DEMOGRAPHICS by FutureMrsFIllion

Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
So relax, it's just black folk's humor.

Like I said, I don't even like it in jest. Besides, I wasn't planning on shooting any necessary organs or anything like that.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 5:57 AM

BWARE42

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
Quote:
Originally posted by JubelLate:
The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule. – H.L. Mencken

I love that quote!

The
Somnambulist

www.cirqus.com

I've always subscribed to the theory that anything that's been thought, said, invented, or accomplished...Was done to meet women.

Time for some thrilling heroics.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:04 AM

SAHARA

Female
39
Widowed
Education Admin
USA
Atheist
Pale(I don't tan, I don't burn, I spontaneously combust)
Irish/Norwegian/Scottish/Welsh

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BWare42:
I've always subscribed to the theory that anything that's been thought, said, invented, or accomplished...Was done to meet women.

Even the stuff done by heterosexual women?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:14 AM

SAHARA

Quote:
Originally posted by christhecynic:
Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
So relax, it's just black folk's humor.

Like I said, I don't even like it in jest. Besides, I wasn't planning on shooting any necessary organs or anything like that.

So, you were going to do it politely?

Blackbird fly into the light of the dark, black night.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:17 AM

THESOMNAMBULIST

Quote:

I've always subscribed to the theory that anything that's been thought, said, invented, or accomplished...Was done to meet women.

Could be... Then again I meet women all the time and I've accomplished nuttin'... though maybe these days accomplishing nothing is an accomplishment in itself... you seen how stressed people are these days!?

The
Somnambulist

www.cirqus.com

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by FutureMrsFIllion:
Quote:
Originally posted by ShadowFLY:
Male
30
Married
Associate Scientist
New York
Religions for idiots
Black

Whew Hew! Its about time! I was wondering where all the Black browncoats were!

Not many of us but we are here.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
Quote:
Originally posted by ShadowFLY:
Look at all the white people who like Firefly! What is this, a Klan meeting?

LOL!!! I know exactly what you mean.

Female
20
Single
Student/Receptionist
U.S.A.-Michigan
None, thanks
Black

*************************************************

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

Thank you so very much for being here sister!!!
Keep on flying!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 7:03 AM

CAUSAL

Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
[BAs one of the few black people on this forum, I can tell you that sometimes when we are surrounded by a large group of white or mostly white people, it is common for us to make jokes like this one. In most cases, no harm is meant in any way. So relax, it's just black folk's humor. /B]

With all due respect, those are not the kinds of jokes that I find to be even remotely funny. How would you feel were the situation reversed, and someone made a "joke" with the "N-word" in it? The word is such a stick of dynamite that I can't even spell it out for fear of the repercussions! So I would never use it, even in a joke, because I don't want to give the appearance of painting with too broad a brush. But that's what the "klan meeting" joke does. This type of joke is just seriously un-funny, regardless of what the intent was. Sensitivity cuts both ways.

________________________________________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 7:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sahara:
So, you were going to do it politely?

Well it would hardly have any meaning if I did it impolitely. I mean here someone is coming out and hitting me with a racial and religious slur and I want to hit back, but if I do it in anger or rudely than I'm just as bad, it has to be a rational well thought out polite shooting. Hence the whole thing about waiting until in a better mood. You can't be sure you'll hit the right place if you're all riled up.

-

Oh, something I should have said before:

My cousin who I've been round since literally before I was born is black, born in Africa no less, the first friend I ever had was black and I've been around enough black folk since then to know it isn't simply "black folk's humor" it's your humor, and other people's humor, but don't group black people in general with you cause it ain't true if you do that.

Let that be a lesson too: Don't stereotype even your own race because at some point someone will come around who knows that it isn't true.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 7:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Causal:
Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
As one of the few black people on this forum, I can tell you that sometimes when we are surrounded by a large group of white or mostly white people, it is common for us to make jokes like this one. In most cases, no harm is meant in any way. So relax, it's just black folk's humor.

