intent matters anymore or if it is simply how one interprets intent?
Quote:
These things aren’t harmless. I don’t care what he’s done before or how long he has posted. We are all adults and we know what words mean
Without intent, things are most definitely harmless. And spare the bullshit about being adults and knowing what words mean. The adults on this thread can't even come to a conclusion on what the words meant, but we supposedly all know?
I'd say that on face value, humans are primates, but that likely won't matter since you've already determined intent and apparently aren't going to give a fuck if told otherwise.
RE: ok, so I thought maybe he was using the chimp as Â
the ball, you know like midget tossing. I don't get the problem with playing catch with him. Actually thought the little fella's got better hands than OBJ, and didn't need gloves.
I had the same reaction, I expected him to throw it at him hard or hurt him in some way.
OK. I agree that I'm not always right when I'm offended. But if you're going to assert that, you should also accept that you're not always right just because you aren't offended. Also, this one is pretty well documented. I mean, come on now. - ( New Window )
RE: RE: OMG are you kidding me with the racism again!! Â
OK. I agree that I'm not always right when I'm offended. But if you're going to assert that, you should also accept that you're not always right just because you aren't offended. Also, this one is pretty well documented. I mean, come on now. - ( New Window )
and i encourage you ALL to shred me for the typo in my google search.
RE: RE: This thread is another reason to trade him Â
Odell didn’t even throw the chimp. When I read the OP title I thought he was throwing a chimp around instead I say a chimp throwing a better ball then Lauletta did this season.
then OBJ is in the right here. PETA is a disgrace, and this is coming from a guy that spent a few years as a vegetarian due to the whole animal welfare thing.
RE: RE: Are there any men in that PETA organization? Â
Not the best joke to make for obvious reasons, but there's no doubt in my mind that it wasn't at all racially motivated or meant to be in poor taste. jcn has been around a long time - I've never seen him post anything remotely racist. Pretty safe to assume this was harmless.
These things aren’t harmless. I don’t care what he’s done before or how long he has posted. We are all adults and we know what words mean.
Neither is 'retard', which on game threads gets bandied about regularly. Anyone who thinks that word is less hurtful, really ought to think again.
RE: PETA are generally good people who fight for those who have no voice Â
I certainly don’t live up to their ideals but I respect them. Giving up eating meat, using leather goods, etc. are all noble things.
I don’t get the need to mock them. They’ve brought awareness to many important issues over the years. We’re better because of groups like them.
The ideals sound good, but it's where they go with those ideals that earns them the reputation.
I'm talking about things like their campaign comparing Holocaust victims with chickens. Or even fear mongering campaigns that suggest dairy causes autism.
How is it different to compare BR to a Neanderthal any different? And the article was written seriously, rather than jest.
Is it OK just because BR is white?
Where is the line drawn?
At what point is everybody being too sensitive?
I'm not suggesting I have the answers, but its food for thought.
I think I can answer this. No, the article you quoted is not racist for a few reasons. For one thing, racism requires a power imbalance. Since Ben is white, it can't be racist towards him. It could be prejudiced, but in this case the writer is white as well, so it doesn't apply.
Also, while the word neanderthal is often used to describe inappropriate, "unevolved" behavior, it does not (to my knowledge) have a racial or ethnic signifier to it, nor does it have a history of use to hurt a group of people.
OK, that joke didn't go down too well, my apologies. Â
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
RE: RE: ok as long as we have gone down this rabbit hole... Â
How is it different to compare BR to a Neanderthal any different? And the article was written seriously, rather than jest.
Is it OK just because BR is white?
Where is the line drawn?
At what point is everybody being too sensitive?
I'm not suggesting I have the answers, but its food for thought.
I think I can answer this. No, the article you quoted is not racist for a few reasons. For one thing, racism requires a power imbalance. Since Ben is white, it can't be racist towards him. It could be prejudiced, but in this case the writer is white as well, so it doesn't apply.
