’ was used. It’s not a demeaning word and I’m not going to defend myself.”
Mason responding to the original TMZ report, in which he says he’s called other ethnic groups “a lot worse” and once again brings up Chris Rock, who he confuses with the singer “Kid Rock.” (The best part of the video is probably when the woman he’s with gives him the smart advice to get in the car, but he just keeps talking.)
Of course, while not to make excuses for Mason, there is a significant difference between the 1989 incident and this one. The Dinkins remarks came at a campaign appearance, while his use of the term “shvartze” to refer to Obama was in a comedy show — and much of Jackie Mason’s act for decades has involved making fun of various ethnic groups.
Jackie’s last foray into politics, this fall, was his response to Sarah Silverman’s famous video for “The Great Schlep,” in which he objected to Silverman’s implication that Jews were not voting for Obama because of his race.
[From The Jewish Telegraphic Service]
Even though I see a racism bent to the story, I think the unexplored aspect of it is simply a generational conflict. Much as it embarrasses me, my father talks a lot like Jackie Mason (only his curses are in Bengali). People born, say, before World War II have a completely different set of standards for what is appropriate and what is just wrong.
I have no idea if “schwartza” is actually a derogatory word. I tend to think it’s not the actual word, it’s the sentiment behind it. The worst kind of slur or curse can sound different if said a certain way, and you can make a name like “dentist” or “mailman” sound obscene. In any case, Jackie Mason isn’t going to apologize.
Jackie who? Never heard of him; I lead a sheltered life. But nothing like potentially calling the president a derogatory name to grab a few headlines. Methinks aside from the generational thing, this might also be a PR thing.
Well, see Mr. Mason, in my grandparent’s day it perfectly acceptable to say ‘hebe’ or ‘yid.’ Both are short form for Hebrew and Yiddish respectively. But they leave a bad taste and are considered offensive terms today.
The same applies with ‘schvartze.’ It may “just” mean a black person but it is offensive because it does carry a connotation with ‘the N word.’ Call a black man from NYC a ‘schvartze’ and see what happens.
And by the way, you’re not funny, you never have been. Go away.
well, in german it´s “schwarzer”. yiddish and german are almost the same. “scharzer” is neither slang nor demeaning. i don´t get the problem.
He’s completely insignificant and prob works cruise ships now telling the same old unfunny jokes so who cares.
I just don’t see why people can’t refer to each other as well…..other people! I mean really. Is it necessary to note the color of my skin? And it’s not even an accurate description of the African American skintone, which ranges in many wonderful tones.
There is no problem & ppl need to stop being so damn sensitive!
who is this guy and why does he look embalmed?
Actually, I’m pretty sure that it is derogatory. I used to work in an old age home for jewish seniors, and a lot of the volunteers were older jewish people, and they always whispered the word “schvarzte” whereas they would say “schmatte” (rag) or “schvitzing” (sweating) in regular voices. I’m sure this guy will take some heat for it, I have no idea what sort of meaning he was trying to convey. But I think he’s known for making jokes that refer to being jewish, and using that word was probably a means towards that end.
(The old people also called me a “shiksa” (non-jew) in a regular voice, so I never assumed that was bad! But I don’t know for sure)
Manda, ‘shiksa’ is a derogatory word for a gentile woman. You were being ‘dissed’ right to your face. They probably got a kick out of it because you didn’t know what it meant…They’d lower their voice for ‘schvartze’ because more people know what that means.
Sorry 🙁
This is a total fakeroversy, just like the Obama-special Olymics thing. I’m tired of this obnoxious PC culture and FAKEROVERSIES!!!!
Agree with elisha. When did everyone get so damn sensitive? By the way, apparently no one has a problem ripping on the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Double standard.
So wait wait, for all of those who are saying it’s ok. Can I go around and point out the “Jew nose”? That’s ok isn’t it? It’s the same thing, mocking something and noting something based on a physical appearance one cannot control.
Pleasseee , who cares??? I call Obambi worse…Ha!
I propose a new rule. Anyone can call anyone any name they want, and we can all just shrug and chalk it up to freedom of speech. The world has enough real problems without worrying about which words you can say and which words are somehow “taboo.”
So Annie, do you think it’s okay to mock the Irish by parading leprechauns on the TV for advertisements or exploiting them on St. Patrick’s Day?