With all due respect, those are not the kinds of jokes that I find to be even remotely funny. How would you feel were the situation reversed, and someone made a "joke" with the "N-word" in it? The word is such a stick of dynamite that I can't even spell it out for fear of the repercussions! So I would never use it, even in a joke, because I don't want to give the appearance of painting with too broad a brush. But that's what the "klan meeting" joke does. This type of joke is just seriously un-funny, regardless of what the intent was. Sensitivity cuts both ways.

I'm not trying to offend people in any way. My intent here was to offer an explanation of why ShadowFly made this particular statement. Racism is alive and well in the United States (and indeed, much of the world), so when you're a race that's in the minority that is immersed in a group that consists of the majority, it's easy to become nervous, apprehensive, or even afraid. Therefore, you might say or do something to make yourself feel more comfortable, which can often mean making a joke. You may not think of what effect the joke could have on others, or the joke in question may not be that politically sensitive. It's generally not the intent of the person to cause harm, but rather to alleviate tension. I don't know if that was ShadowFly's intent, but it was mine. And speaking as a member of a group that has been persecuted, I'm not looking to crucify anyone else. That would be beyond hypocritical.

**************************************************

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 7:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Causal:
With all due respect, those are not the kinds of jokes that I find to be even remotely funny. How would you feel were the situation reversed, and someone made a "joke" with the "N-word" in it?

That word only insults a person's race, you'd need one that insulted their character as well if you wanted it to be on equal ground.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 7:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by christhecynic:
Oh, something I should have said before:

My cousin who I've been round since literally before I was born is black, born in Africa no less, the first friend I ever had was black and I've been around enough black folk since then to know it isn't simply "black folk's humor" it's your humor, and other people's humor, but don't group black people in general with you cause it ain't true if you do that.

Let that be a lesson too: Don't stereotype even your own race because at some point someone will come around who knows that it isn't true.

I should point out here that you're right, one person cannot speak for all. But I will say that many black people in the United States do not consider themselves to be from the same type of culture as blacks that come from Africa. So when I was referring to black people, I meant those from the U.S. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

**************************************************

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 7:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
I'm not trying to offend people in any way.

I don't think anyone's holding anything against you.

Quote:
Therefore, you might say or do something to make yourself feel more comfortable, which can often mean making a joke. You may not think of what effect the joke could have on others, or the joke in question may not be that politically sensitive. It's generally not the intent of the person to cause harm, but rather to alleviate tension.

All of this I understand but it's still not really an excuse for saying that kind of thing, even as a joke.

I’m in a story telling mood.

There are certain things that you really should think before you say. My dad used to have a job fixing appliances in an apartment building and one day he did it for someone people called a Nazi, the man didn't say a word, he just let my dad in and let him do his job. He didn't show it off, but a serial number on your arm is something hard to hide if you don't wear long sleeves.

My dad couldn't think of anything to say so he just finished up his job and left, but he’s never forgotten the guy who was called Nazi who lived through a concentration camp.

The man is probably dead by now, but if he weren't do you think that explaining to him why he was called that would make him feel any better?

If you do then I don't understand you, and if you don't then think before you try to pull the same thing on us.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
I should point out here that you're right, one person cannot speak for all. But I will say that many black people in the United States do not consider themselves to be from the same type of culture as blacks that come from Africa. So when I was referring to black people, I meant those from the U.S. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

She hasn't been in Africa since she was born, she's an American. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

My first friend, who you have kindly ignored, was a New Yorker. Most, though not all, of the people I have met since then (including the black ones) are Americans.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by christhecynic:
All of this I understand but it's still not really an excuse for saying that kind of thing, even as a joke.

You're right, it's not an excuse, but it is a way that some black people react to tense situations. I don't mean to justify this behavior, just stating what I know to generally be a fact.