Also, while the word neanderthal is often used to describe inappropriate, "unevolved" behavior, it does not (to my knowledge) have a racial or ethnic signifier to it, nor does it have a history of use to hurt a group of people.
OH BULLSHIT. Racism is hatred of another race just because of skin color. That's it. Anything else is your own kooky fucking definition you got from some half-baked idiot trying to score points for their side by doing serious mental gymnastics. Come off it.
If you wanted to refer to Norman as an animal because he's a jackass, calling him a donkey would make more sense. Seeing a chimp and thinking "Josh Norman joke!" might not be intended as racist. I'm not saying jcn overtly hates or fears black people. But comparing a black person to an ape IS racist.
This is the post I was referring to. You're absolutely right that another animal (specifically jackass) would have been even more funny and not the least bit offensive. I stuck with primate because of the chimpanzee in the headline, without really considering the racial implications at the time. Oversight on my part.
RE: OK, that joke didn't go down too well, my apologies. Â
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
RE: RE: OK, that joke didn't go down too well, my apologies. Â
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
Calm down, snowflake. Maybe he actually has a conscience and can understand how intentions may not outweigh social facts.
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
Calm down, snowflake. Maybe he actually has a conscience and can understand how intentions may not outweigh social facts.
LOL I'm the snowflake for saying he shouldn't have to kowtow to a couple of posters who probably have really lotion-y hands? OK, lol. Social facts...what is that? Like, facts you made up to make everyone feel badly for you? Waaaaaaaah. Somebody should get their binkies.
such a hankering to call a black guy a monkey. I'll keep that in mind when reading your future posts.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Nice strawman. Didn't realize you were such a weeping bag of vaginas. Let me know when the menstrual cramps stop and you want to go back to being a man.
such a hankering to call a black guy a monkey. I'll keep that in mind when reading your future posts.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Nice strawman. Didn't realize you were such a weeping bag of vaginas. Let me know when the menstrual cramps stop and you want to go back to being a man.
It's no strawman. You're actually the only one still defending the joke. Even the guy who made it realized it probably wasn't his best idea. That should tell you all you need to know. Though, I imagine you struggle mightily with anything involving discernment and not being a cunt.
such a hankering to call a black guy a monkey. I'll keep that in mind when reading your future posts.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Nice strawman. Didn't realize you were such a weeping bag of vaginas. Let me know when the menstrual cramps stop and you want to go back to being a man.
It's no strawman. You're actually the only one still defending the joke. Even the guy who made it realized it probably wasn't his best idea. That should tell you all you need to know. Though, I imagine you struggle mightily with anything involving discernment and not being a cunt.
HAHAHAHAHA. You know why? Because words are fucking words. And it was a funny joke. I'll gladly take being called a cunt rather than complain like a whiny bitch about a salty joke. Seriously, go cry in your pillow now until you fall asleep, I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning.
Hey, here's free one: I'm Jewish. Why don't you throw some zinger anti-Semitic lines at me now to add to your misogynistic lines from before? I'm sure you could make some great cracks about my Jewishness. After all words are words. Nothing bad ever comes from just words... What do blacks care? It's just a joke. Lighten up, blacks.
Hey, here's free one: I'm Jewish. Why don't you throw some zinger anti-Semitic lines at me now to add to your misogynistic lines from before? I'm sure you could make some great cracks about my Jewishness. After all words are words. Nothing bad ever comes from just words... What do blacks care? It's just a joke. Lighten up, blacks.
Night night, shitstain.
Nope sorry, I don't believe in identity politics. So no, you can be a giant pussy no matter what your racial, ethnic, sexual identity or religious background. But if you feel more comfortable, maybe we can get another Jew to help you realize you are an oversensitive crotch waffle, mmkay?
RE: RE: ok as long as we have gone down this rabbit hole... Â
I think I can answer this. No, the article you quoted is not racist for a few reasons. For one thing, racism requires a power imbalance. Since Ben is white, it can't be racist towards him. It could be prejudiced, but in this case the writer is white as well, so it doesn't apply.
