(oblongata 1)

(There's always a special tranquility aroused by the act of sharing a meal with family and friends. Breaking bread or sharing a drink with others has always served as a way to reconnect, reinforce bonds, and express the wish for the general well-being of the other eaters. By eating the foods others have prepared, we essentially consume a part of the essence of that preparer, learning more about them than the mere spolen word can express. Bush should sit down with Kim Jong Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, share a meal, and talk about their disagreements in a human-like way...)

the n-word and michael richards

Every Black person living in these United States has probably had the misfortune of being called "nigger" by someone else in a malicious fashion. It is a word that is used as a term of endearment for some, a biting racial epithet for others, but it is always bound to arouse some sort of emotional response, be it positive or negative. This, of course, largely depends on the identity of the one using the word. Former Kramer star Michael Richards recently launched into an angry, n-word-laced tirade after being heckled at a Los Angeles comedy club, and as of yet, I have seen very little understanding and acceptance of his "apology" coming from the African-American community, and there is a very good reason why.

If you are an African-American with any white acquaintances, you've most likely been in a situation in which those white friends feel you are comfortable enough with them that they can let the n-word fly. If it is not used as a blunt instrument to bludgeon someone verbally and the white person is accepted as a member of the group, it is often times excused by Black people and seen as a term of endearment (even though I am personally against its used by anyone in any contextual setting). Richards' rant, however, was of the angry, hurting kind that we usually associate with the use of the word, and the room for forgiveness in the Black community is rightfully absent.

Richards has to realize that his tantrum has seriously maimed an already floundering career as a stand-up comic? Heckling comes with the territory, and a comedian hoping to make a career doing stand-up must have the quick wit to ward off hecklers and turn their attacks against them in a way that is both entertaining and intelligent. Richards would do well to review some performances of the legendary Richard Pryor and see how he deftly handled annoying interlopers.

The Michael Richards case has definitely proven that racism is harmful to both recipient and giver alike, and that words, even when carelessly used, can still inflame simmering emotions. May he never grace the stage again (although he probably gained the admiration of those who think being PC is a problem)!