If anyone were to take 5 seconds to look at the history of the Irish American you’d understand how demeaning it is. But yet it’s acceptable.
I am so sick of the PC crap and the double standard.
I too think that Jackie Mason is irrelevant and I don’t think anyone really cares what he has to say. However, I would say that for someone who seems particularly tone deaf about racial sensitivity when it comes to his thoughts about black people he sure seems quite willing to brand every black person as an Anti-Semite.
I’m tired of the get over it attitude from folks who have no insight to the problems of others.
The pendulum it do swing. We’ve gone from people calling each other horrible, derogatory and insulting names, to the opposite extreme where someone will always manage to find something offensive in the most innocuous remark, even if no offense is intended. I think if we consider the context and intent of what is being said that would help avoid so many ruffled feathers and help stop the PC overkill.
This probably falls into the catagory of offensive.
“Schvartze” is like saying “Black” in that it is all in how you say it — if you say, “You know that clerk downstairs — he’s really tall, and Black?” is a lot different than having a conversation where you say something like “Well, THE BLACKS are always doing such-and-such.”
I am all in favor of people not talking about other people disrespectfully, but I do think you have to give some allowances for extreme age, if only out of pragmatism. My own grandmother referred to my daughter as her “colored grandbaby,” while kissing her, no less! At 93, I figured there wasn’t a realistic chance that I would be able to change her ways. She acted in a loving way, her language was just two generations behind.
Jackie Mason is a great comedian.
He stands up for the right of free speech.
This is a complete non-event.
Oy gevalt does he look like a woman.
I usually like Jackie Mason. He’s hilarious! Don’t agree with his choice of adjectives though.
I agree with Jackie. Why shouldn’t he call Obama whatever he wants? It’s all so PC!
You, mister Jackie Mason, is a damn funny kike, sir. A damn funny kike.
P.S. My dad is an old Wasp. He was raised in a Wasp family where ’kike’ was used. It’s not a demeaning word and neither dad nor I need to defend ourselves.
pot, kettle, black. jackie’s one to speak ill of prez obama.
Schwarz is just the word for black. We say “black people” all the time, thats accepted (sort of, depending on HOW you use it.)
Schwarze is an adjective; a black _____ thing, or in this case person.
I dont think its racist at all… but I could not hear him SAY it and his tone of voie, I didnt hear the whole sketch so I cant truly decide, though. (You can use any word negatively, even Sir, Lady, Queen, etc can be insults)
I like his point about whites being attacked in their own way because they always have that PC police to apologize to… LOL Very true. 🙂
^^ gotta add Schwarze/Schwarzer, depending on female or male noun usage, respectively
I speak good german but my grammar is bad LOL
Oh lay off the age thing. Mason knew exactly what he was saying and what he meant in saying it. If members of his audience were offended (and my guess is African Americans did NOT have made up 1 percent of his audience that night), should speak volumes. He just thought he could get away this it, with his own!
Mason over the past few years has been a major piece of work about not holding back on bigoted references and remarks towards certain groups of people.
The guy’s a schmuck!
I have a beautiful son. He’s MULTI racial. In meaning that I could drop this kid off at ANY country airport and he’d fit it, hes so multiracial. We crack about our “races” all the time. His best friend calls him a “crack-mcflip-a-nig-ochink” ( I will leave you all to figure that one out. My kid thinks its hilarious….because he was raised to NOT be so uptight. Lets PLEASE get a LIFE folks. You are all so much more than your skin pigment. Lighten up.
if it was the other the other way around, it would be seen as an anti-semitic statement.
I love both guys. Obama would be my number 1 though. teehee. and i only see jackie mason as rodney dangerfields stand in….for obvious reasons
I never respond on these things but…..
Yae: I’m glad I’m not your son or I would have socked my “friend” right in the jaw for that one. A racial slur is still a racial slur and your son is too naive to see that his friend IS making fun of him.
Skin color shouldn’t matter, however it does. Ignorance is still rampant in the world and despite all our wishes of sunshine and rainbows it will never go away.