Also, while the word neanderthal is often used to describe inappropriate, "unevolved" behavior, it does not (to my knowledge) have a racial or ethnic signifier to it, nor does it have a history of use to hurt a group of people.
I have to disagree with almost everything you said here...
There is nothing in the definition of racism about power imbalance (below I have quoted and linked Wikipedia). In fact, I have heard some black people accuse other black people of being racist against blacks. By you're logic about power imbalance that is impossible...
Furthermore, there is nothing that says a person of the same race cannot be racist, or say something that is or should be considered racist against their own race.
I have never met jcn, but what if he is black himself? What does that say about this whole thread?
Does it really matter the race of the author of that article? I have only ever heard "Neanderthal", used as an epithet, applied to white men. I would say that it is most definitely a term used to denigrate white men, usually who behave badly, but I have seen it used against somebody who simply disagrees, or even in some cases people who are doing their jobs such as police, national guard etc. It is both racist ans sexist. Don't forget there were Neanderthal women as well.
To drive this point home... I took my 6 year old son to Disney last week. My family was standing in line, right at the entry point to a ride, and woman came out of nowhere and tried to cut in front of us. All I say was "Hey, Hey", the woman turned to me and said "Ok fine, you don't have to be a Neanderthal about it". If you don't think it was used as a racial slur, I have news for you. The woman was not the same race. This incident being fresh in my mind is why I brought this up in the first place.
Racism as defined in Wikipedia
Quote:
Racism is the belief in the superiority of one race over another, which often results in discrimination and prejudice towards people based on their race or ethnicity. The use of the term "racism" does not easily fall under a single definition.[1]
The ideology underlying racism often includes the idea that humans can be subdivided into distinct groups that are different due to their social behavior and their innate capacities as well as the idea that they can be ranked as inferior or superior.[2] Historical examples of institutional racism include the Holocaust, the apartheid regime in South Africa, slavery and segregation in the United States, and slavery in Latin America. Racism was also an aspect of the social organization of many colonial states and empires.
While the concepts of race and ethnicity are considered to be separate in contemporary social science, the two terms have a long history of equivalence in both popular usage and older social science literature. "Ethnicity" is often used in a sense close to one traditionally attributed to "race": the division of human groups based on qualities assumed to be essential or innate to the group (e.g. shared ancestry or shared behavior). Therefore, racism and racial discrimination are often used to describe discrimination on an ethnic or cultural basis, independent of whether these differences are described as racial. According to a United Nations convention on racial discrimination, there is no distinction between the terms "racial" and "ethnic" discrimination. The UN convention further concludes that superiority based on racial differentiation is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous, and there is no justification for racial discrimination, anywhere, in theory or in practice.[3]
Racist ideology can manifest in many aspects of social life. Racism can be present in social actions, practices, or political systems (e.g., apartheid) that support the expression of prejudice or aversion in discriminatory practices. Associated social actions may include nativism, xenophobia, otherness, segregation, hierarchical ranking, supremacism, and related social phenomena.
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
Thank you for this.
Being bold enough to admit a mistake and having some level of self awareness unfortunately continues to be a rare thing on BBI.
RE: RE: OK, that joke didn't go down too well, my apologies. Â
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
It was a funny joke to YOU, not to others. Not sure why your pea brain can’t get that.
RE: RE: PETA are generally good people who fight for those who have no voice Â
I certainly don’t live up to their ideals but I respect them. Giving up eating meat, using leather goods, etc. are all noble things.
I don’t get the need to mock them. They’ve brought awareness to many important issues over the years. We’re better because of groups like them.
The ideals sound good, but it's where they go with those ideals that earns them the reputation.
I'm talking about things like their campaign comparing Holocaust victims with chickens. Or even fear mongering campaigns that suggest dairy causes autism.
They go overboard - no doubt.
But we (general population) also flip out when we see videos of dogs being skinned alive in China, etc. they are passionate about animal suffering and animal rights. Even the animals we may consider to be lower on the totem pole.