I'm not just using myself as an example here, either. Every one of my family members, black friends, even celebrities have a tendency to use politically incorrect humor (usually towards white people). It's just something that some black people tend to do, and considering black American history, it's to be somewhat expected. Old wounds run deep, after all.

And in reference to the story you told, it was very inappropriate to call that man a Nazi. People don't think before they speak sometimes, and there's no telling who you might hurt. It's not an excuse, but it does happen.

**************************************************

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:08 AM

LETOV

Well, to try to get back to the original topic and hopefully far, far away from where its gone, I'll chime in.

Male
30
Married w/two lovely little girls
"IT Field" works
USA
Atheist
White
Dutch/Lithuanian/European mutt.

- Leto_V

"Well, my days of not taking you
seriously are certainly coming to
a middle." - Mal

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by deepgirl187:
Quote:
Originally posted by christhecynic:
All of this I understand but it's still not really an excuse for saying that kind of thing, even as a joke.

You're right, it's not an excuse, but it is a way that some black people react to tense situations. I don't mean to justify this behavior, just stating what I know to generally be a fact.

I'm not just using myself as an example here, either. Every one of my family members, black friends, even celebrities have a tendency to use politically incorrect humor (usually towards white people). It's just something that some black people tend to do, and considering black American history, it's to be somewhat expected. Old wounds run deep, after all.

And in reference to the story you told, it was very inappropriate to call that man a Nazi. People don't think before they speak sometimes, and there's no telling who you might hurt. It's not an excuse, but it does happen.

**************************************************

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

Well said sister!

Now can we continue with the original topic of this thread?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:12 AM

TAYEATRA

Just to reaffirm that we are all different...

I posted shortly after the comment about the Klu Klux Clan and I honestly found it funny. I was wondering if this might be an age thing since I understand very little of the significance. I wouldn't class myself as ignorant but where I live I've never really encountered racism other than in the media.

One of the problems with talking in forums is that there is nothing to indicate tonal variations or unspoken aspects of conversation. Offense can be easily caused regardless of intent.

*****
Taya
*****
I'm going to S3!!!
(*Insert hysterical celebration dance here*)

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:13 AM

ZOMBIASH

Female
24
Single
Clerical, aspiring writer
USA - Florida
Agnostic
White
German/English descent

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tayeatra:
Just to reaffirm that we are all different...

I wouldn't class myself as ignorant but where I live I've never really encountered racism other than in the media.

Consider yourself blessed.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tayeatra:
Offense can be easily caused regardless of intent.

Or because of it. I honestly think I would take less offence if it was serious, but to make a joke out of it is beyond rude.

-

I want to say the following and I hope people don't mind me staying off topic for that much longer.

We've all lost people we love, we've all been afraid and been in places where we were in actual danger just because of who we are or how we look.

We all know what it's like to be shut out and how it feels to be denied what you've earned.

I doubt that there is one person on this board who will not have someone they love torn from them in a horrible way be simple malignant cancer or being beaten to death because of race, religion, or sexuality.

Everyone has to face the same things.

Some people have to face it more often, every day, every minute. But that isn't a reason to say certain things, even when it is a joke. Especially when it's a joke, because for some of us this stuff isn't a joking matter.

People die because of hate every day, and the ones that look like me aren't left out just because they're more susceptible to sunburns.

-

Quote:
Originally posted by Tayeatra:
I wouldn't class myself as ignorant but where I live I've never really encountered racism other than in the media.

I used to be like you, enjoy it and pray that it lasts.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:40 AM

Get a thicker skin, and a backbone.
Now can we continue with the topic of the thread?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ShadowFLY:
Get a thicker skin, and a backbone.
Now can we continue with the topic of the thread?

I at least tried to understand your previous statement to a point. But ChrisTheCynic has a good point, and that is no reason to demean him for it. We all have the right to our own opinion on this forum.

**************************************************

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:47 AM