I am always fascinated by racial discussions that include the phrase “the pot calling the kettle black.” Am I the only one who sees that as a terrible racial slur? It certainly implies there’s something wrong with being black… I’m not picking on you, eternalcanad, you just happened to use the phrase in this thread. Someone uses that phrase in almost every racially-related thread I see.
I do think folks need to chill a bit on the PC nonsense… aren’t there more important things to be “up in arms” about or spending time griping about? Mason said this in the middle of a stand-up bit and without hearing the entire part of his act where he used the phrase one can only *assume* the context in which it was used. I also agree with the other posters who mentioned his generation. It doesn’t give him a pass, but it does add that “grain of salt” to how his remark should be taken.
Admittedly the whole PC thing has become more than a bit much, so too have double standards.
I’ve no doubt this moron would be screaming anti-semitism had the shoe been on the other foot.
Funny how some get a free pass while others are crucified.
Just Saying: The saying goes back to when pots and kettles were made of cast iron, so they were both black. See the meaning now? It’s essentially the same thing as ‘people living in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’ type of thing. It has no racialist meaning whatsoever.
I agree the PC thing has gone too far overall, but in my mind calling the President a ‘schvartze’ is in poor taste, at the very least.
@Just sayin’ – If you want to see racist undertones in that phrase, that’s you, and NOTHING to do with the phrase itself which dates from the 16th century when cooking utensials were made of cast iron and ‘blackened’ over open fires.
From wisegeek:
“The meaning is actually quite obvious when one considers the conditions of a medieval kitchen. Typically, pots and kettles were made from heavy materials like cast iron, to ensure that they would last and hold up to heat. Cast iron tends to turn black with use, as it collects oil, food residue, and smoke from the kitchen. Both pots and kettles would also have been heated over an open fire in a kitchen of the medieval period. As a result, they would have become streaked with black smoke despite the best cleaning efforts.
Re the story, I thnk Mason’s own response suggests that he was using the term in a derogatory way.
Since both are black, the pot calling the kettle black would clearly be an act of hypocrisy. The act could also be described by “it takes one to know one,” and it suggests a certain blindness to one’s personal characteristics. Another explanation for the term, involving the pot seeing its black reflection reflected in a polished copper kettle where the pot doesn’t realize that it is describing itself.”
@Mike: Aahahaa!!!
Oh edit button, how I miss you. That last bit re the pot/kettle was supposed to be with the other bit.
@ Just Sayin: If you’re offended by the pot calling the kettle black, I have advice for you. Never leave your house again. The saying means that one is calling the other out whilst being/doing the same thing!! Good LORD!! All old pots and kettles were cast iron…which is black! It’s a color..not a racial slur. Sorry to disappoint you.
TexasMom, my Southern 90 year-old grandmother does the same thing. My best friend married an African-American and sent my grandmother a family picture of herself, husband and baby. My grandmother proudly put the picture on her dresser, along side pictures of her own grandkids. Then I overheard her talking to my Aunt on the phone, telling her she’d been sent the picture and she used the word “colored” in her description. I cringed but I do think context is important with the oldest generation. She was speaking with such love and affection it was hard to be offended for my friend. (Also when my friend’s husband called her extremely old Southern father to “ask for her hand”, her father made a comment about how maybe their kids will be good basketball players. The comment was said with such cluelessness, affection, and good wishes that my friend’s husband just laughed and let it go.)
So what? What do you think we should do about it even if some people find his comment offensive? Have him apologize even though he’s already said he won’t? Put him in jail for “hate speech?” The last time I checked, the first amendment gives people the right to say whatever they want. If you are unhappy with it, you have the right to say that too. It’s not like this is going to affect his career or your day. Again, people need to chill out and stop taking themselves and others so seriously.
Definitions of racism, http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=racism
*the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races.
*discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
Racism extends beyond the color of one’s skin and I find it humorous that for everyone that stated they were offended by what Mason said, not one has addressed my comment about the racism shown to the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in this country. So I guess that “kind” of racism is okay.
And that speaks volumes about the hypocrisy and how people can become so easily offended when it’s the politically correct thing to do.
Give me a break.
But I think possibly some of you have missed is his audience of other Jews were offended & a person or persons walked out. The outcry initial came from his audience. The people who spoke up at least heard what he said & were offended. For what it is worth I grew up in a predominately jewish neighborhood in the 70’s & 80’s this word was always meant as an insult.