My awareness/views have evolved over the years and continue to evolve (e.g., I now study the meat and dairy products I buy carefully and only buy from companies that treat animals humanely if I can help it). I’m sure the same goes for many on this board. We owe that in part to groups like PETA who bring these issues to the forefront.
I should add there are pretty good watchdog sites out there Â
For shoppers to use as resouces when buying food/groceries, clothing, entertainment, etc. I recommend you all check those out (some may even get input from PETA).
discussion on things like this because you will automatically have people go here:
Quote:
No it’s sad that people try to justify it. That’s the sad part. Being fucking complacent makes you just as bad. That’s the sad part. People bllindly say oh he’s posted forever he can’t possibly be racist.
Just like the weatherman that was fired, there is a fair segment of the population that truly believes a person without a history of racist comments is racist, even if it is an unintentional comment.
Saying that people will "blindly" say something is a crock of shit. jcn has posted here for years. I can't remember any other instance of a comment that could be taken otherwise, so is the support for him "blind" or is it based on a long history of not going down the sewer?
If anything, it seems more like a knee-jerk reaction to "blindly" call him a racist.
Just extrapoloate this out a bit. Let's say jcn was a well known sportscaster and made the comment - there would be people leading the charge to have him fired using the same logic above. That's pretty fucking sad, especially since we know that the call for him to be fired may likely be heeded.
if the intent behind it was meant to be racist. Probably not the smartest joke to make but wow I can't stand what our society has become with this hypersensitivity.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAHAHA.
Jackson for OBJ straight up!!!!
Without intent, things are most definitely harmless. And spare the bullshit about being adults and knowing what words mean. The adults on this thread can't even come to a conclusion on what the words meant, but we supposedly all know?
I'd say that on face value, humans are primates, but that likely won't matter since you've already determined intent and apparently aren't going to give a fuck if told otherwise.
I had the same reaction, I expected him to throw it at him hard or hurt him in some way.
What!?
OK. I agree that I'm not always right when I'm offended. But if you're going to assert that, you should also accept that you're not always right just because you aren't offended. Also, this one is pretty well documented.
I mean, come on now. - ( New Window )
Quote:
OK. I agree that I'm not always right when I'm offended. But if you're going to assert that, you should also accept that you're not always right just because you aren't offended. Also, this one is pretty well documented. I mean, come on now. - ( New Window )
and i encourage you ALL to shred me for the typo in my google search.
Quote:
.
What!?
I know it may not seem it but I'm capable of a joke.
Quote:
.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAHAHA.
Jackson for OBJ straight up!!!!
I'm still wondering which dupe this is.
Quote:
In comment 14254850 Go Terps said:
Quote:
.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAHAHA.
Jackson for OBJ straight up!!!!
I'm still wondering which dupe this is.
Idk but hes obnoxiously prolific.
Quote:
In comment 14254850 Go Terps said:
Quote:
.
What!?
I know it may not seem it but I'm capable of a joke.
That was very well played sir!
Well, hell, this thread already went down the reacism toilet, might as well go down the sexism one as well.
Is there anybody else we can offend?
Quote:
or is it just loaded with lonely women who have not been laid in years?
Well, hell, this thread already went down the reacism toilet, might as well go down the sexism one as well.
Is there anybody else we can offend?
do you need a box of fucking tissues?
Quote:
In comment 14254933 EricJ said:
Quote:
or is it just loaded with lonely women who have not been laid in years?
Well, hell, this thread already went down the reacism toilet, might as well go down the sexism one as well.
Is there anybody else we can offend?
do you need a box of fucking tissues?
sarcasm... learn, accept it, it can be your friend!
Is comparing Ben Roethlisberger to a Neanderthal being racist?
https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/01/28/ben-roethlisberger
How is it different to compare BR to a Neanderthal any different? And the article was written seriously, rather than jest.
Is it OK just because BR is white?
Where is the line drawn?
At what point is everybody being too sensitive?
