I think Rodney Harrison is a little too ghetto for NBC and needs to tone it down

[DemonBlood]

ITT: People who like to argue...Argue.

 

[rkell87]

ITT: People who like to argue...Argue.

and those people are called lawyers

 

[DemonBlood]

and those people are called lawyers

 

[tyke1doe]

i replied twice don't know if you saw the first reply

i did not assume you meant something more, in response to your original post i bolded the part i responded to and said let people assume what they will,you replied to me about my response to another poster which is what really started this whole convo.

also i haven't got upset once and why do you keep bringing up that you were talking to him not me? if you don't want to talk to me don't. you replied to me about what i said to another poster yet keep telling me that what you said to OP doesn't concern me.

i actually thought about that statement today running errands, what i should have said and meant to say was that,just because he used the term when talking about a black man does not automatically mean he meant it racially. period. nor does it automatically mean that he could have meant it that way. it is a word that is just in some peoples vocab, and people use it just to use it, not that they should but some just do and mean nothing by it.

the whole thing is that if you know someone or are speaking face to face you can pretty much tell how they mean something but here over the Internet you just cant know unless they make it clear and people should not get upset but if they do let them cause they will anyway about any other thing.

its like all the outrage over the twins in transformers 2 if you want to see something a certain way you will and there is nothing anyone can do about it or anything that will change peoples mind about what they think the creators and writers meant by it

Which is why I told him to be careful because someone might interpret his comment/thread title as racial.

My statement implies that maybe CFS88 didn't understand the racial overtones of his comment. (Hence, my comment about a person possibly being "ignorant" to the racial implications of such a statement). I'm not trying to call him racist or say that he was trying to be racial. Maybe he truly doesn't understand how the use of "ghetto" when speaking about a black man who is using words that aren't necessary "ghetto" can be interpreted as racial. That's why I offered my admonition.

And, yes, this is the Internet. But you can learn even over the Internet. I don't need to know the tone of his comment or how he said it. When you invoke racial stereotypes into a conversation, tone or not, you have raised the possibility by the interpreter that you might be implying something racial.

And if CFS88 is truly ignorant of the racial impact of his statement (I'm not using ignorance as a bad thing, by the way), then it is more likely that he's going to employ that term in a public way. If it doesn't register to you (I speak of "you" in the general sense not the specific sense) that a very common term, applied to black people has a negative connotation, you're more likely to embrace that same view in public. And then you'll be wondering why people consider you a "racist."

Thus, I'm merely seeking to educate him and enlighten him on the use of that term and how it doesn't fit what Harrison did.

Now if Harrison had said, "Yo dat Brady need ta chill da whining like a BEACH @ Homo!" then CFS88 might have a point, even though that's more how people from da hood talk than the ghetto - which is really an outdated term, truth be told.

But Harrison used words that any American would have used. It's not limited to the ghetto. So it strikes people as strange that CFS88 would use that term to describe a black commentator.

 

[tyke1doe]

ITT: People who like to argue...Argue.

Arguing is healthy. It allows us to formulate our thoughts and share our opinions.

Arguing is key to a free nation.

We just have to learn to argue without being uncivil or violent (the latter being harder to do on the Internet, albeit).

It's all good, though.

 

[Rampage]

i know i wont change your feeling on it but out of curiosity may i ask why?

the only reason he used the term "ghetto" was because Rodney is a black man.

 

[tyke1doe]

i know i wont change your feeling on it but out of curiosity may i ask why?

As a black man, I'll answer why it would be considered offensive.

It underscores a belief in many people's minds that black people don't measure up, that black people don't have the education or the intellect to handle certain jobs, including commentator.

So when one expresses himself in a way that any other player who is white would explain himself, immediately negative images of "ghetto" spring to mind.

It's something blacks have always had to overcome.

We can't get angry like a white employee can on the job, otherwise, we're viewed as the "angry black man" or ready to get "gansta" on someone.

We can't talk on the phone at work or come in late like other whites can otherwise we're considered "lazy." And that perception of laziness is not just singular. It is projected on to us as a race.

So when Harrison says something like "Brady needs to take off the dress" (a comment likely uttered by men of all ethnicities in a male-dominated culture like sports), immediately the image of him saying it involves race. Hence the term, "ghetto," which is commonly associated in American culture with black people.