TheOriginalKate – You are hilarious!
Stellapurdy – I never knew that the leprechaun thing was derogatory to the Irish. (St. Patrick’s Day is such a cool holiday!)
Texasmom – You make a good point. To many of our older population — both black and white, “colored” was a step up from the “n” word.
philo has a good point. All of you are saying we shouldn’t take offense and don’t be so damn sensitive. Yet when you say something about the Jews, everyone gets so outraged and calls you anti-semitic.
@Stellapurdy – I’m Irish and puzzled re your earlier ‘ripping on the Irish’ comment. I personally have never been offended by (what we would call) all the OTT shamrockery that surrounds Paddy’s Day internationally, and I really don’t know any Irish people that are. Am I missing something? Was it a particular ad or ads?
Just sayin,,,you totally got owned,,just sayin.
@ geronimo and j.d.m.j.
At one time in this country the leprechaun was a derogatory character of the Irish American, much like Sambo or Black Face is to the African American.
Irish immigrants were not wanted in America and ads for employment often were followed by “NO IRISH NEED APPLY.” They were forced to live in cellars and shanties because they were considered bad for the neighborhood. Their brogue and dress provoked ridicule.
And with this the derogatory leprechaun character was born, often characterized as a monkey and was published in the newspapers of the day, quite frequently. You have to keep in mind that at one time this country was populated with mostly Englishmen.
Anyone going to a Mason show should know what his material is about. He’s done this act for decades.
And by the way, I’m not offended by the occasional leprechaun. We have been able to overcome the stereotype that was placed on my ancestors in the late 1800’s and I guess that was my whole point. People need to take the stick out of their ass and stop being so easily offended.
Stellapurdy:
I’m confused about the St. Patrick’s day comment-can you explain how this is prejudice?
Given, it is annoying to many Irish, just like Cinco de Mayo is annoying to many Mexicans, in that a national holiday (although CDM kinda isn’t) has been appropriated by drunk college students in the US, but I fail to see how it is racist.
I live in NY, and the St. Patrick’s Day parade is a big deal to Irish Americans. Maybe the non Irish belittle it by getting drunk and crazy when it’s not even their holiday-but who knows, maybe it is. chances are a good many people in the US are a little Irish.
As a side note, my Irish brother in law used to get quite annoyed at Iris-Americans claiming to be Irish. Cause they are not. They are Americans of Irish heritage. But he never cared about the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Because some people use any excuse to get drunk.
Leprachauns are not Irishmen, they are imaginary creatures from Irish folklore. Why they should be any more of a racial slur, then say, the Coca-cola Santa Claus version of St. Nicholas, I don’t know.
Thanks for that, stellapurdy. I get where you’re coming from on the historical front and the connotations it may still have in certain places. Remember reading up on this – the portayal of the Irish in the UK press in and around the time of the Famine – and it was beyond horrying.
Duh. *horrifying *portrayal
To Just Saying et all.
Okay, for the last freaking time. “Pot calling the kettle black” has nothing to do with race, skin color, or even people. When that saying was originated, kettles, pots and most other kitchen items used for cooking were made of cast iron. Which turns black when it is aged. It means that its kind of silly for a kettle to talk about a pot for being a certain way when the kettle is the exact same way. It means that the pot is being a hypocrite, not a racist. Period. I have an entire cookware set made of cast iron, and it is “seasoned” to black.
Just a personal peeve here, but I get so tired of people pulling this one out. Just because it has the word “black” in it does not mean that its a racial slur.
Okay, climbing off my soapbox now.
pot calling the kettle black…is a referrence to black people…OMG, what an ignorant statement. No one “owns” a trademark on the word black. It doesn’t have to refer to a human race every time it is used. In this case, cooking in iron pots over an open fire resulted in blackened cookware, both equally. So it would be hypocritical to callout one and not the other…same thing, different shape. I am always surprised that people are unaware of the origins of this saying or what it really means. People just hear a word and go off on tangents for no reason.
And just for the record, I also have never heard the word Schvartze used ONLY in derogatory terms. Mason knows that as well as anyone. Not the first time his mouth has gotten him in trouble, right back to the days of Ed Sulliven. Judging from the way he talks, he seems to be not a very nice man. Is that PC enough?