I'm not suggesting I have the answers, but its food for thought.
I don’t get the need to mock them. They’ve brought awareness to many important issues over the years. We’re better because of groups like them.
Quote:
Not the best joke to make for obvious reasons, but there's no doubt in my mind that it wasn't at all racially motivated or meant to be in poor taste. jcn has been around a long time - I've never seen him post anything remotely racist. Pretty safe to assume this was harmless.
These things aren’t harmless. I don’t care what he’s done before or how long he has posted. We are all adults and we know what words mean.
Neither is 'retard', which on game threads gets bandied about regularly. Anyone who thinks that word is less hurtful, really ought to think again.
I don’t get the need to mock them. They’ve brought awareness to many important issues over the years. We’re better because of groups like them.
The ideals sound good, but it's where they go with those ideals that earns them the reputation.
I'm talking about things like their campaign comparing Holocaust victims with chickens. Or even fear mongering campaigns that suggest dairy causes autism.
FFS this country is circling the drain because of the word police. GROW A PAIR AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE.
Is comparing Ben Roethlisberger to a Neanderthal being racist?
Quote:
A changed man? Who knows, but certainly the loss of millions of dollars is motivation to not act like a Neanderthal in public.
https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/01/28/ben-roethlisberger
How is it different to compare BR to a Neanderthal any different? And the article was written seriously, rather than jest.
Is it OK just because BR is white?
Where is the line drawn?
At what point is everybody being too sensitive?
I'm not suggesting I have the answers, but its food for thought.
I think I can answer this. No, the article you quoted is not racist for a few reasons. For one thing, racism requires a power imbalance. Since Ben is white, it can't be racist towards him. It could be prejudiced, but in this case the writer is white as well, so it doesn't apply.
Also, while the word neanderthal is often used to describe inappropriate, "unevolved" behavior, it does not (to my knowledge) have a racial or ethnic signifier to it, nor does it have a history of use to hurt a group of people.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
Quote:
IN all seriousness:
Is comparing Ben Roethlisberger to a Neanderthal being racist?
Quote:
A changed man? Who knows, but certainly the loss of millions of dollars is motivation to not act like a Neanderthal in public.
https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/01/28/ben-roethlisberger
How is it different to compare BR to a Neanderthal any different? And the article was written seriously, rather than jest.
Is it OK just because BR is white?
Where is the line drawn?
At what point is everybody being too sensitive?
I'm not suggesting I have the answers, but its food for thought.
I think I can answer this. No, the article you quoted is not racist for a few reasons. For one thing, racism requires a power imbalance. Since Ben is white, it can't be racist towards him. It could be prejudiced, but in this case the writer is white as well, so it doesn't apply.
Also, while the word neanderthal is often used to describe inappropriate, "unevolved" behavior, it does not (to my knowledge) have a racial or ethnic signifier to it, nor does it have a history of use to hurt a group of people.
OH BULLSHIT. Racism is hatred of another race just because of skin color. That's it. Anything else is your own kooky fucking definition you got from some half-baked idiot trying to score points for their side by doing serious mental gymnastics. Come off it.
If you wanted to refer to Norman as an animal because he's a jackass, calling him a donkey would make more sense. Seeing a chimp and thinking "Josh Norman joke!" might not be intended as racist. I'm not saying jcn overtly hates or fears black people. But comparing a black person to an ape IS racist.
This is the post I was referring to. You're absolutely right that another animal (specifically jackass) would have been even more funny and not the least bit offensive. I stuck with primate because of the chimpanzee in the headline, without really considering the racial implications at the time. Oversight on my part.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
Quote:
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
Calm down, snowflake. Maybe he actually has a conscience and can understand how intentions may not outweigh social facts.
I'm certainly no racist - I hate everyone equally, regardless of skin color.
Quote:
In comment 14254994 jcn56 said:
Quote:
I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
Calm down, snowflake. Maybe he actually has a conscience and can understand how intentions may not outweigh social facts.
