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Readers speak out about the n-word

We asked you how you feel about Michael Richards' rant and the what black leaders, like Jesse Jackson, had to say about the n-word and here's how you responded:Caught in the actI love to see white people squirm and grovel! Why is it every time they get caught with their racism blowing like a white sheet in the wind, whites start talking about "Poverty Pimps" and what Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle
/ Source: msnbc.com

We asked you how you feel about Michael Richards' rant and the what black leaders, like Jesse Jackson, had to say about the n-word and here's how you responded:

Caught in the act

I love to see white people squirm and grovel! Why is it every time they get caught with their racism blowing like a white sheet in the wind, whites start talking about "Poverty Pimps" and what Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle do? Face it, Herr Michael got caught repeating, with cameras rolling, language you all speak when you think no one can hear you. White people are so afraid that black people are going to do to them what they did to us that they always try to confuse the issue. You are so busted. — Mary Raymond, Long Beach, Calif.

Tired of complaints

When all black comedians stop using the n-word, then I will feel sorry for the "Americans" whose ancestors were from Africa. Richards was totally wrong for this and he has been humiliated in public which is the worst thing for stars due to their egos. By the way, I am white and I really get tired of people using their race as a trump card if thing don't work out the way they want them to. Yes your great-grandparents may have been slaves, but my ancestors did not own any slaves yet you want me to apologize for something that I or my family was not a part of. Sorry, that’s not going to happen. Stop calling yourself African-American, and call yourself an American. — Kevin, St. Louis, Mo.

Apologizing to the wrong people

Michael Richards’ apologies are being done merely for saving face. He is doing what he knows the public has demanded of him, and yet he still has not apologized to the men to whom these comments were directed. The public apologies are nice, but the men who were offended are the ones who deserve the apologies. What's worse, this incident will be forgotten in a few months time and no real solutions to the problems of racism will be addressed. – Jamie,Columbia, Mo.

No money necessary

Michael Richard's public apology should be accepted. We don't need his money. It's time for the n-word to be removed from public discourse. As Jesse Jackson said, “replace degradation with dignity.” It begins with African-Americans to set the course and pace. I am disgusted with how disrespectful America has become in the name of so-called “free speech.” Please no more jokes, put-downs, slurs at my expense. In the name of human decency, name-calling and labeling is just plain wrong.  — Ray L. Johnson, Fairfield, Calif.

Does Jackson have an agenda?

The whole thing is ridiculous. Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy are equally as offensive as Michael Richards. Every comedy routine offends some race or some ethnic group. Look at the beating that short people get. Are we going to boycott the "M" word as well? Having said all that, I think the Reverend Jessie Jackson uses any public issue to gain publicity which I think makes him compatible with Michael Richards. He preys on public sentiment to gain notoriety and that's how he raises his money. If the free press wasn't always trying to sell advertising, this wouldn't even make the company newsletter. This is a lot to do about nothing. White, black or brown we all offend one another too much, but we all offend equally — no race is free from being degraded, I just wish we had equal fair coverage of offenses for every race if that is our objective. — David Craig, Memphis, Tenn.

It’s simple

Free speech is all inclusive; you can't be selective in what is and what is not allowed. Period! -- Jim McRath,Mansfield, Penn.

Do unto others

Stop the hypocrisy, black folks. We are upset with Michael Richards for his derogatory use of the n-word, but give free passes to our own folk for their endearing use of the n-word. Stop the hypocrisy; we can't expect anyone to respect us until we respect ourselves first! –Salaam, Denver, Co.

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Racist but real

Michael Richards' apology was probably one of the most honest I've ever seen from a celebrity. However, when he says that he isn't a racist, he can really only mean that he doesn't wish to be one. Very few people aren't prejudiced in some way, and those that aren't minority in this country, who prejudge, are by definition racist. More people need to realize this before they condemn Mr. Richards, because given a similar situation, there but for the grace of God go you. I do believe his words came from anger -- it's a classic example of escalation, like going to get your gun after someone pulls a knife on you. I don't know that the hecklers hurt him to the point he felt he needed to go to that extreme to hurt them back, or if he just chose to start dropping n-bombs because he could. Maybe he thought people would laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. Regardless, he shouldn't have said it, and he should apologize, which he seems earnest in trying to do. If he is serious about getting to the root of it for himself that should be applauded, as that is something we all should be doing. -- Chris Hoffmann, Milwaukee, Wis.