Sorry, that sentence should have read: never heard the word Schvartze used in ANYTHING but a… that is, having never heard it used in a neutral manner, always as a racial slur
Disa, that “friend” has been and still is mykid’s most loyal friend (he’s 13) since he was in 5 yrs old. they love each other like cemented brothers. Why in the world would my son get offended by A racial slur when he is EVERY race almost on the planet? MY kid thinks its funny because his identity is EARTHER…..HUMAN and due to his racial diversity he has no hangups like you may have. Don’t feel sorry for him, he’s happy in his skin, he just laughs at the rest of you for not having the blessing of caring “what” and “where from” he is. I’ve learned much from him and how he explains to me why he doesnt have the hangups you all have. I mean really….how can you get hung up and freaked over EVERY joke when you ARE almost EVERY race? He’s a Godsend in my opinion
Hes a kind of a microcosm of the whole issue. He hears a “black” joke….should the “black” in him be offended? Or an Irish joke…should his Irish genes run off in a rage? Or a phillipino joke? OMG he should RUN to the teacher ecause his phillipino hair is standing on end arguing with his Irish o neg blood, and his black skin tint coupled with his Native American dna memory is squaring it off with his Italian craving for pasta… too amusing. Better my house than yours for fun 🙂
Stellapurdy, I guess, needless to say, that Leprechaun movie was probably pretty offensive to some. Not to mention just bad.
MissSmilla, that interesting that people that are part Irish or Irish American aren’t considered Irish. I’ve heard that if you have a fraction of Native American blood, you can be considered Native American…but never heard this for any other race,nationality, etc. But, honestly, I don’t know much about it.
“Schwartze” (there are about a thousand different ways to spell it, Yiddish is a bitch) is generally not used as a derogatory term, just a statement of fact. It’s used in exactly the same way as the word “colored.” It’s old-fashioned, but old people use it, and you’re not gonna change that. If a Jewish person, old or young, wants to use a derogatory term for a black person, they just use the “n-word” like everyone else.
BTW, “shiksa” is usually semi-affectionate. My mom uses it all the time for my sister-in-law (who is a practicing Catholic) when she doesn’t understand a religious concept or something about a Jewish holiday, i.e. “Oh, my little shiksa, I forgot!” then pats her on the cheek and explains it to her. The only time it’s really derogatory is when it’s used for a girl who IS Jewish, but non-observant. One of my aunts used to call me “The Shiksa,” like I didn’t even have a name, when I was dating a non-Jewish guy. Obviously, prejudice does exist among Jews, as it does with any group, but this “schwartze” thing is probably not a case of it.
If everyone on here says a “a racial slur is a racial slur” why don’t they get on the black comedians asses when they “racially slur” a white person?
It’s called the one-drop rule. One drop of African blood and you’re black. For native Americans, it’s 1/16th.
So Arnold Schwartzenegger’s name is offensive?
While we’re on idiomatic phrases, “calling a spade a spade” is not racially oriented either. And niggardly means cheap and miserly, and is not derivative of the n-word.
stella~ I’m Irish & well aware of the US’s treatment of the Irish in the 1800s & 1900s, but I’m not offended in the slightest by St. Patrick’s Day. I actually think of the holiday as a giant “fuck you” to that history. Hell, everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s! In fact, I’ve never heard of anyone being offended by St. Patrick’s Day.
I’ve heard aLOT of racial slurs growing up in the South & honestly, I’m only offended by the crap that comes out of younger people’s mouths. Folks my grandparent’s age just didn’t know any better. Not that I’m excusing their words. Sorry, this has gotten rambly…
gg:While we’re on idiomatic phrases, “calling a spade a spade” is not racially oriented either. And niggardly means cheap and miserly, and is not derivative of the n-word.
Thanks gg for that and all the other posters. I really enjoyed reading these comments very informative.
I think we should all cry collectively for the poor, persecuted white majority of America who now have to suffer the indignity of shutting the heck up and who are no longer allowed to be raging racists in public. Its so un-PC to not be allowed to verbally humiliate and assault people because of the color of their skin. Too bad we cant just put them all on the back of the bus and require them to use a separate water fountain anymore, eh . . . .