LOL I'm the snowflake for saying he shouldn't have to kowtow to a couple of posters who probably have really lotion-y hands? OK, lol. Social facts...what is that? Like, facts you made up to make everyone feel badly for you? Waaaaaaaah. Somebody should get their binkies.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Nice strawman. Didn't realize you were such a weeping bag of vaginas. Let me know when the menstrual cramps stop and you want to go back to being a man.
Quote:
such a hankering to call a black guy a monkey. I'll keep that in mind when reading your future posts.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Nice strawman. Didn't realize you were such a weeping bag of vaginas. Let me know when the menstrual cramps stop and you want to go back to being a man.
It's no strawman. You're actually the only one still defending the joke. Even the guy who made it realized it probably wasn't his best idea. That should tell you all you need to know. Though, I imagine you struggle mightily with anything involving discernment and not being a cunt.
Quote:
In comment 14255011 adamg said:
Quote:
such a hankering to call a black guy a monkey. I'll keep that in mind when reading your future posts.
Sleep well, sweet snowflake of mine.
Nice strawman. Didn't realize you were such a weeping bag of vaginas. Let me know when the menstrual cramps stop and you want to go back to being a man.
It's no strawman. You're actually the only one still defending the joke. Even the guy who made it realized it probably wasn't his best idea. That should tell you all you need to know. Though, I imagine you struggle mightily with anything involving discernment and not being a cunt.
HAHAHAHAHA. You know why? Because words are fucking words. And it was a funny joke. I'll gladly take being called a cunt rather than complain like a whiny bitch about a salty joke. Seriously, go cry in your pillow now until you fall asleep, I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning.
Hey, here's free one: I'm Jewish. Why don't you throw some zinger anti-Semitic lines at me now to add to your misogynistic lines from before? I'm sure you could make some great cracks about my Jewishness. After all words are words. Nothing bad ever comes from just words... What do blacks care? It's just a joke. Lighten up, blacks.
Night night, shitstain.
Hey, here's free one: I'm Jewish. Why don't you throw some zinger anti-Semitic lines at me now to add to your misogynistic lines from before? I'm sure you could make some great cracks about my Jewishness. After all words are words. Nothing bad ever comes from just words... What do blacks care? It's just a joke. Lighten up, blacks.
Night night, shitstain.
Nope sorry, I don't believe in identity politics. So no, you can be a giant pussy no matter what your racial, ethnic, sexual identity or religious background. But if you feel more comfortable, maybe we can get another Jew to help you realize you are an oversensitive crotch waffle, mmkay?
I think I can answer this. No, the article you quoted is not racist for a few reasons. For one thing, racism requires a power imbalance. Since Ben is white, it can't be racist towards him. It could be prejudiced, but in this case the writer is white as well, so it doesn't apply.
Also, while the word neanderthal is often used to describe inappropriate, "unevolved" behavior, it does not (to my knowledge) have a racial or ethnic signifier to it, nor does it have a history of use to hurt a group of people.
I have to disagree with almost everything you said here...
There is nothing in the definition of racism about power imbalance (below I have quoted and linked Wikipedia). In fact, I have heard some black people accuse other black people of being racist against blacks. By you're logic about power imbalance that is impossible...
Furthermore, there is nothing that says a person of the same race cannot be racist, or say something that is or should be considered racist against their own race.
I have never met jcn, but what if he is black himself? What does that say about this whole thread?
Does it really matter the race of the author of that article? I have only ever heard "Neanderthal", used as an epithet, applied to white men. I would say that it is most definitely a term used to denigrate white men, usually who behave badly, but I have seen it used against somebody who simply disagrees, or even in some cases people who are doing their jobs such as police, national guard etc. It is both racist ans sexist. Don't forget there were Neanderthal women as well.
To drive this point home... I took my 6 year old son to Disney last week. My family was standing in line, right at the entry point to a ride, and woman came out of nowhere and tried to cut in front of us. All I say was "Hey, Hey", the woman turned to me and said "Ok fine, you don't have to be a Neanderthal about it". If you don't think it was used as a racial slur, I have news for you. The woman was not the same race. This incident being fresh in my mind is why I brought this up in the first place.