That's why it offends blacks because no matter what we do, when we do something negative, there's always a judgment of us based on our race - even though people say they aren't criticizing us because of our race. But when people use terms associated with race, that's how we interpret it.

Now, maybe the user of the term doesn't mean it in that way. And I grant CFS88 that maybe he didn't use it that way. But those of us who know how it has been used in a particular context will draw conclusions.

By the way, I'm not offended by it because I have a thicker skin and what CFS88 says doesn't affect my life. But I still can acknowledge why many blacks would be offended by the statement.

I'm not speaking for Rampage. I'm just giving you a reason why such a term, applied the way it was applied, would be offensive to some if not most blacks.

 

[rkell87]

the only reason he used the term "ghetto" was because Rodney is a black man.

i agree but we dont know that so no one should get offened by it

 

[juck]

As a black man, I'll answer why it would be considered offensive.

It underscores a belief in many people's minds that black people don't measure up, that black people don't have the education or the intellect to handle certain jobs, including commentator.

So when one expresses himself in a way that any other player who is white would explain himself, immediately negative images of "ghetto" spring to mind.

It's something blacks have always had to overcome.

We can't get angry like a white employee can on the job, otherwise, we're viewed as the "angry black man" or ready to get "gansta" on someone.

We can't talk on the phone at work or come in late like other whites can otherwise we're considered "lazy." And that perception of laziness is not just singular. It is projected on to us as a race.

So when Harrison says something like "Brady needs to take off the dress" (a comment likely uttered by men of all ethnicities in a male-dominated culture like sports), immediately the image of him saying it involves race. Hence the term, "ghetto," which is commonly associated in American culture with black people.

That's why it offends blacks because no matter what we do, when we do something negative, there's always a judgment of us based on our race - even though people say they aren't criticizing us because of our race. But when people use terms associated with race, that's how we interpret it.

Now, maybe the user of the term doesn't mean it in that way. And I grant CFS88 that maybe he didn't use it that way. But those of us who know how it has been used in a particular context will draw conclusions.

By the way, I'm not offended by it because I have a thicker skin and what CFS88 says doesn't affect my life. But I still can acknowledge why many blacks would be offended by the statement.

I'm not speaking for Rampage. I'm just giving you a reason why such a term, applied the way it was applied, would be offensive to some if not most blacks.

Whoa is my poor race.As a white man let me respond.
1. Ghetto comes to mind cause 99% of the Ghetto is black.
2.Stereotypes arent always right but usually are thats why they are there in the first place.
3.Black people as a whole are considered lazy by many.Something for free is the motto generally.
4.Its 2009,we have a black president,blacks are doing ok Id say.Yet they still go to school for free and will get the job over a better qualified white man because of ridiculous rules.Affirmative action is ridiculous,Earn it.
5. Harrisons comment isnt ghetto but he is dumb in general.Not the sharpest tool in the shed.White,black,purple,blue,green,i dont care.I wouldnt use the term Ghetto but Id say ebonics as a whole is incorporating into the media.Its inevitable.
6.Blacks judge whites the same.
7. I think the poster was being kind by saying ghetto,because he didnt want to get banned.
8. You cant get angry because whites generally fear blacks for whatever reason.

Sorry to be blunt but you see it everyday.Facts are facts.You have ur opinion on racial situations and so do I.

 

[rkell87]

As a black man, I'll answer why it would be considered offensive.

It underscores a belief in many people's minds that black people don't measure up, that black people don't have the education or the intellect to handle certain jobs, including commentator.

So when one expresses himself in a way that any other player who is white would explain himself, immediately negative images of "ghetto" spring to mind.

It's something blacks have always had to overcome.

We can't get angry like a white employee can on the job, otherwise, we're viewed as the "angry black man" or ready to get "gansta" on someone.

We can't talk on the phone at work or come in late like other whites can otherwise we're considered "lazy." And that perception of laziness is not just singular. It is projected on to us as a race.

So when Harrison says something like "Brady needs to take off the dress" (a comment likely uttered by men of all ethnicities in a male-dominated culture like sports), immediately the image of him saying it involves race. Hence the term, "ghetto," which is commonly associated in American culture with black people.

That's why it offends blacks because no matter what we do, when we do something negative, there's always a judgment of us based on our race - even though people say they aren't criticizing us because of our race. But when people use terms associated with race, that's how we interpret it.