Seriously, I truly wish that white people could walk one day in the life of the average black person in this country (and I speak for blacks because thats what I am–I cant speak for other ethnic minorities). People, it is not the same. Blacks are not treated the same as whites in all walks of life. Institutional and (less than subtle) racism still exists and impacts the lives of blacks in America everyday. I speak from experience as an Ivy League educated black woman with a number of degrees, including a top law degree. Yes in theory I have the same opportunities as my white peers, but believe me when I tell you that I am neither perceived the same way as my peers nor treated the same way — especially in the large law firm that is still white male dominated. There are always assumptions that as a black person trying to achieve, one must overcome. And frankly, its exhausting. I would invite everyone who thinks that color no longer matters to read this article by Peggy McIntosh called “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”. Its a very interesting read and gives the perspective of one white woman who actually took the time to think about what it means to be white in America.
On the issue of the Jackie Mason story, in my own personal experience, I always have to try to remember which is derogatory — “nero” or “negro”. My husband is Italian and when I travel to Italy I hear them both sometimes. One means black and the other means “the N-word”. Its a tricky one.
I was trying to point out that if anyone looks hard enough they can always find something that will get their drawers in a bunch. The idea of using a character such as a leprechaun or using St. Patty’s day as a excuse to get drunk, if you take into context the history of the Irish immigrant, can be found offensive.
Like I said to geronimo, my point was that the political correctness has gotten ridiculous. The fact that people may have walked out of Mason’s show only adds to the hypocrisy because his act has always been about disparaging all races, including the Jews. Much like Don Rickles, who I find to be one of the funniest comics ever.
Mason makes a good point, Chris Rock does this all the time but he doesn’t get any flap for it and nor would I want him to.
It’s all a matter of what your taste is and if you don’t like a particular comic nobody is forcing you to listen to him/her.
As a matter of fact, Chris Rock is actually being mischaracterized. Chris Rock does not go around willy nilly making racist jokes about white people. His jokes about whites and blacks are actually social commentary and cut both ways. For example, he jokes about “old black men” who grew up under Jim Crow being the most racist people of all (even though they defer to white people publicly. Recently he joked about how all the black people in his neighborhood are extremely rich and successful, mostly showbiz types (Mary J., Jay-Z, him, etc) but the white man next door to him is a DENTIST.
Sorry, but if you’re going to talk about him, then get it right.
🙂 the internet is an incredibly wonderful resource.
All things considered, that’s probably the KINDEST word that one could come up with to describe Mr. Obama. He is leading our country to certain ruin and everyone just thinks that’s dandy because we have a black president.
I don’t CARE what color the pres is, nor do I care what an old comedian thinks of him either. What I do care about is the travesty that Obama has wreaked on our country in just a few short months.
We need a do-over. This administration is a major, major FAIL.
Sparkle, that’s my point exactly! Rock is an equal opportunity offender or humorist, depending on how you look at it. Mason is no different.
Sparkle, sorry to break you bubble, but doing Obama’s run for the Presidency, Chris hosted a show at the Apollo where he said, and I quote: Vote for my man, you all don’t want to wake up the morning after the election and say “WTF, I voted for an old white woman”. How would that have sounded if a white person said that about Obama.
Racial slurs are a two edged blade, it cuts both ways.
And as to walking in your shoes for one day…I am Hispanic woman with 2 degrees and I still do not get any respect. We are in the same boat, but you seem to think yours is so much more important!
@Angelica —
I found Chris Rock’s comments about Hillary Clinton to be more sexist than anything else, but yep, as a woman (and a Hillary supporter), I found it tasteless.
As to your experience as a Hispanic woman, read more carefully, I stated specifically that I could only speak for my experience as a black woman. You feel free to speak to your own.
Regarding the one-drop rule for being Black and 1/16 for Native American:
My boyfriend is 1/2 Native and 1/8 Black, what does that make him? Besides confused…LOL!
Laura,
How much have we spent on the war in Iraq?
Oh yeah, a debate about that wouldn’t be appropriate in a forum about Jackie Mason
Wow, Sparkle!
Your life must be a joyful place to live in with all that anger to keep you warm and cozy.
Ha ha ha.
Have fun with that.
No one in this country wants to admit they are racists If we did, we’d have to show overselves and the world who and what we are!
