Thursday, November 08, 2012

Post-racial America?

The First Amendment protects free speech.  At times though, it can be tough to stomach what some people feel so free to "share" (read "spew" just here!).

The following clip calls in question the notion that we now live in a "post-racial America."  No doubt, we've made progress against the evil of racism.  But racial animus is far from dead in this nation.

As we work in neighborhoods, with community institutions and among low-income persons, we must not forget the negative, destructive power of racism and hatred.  Racist actions, statements and attitudes serve only to destroy authentic community.

In addition, we must work hard to improve the tone and tenor of civic discourse.  We don't have to hate those with whom we disagree.

I look forward to your reactions after you've watched.




15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have you ever watched Chris Matthews, Ed Schultz, Rachel Maddow,Bill Maher,Al Sharpton? As far as hate speech goes, they are at the top of the list.

Not to mention the Obama administrations over the top ads of Mitt Romney, one of the most decent men to ever run for office.

Then there is the little lie about a movie trailor causing the death of four Americans when the administration knew that wasn't true. The guy who made it is still in prison.

But I'm sure this is not the kind of thing you meant.

Anonymous said...

Larry: this is atrocious and has no place in civilized discourse. Saying Obama is a socialist, Muslim, etc is bad enough (even if it ignores the meaning of words and reality). This woman did this intentionally to evoke ugly racial memories. That's appalling.

Anon: As to MSNBC, please provide examples. I know Fox calls Obama a communist and has compared him with Hitler, Mao and Stalin. I'm not aware of MSNBA going nearly that far, and am curious about any examples you may provide. Any inaccurate labeling and name calling is wrong.

As to what the Obama campaign said about Romney, the favor was returned in spades. Our elections have gotten pretty harah. I wish both sides would take a step back.

By the way, Anon: do you condone what this woman did? You did not actually address Larry's post.

Anonymous said...

I didn't have any problem with the woman's artwork. Some people find racism under every rock. Its a lame and sorry excuse for many.

Anonymous said...

So, Anon 8:30, what's your excuse? I hope you have one!

Anonymous said...

I could not get the video on my computer but I can certainly provide you with examples of MSNBC hate speech. In the first place, it was a guest, Hank Williams, Jr. on Fox that compared Obama to Hitler and he got in trouble for it. With MSNBC, they take orders from Media Matters, funded by George Soros who encourages hate speech.

Here are examples of host Ed Schultz hate speech.

Marco Rubio is a damm political phony, not a true American.

The Republican Party stands for racism.

Dick Chaney's heart is a political football. We ought to rip it out, kick it around and shove it back in.

The Republicans want to see you dead, they want to make money off your dead corpse.

Conservative broadcasters want Obama shot.

To Democrat Senators who vote against Obama, it's gonad cuttin time.

Republicans are bastards who want to destroy the American dream.

Harry Reid is ball-less because he won't shove GOP bastards into the ditch.

With MSNBC this goes on all evening, some hosts are worse than others.

Al Sharpton is perhaps the biggest racist of all.

Lynn Leaming said...

I continually have to remind myself that I can't be surprised when the world acts like the world. As our world gets darker I pray those of us that are not of this world will shine brighter. Thanks for all you do Larry to show us the injustices and what you do to right them.

Larry James said...

Thanks, Lynn. Isn't strange how so few of those who respond here negatively never get around to adddressing the issue at hand? Interesting and very revealing to me.

Anonymous said...

So Anon 8:43, its jerks like you that make this website worth visiting

Anonymous said...

In order to have civilized discourse, which is worse, the daily hateful rant of left wing media (aka MSNBC)which reaches millions, or the occasional supposedly hateful statement of one person which few people see?

Larry, I would like to see you denounce the left wing media just once, it would give you more credibility. There is a definate gap, in my opinion. Before you say Fox does the same thing, they do not.

Terry Cagle said...

We live in a fallen America because it is made up of us! I'm thankful for progress made and look hopefully towards the future but it's 3 steps forward, 2 steps back... As Tony Campolo has said, we must be thankful for this country because it is the nicest Babylon in the world but it is still Babylon.

Larry James said...

Hate speech is never OK. Whether from the right or the left, it is counterproductive. But what does media have to do with the point of the post or with the questions it raises?

Anonymous said...

You said that we must work hard to improve the tone and tenor of public discourse. I believe that the media is, to a large extent, responsible for the tone.

Anonymous said...

You are truly just blinded to say Fox does not engage in hateful speech. They vilify Obama and call him names and label him every chance they get. I would not condone such action by MSNMC either, but they do a lot less of it.

Anonymous said...

Anom: 4:56

How about some examples of hate speech from Fox?? I gave examples of MSNBC, which is just one continuous hate speech in the evening.In fact it is not unusual for their hosts to be suspended for a few days for what they say. I have never heard Fox engage in hateful speech.

Anonymous said...

Anom: 4:56

How about some examples of hate speech from Fox?? I gave examples of MSNBC, which is just one continuous hate speech in the evening.In fact it is not unusual for their hosts to be suspended for a few days for what they say. I have never heard Fox engage in hateful speech.