Racism as defined in Wikipedia
Racism is the belief in the superiority of one race over another, which often results in discrimination and prejudice towards people based on their race or ethnicity. The use of the term "racism" does not easily fall under a single definition.[1]
The ideology underlying racism often includes the idea that humans can be subdivided into distinct groups that are different due to their social behavior and their innate capacities as well as the idea that they can be ranked as inferior or superior.[2] Historical examples of institutional racism include the Holocaust, the apartheid regime in South Africa, slavery and segregation in the United States, and slavery in Latin America. Racism was also an aspect of the social organization of many colonial states and empires.
While the concepts of race and ethnicity are considered to be separate in contemporary social science, the two terms have a long history of equivalence in both popular usage and older social science literature. "Ethnicity" is often used in a sense close to one traditionally attributed to "race": the division of human groups based on qualities assumed to be essential or innate to the group (e.g. shared ancestry or shared behavior). Therefore, racism and racial discrimination are often used to describe discrimination on an ethnic or cultural basis, independent of whether these differences are described as racial. According to a United Nations convention on racial discrimination, there is no distinction between the terms "racial" and "ethnic" discrimination. The UN convention further concludes that superiority based on racial differentiation is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous, and there is no justification for racial discrimination, anywhere, in theory or in practice.[3]
Racist ideology can manifest in many aspects of social life. Racism can be present in social actions, practices, or political systems (e.g., apartheid) that support the expression of prejudice or aversion in discriminatory practices. Associated social actions may include nativism, xenophobia, otherness, segregation, hierarchical ranking, supremacism, and related social phenomena.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
Thank you for this.
Being bold enough to admit a mistake and having some level of self awareness unfortunately continues to be a rare thing on BBI.
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I know given the way it's used in racial contexts why someone would be offended, but that wasn't the intent, was just trying to poke some fun as Norman being a dumb animal.
Why I overlooked jackass as pointed out earlier in the thread is beyond me, but I didn't spend a whole lot of time drawing that one up.
It was a funny joke and you shouldn't have to apologize.
It was a funny joke to YOU, not to others. Not sure why your pea brain can’t get that.
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I certainly don’t live up to their ideals but I respect them. Giving up eating meat, using leather goods, etc. are all noble things.
I don’t get the need to mock them. They’ve brought awareness to many important issues over the years. We’re better because of groups like them.
The ideals sound good, but it's where they go with those ideals that earns them the reputation.
I'm talking about things like their campaign comparing Holocaust victims with chickens. Or even fear mongering campaigns that suggest dairy causes autism.
They go overboard - no doubt.
But we (general population) also flip out when we see videos of dogs being skinned alive in China, etc. they are passionate about animal suffering and animal rights. Even the animals we may consider to be lower on the totem pole.
My awareness/views have evolved over the years and continue to evolve (e.g., I now study the meat and dairy products I buy carefully and only buy from companies that treat animals humanely if I can help it). I’m sure the same goes for many on this board. We owe that in part to groups like PETA who bring these issues to the forefront.
Just like the weatherman that was fired, there is a fair segment of the population that truly believes a person without a history of racist comments is racist, even if it is an unintentional comment.
Saying that people will "blindly" say something is a crock of shit. jcn has posted here for years. I can't remember any other instance of a comment that could be taken otherwise, so is the support for him "blind" or is it based on a long history of not going down the sewer?
If anything, it seems more like a knee-jerk reaction to "blindly" call him a racist.
Just extrapoloate this out a bit. Let's say jcn was a well known sportscaster and made the comment - there would be people leading the charge to have him fired using the same logic above. That's pretty fucking sad, especially since we know that the call for him to be fired may likely be heeded.
I'm certainly no racist - I hate everyone equally, regardless of skin color.
I appreciate your understanding of the sensitivity.