The folks who practice PC are just as bad I’ve seen and heard some pretty ugly stuff come out them as well! On the other hand, there are the individuals who openly and gleeful make racist remarks and then want to turn it around on the very people they’ve made the remarks against. How arrogant and cowardly!
Post racial American my eye! Who the heck came up with that phrase? My guess is the media and the liberals who don’t want to deal with racism! The hypocrisy is disgusting! That goes around to ALL parties!
Baho, don’t ask me, I don’t make the rules! I just know that as a Pakistani Muslim, I’m officially both “alien” and “caucasian” and unofficially a terrorist. How’s that for confusing?
Holy freaking crap… I make one observation and get multiple posters jumping down my throat instead of simply pointing out my mistake and telling me the origin of the phrase. Excuse the hell out of me for misunderstanding what the phrase meant… I did ask the question “am I the only one who sees this as a terrible racial slur?” and did not say “you suck, you terrible bigot.”
At least Baho simply explained the phrase. Thanks, Baho – I really didn’t know the origin of the saying.
Geronimo, Gimmeabreak, Dahlia6 and Victory, you are asswipes for jumping down my throat because I misunderstood the phrase. It’s even worse because one post by one commenter (Baho) would have “set me straight.” But you just HAD to give me the verbal smack-down, didn’t you? “For the last freaking time,” “Never leave your house again,” “OMG what an ignorant statement,” “you got owned,” you guys are penultimate douchebags and need to find something productive to do with your time. God forbid anyone make a mistake with you people around…
Just for the record, I didn’t “go off on a tangent.” I made ONE simple observation about an old saying. And I was wrong – but I wasn’t blatantly rude. You people, on the other hand, DID go off on a tangent and showed you’re obviously more interested in being rude than having a civil conversation.
??? where is my coment?
is he a schwartza-negger? lol
Bina, I’m glad you pointed that out: most people don’t know that South Asian people are Caucasian. Skin colour has nothing to do with it. Racial determination is made by looking at the skeletal structure, particularly the skull and teeth. In fact, most of the real human skeletons used in teaching anatomy used to come from India.
Bina, Bina, Bina … that was hillarious, & also rather sad.
Still, thanks for the laugh.
Michelle: it’s the only real way to deal with racism… to laugh at it and rise above it.
Baho: When my mother went to America and tried to apply for her driver’s license, back in Virginia in the 70s, she was puzzled by the application form that asked for her race. She asked the DMV guy, “What race am I? Am I Negroid?” The guy, a total Southerner, looked at her and said, “Uh-uh, you’re Caucasian!” My mother filled out the form, duly enlightened. That story still makes me laugh today.
And Baho, that racial combination probably makes your boyfriend pretty hot.
Loldong wrote:
Jackie Mason is a great comedian.>>
No, he isn’t, okay!
LOLdong wrote: He stands up for the right of free speech.
Me. I’m sure he’s all for freedom of speech, when it’s coming out of his mouth or in his favor! The difference is that, I did what would be conceived as anti-jewish remarks. He’d be all up in arms and demanding an apology!
Me making such remarks, ahhh, non-issue!
Double standards. That’s what makes this country great!
~
Mr. Mason’s comments are no more valid or informed than yours or mine.
And I am not the biggest fan of Obama. But if you think he is responsible for these problems, there’s a fail.
The proverbial table was set by the Cheney/Bush administration. And it is these people who should be facing serious criminal charges.
Thanks to the author for the article, I was interested to read the article, I will staratsya often go to you
stellapurdy keeps talking about the Irish on St.Patricks day. Wow a whole day of stereotypes. If you take a good look at your history you will see the discrimination that the Irish withstood when they first came over. And as it has been ever since, have treated every other immigrant 10xs worse than they were treated. You talk about how you can’t stand the political correctness but that’s exactly what you are complaining about for the Irish who have controlled the law and government for years. And again, this is a free country and we have free speech. People don’t have to go see him. I can call anyone anything I damn well please. I choose not to because it would hurt people. Stereotypes are there because they are true. Not of everyone, but of a culture.
Thoughtful and interesting, thank you. I was brought up in the philipines but moved to england at such a young age I barely remember anything apart from the delicious food. I finally found some authentic Filipino recipes if you want to take a look, I thought I’d share it with you!