Now, maybe the user of the term doesn't mean it in that way. And I grant CFS88 that maybe he didn't use it that way. But those of us who know how it has been used in a particular context will draw conclusions.

By the way, I'm not offended by it because I have a thicker skin and what CFS88 says doesn't affect my life. But I still can acknowledge why many blacks would be offended by the statement.

I'm not speaking for Rampage. I'm just giving you a reason why such a term, applied the way it was applied, would be offensive to some if not most blacks.

thanks for the insight, but i am fully aware of why it could be considered offensive, i wanted to know why he was offended.

listen i know it seems like I'm arguing just to as someone pointed out but i just hate when people read too much into what someone says without knowing what was truly meant by it. while i agree he most likely used the term because Harrison is black, but i doubt he meant it to offend, i assume with 88 in his name he is 20 or 21 and while i am that age and i don't use the term loosely i acknowledge that alot of my peers do, and the word doesn't carry the same weight it once did. now i don't know how old you and rampage are so it might still carry some weight in ya'lls mind idk.

also i know you just warned him to be aware of the term he was using. i (in response to your post) was simply saying just be clear on how you mean it and don't worry about what other people think. if he were to use the N word i have no problem with it, that is to say i have no problem with him saying the word because he wants to use it(i hate that word btw) just as long as he is clear about what he is saying when using it so there can be no gray area, that way when you hear it you can do whatever you see fit about it. everybody has a right to an opinion whether or not we like it or not, I'm just a member of the **** what people think, you do you and I'll do me line of thinking.

i don't know what part of the country you live in but i advise going somewhere else if you have to walk on eggshells to avoid a stereotype that you don't want, every place i have worked the 'angry black guy' is just a joke used when a black co worker gets angry most often used by said co worker first. my experience is that young 'punks'( you know with the spiked hair tats and piercings everywhere) are the most commonly angry people and anybody that does drugs(regardless of race) are the lazy ones.

i don't know what your experiences are but i really do not see anybody outside being racist, believing that a race of people cant handle certain jobs because they are not intelligent enough to do so, i would think that is a pretty foreign thought in most people in this day and age

 

[rkell87]

im not a lawyer

 

[juck]

thanks for the insight, but i am fully aware of why it could be considered offensive, i wanted to know why he was offended.

listen i know it seems like I'm arguing just to as someone pointed out but i just hate when people read too much into what someone says without knowing what was truly meant by it. while i agree he most likely used the term because Harrison is black, but i doubt he meant it to offend, i assume with 88 in his name he is 20 or 21 and while i am that age and i don't use the term loosely i acknowledge that alot of my peers do, and the word doesn't carry the same weight it once did. now i don't know how old you and rampage are so it might still carry some weight in ya'lls mind idk.

also i know you just warned him to be aware of the term he was using. i (in response to your post) was simply saying just be clear on how you mean it and don't worry about what other people think. if he were to use the N word i have no problem with it, that is to say i have no problem with him saying the word because he wants to use it(i hate that word btw) just as long as he is clear about what he is saying when using it so there can be no gray area, that way when you hear it you can do whatever you see fit about it. everybody has a right to an opinion whether or not we like it or not, I'm just a member of the **** what people think, you do you and I'll do me line of thinking.

i don't know what part of the country you live in but i advise going somewhere else if you have to walk on eggshells to avoid a stereotype that you don't want, every place i have worked the 'angry black guy' is just a joke used when a black co worker gets angry most often used by said co worker first. my experience is that young 'punks'( you know with the spiked hair tats and piercings everywhere) are the most commonly angry people and anybody that does drugs(regardless of race) are the lazy ones.

i don't know what your experiences are but i really do not see anybody outside being racist, believing that a race of people cant handle certain jobs because they are not intelligent enough to do so, i would think that is a pretty foreign thought in most people in this day and age

Im not racist,I hate everyone equally.White,black,yellow.There are negatives and plusses to everyone regardless of color.And some colors are more partial to do certain things.

 

[rkell87]

Im not racist,I hate everyone equally.White,black,yellow.There are negatives and plusses to everyone regardless of color.And some colors are more partial to do certain things.

i didnt say you were?lol

 

[tyke1doe]

thanks for the insight, but i am fully aware of why it could be considered offensive, i wanted to know why he was offended.

listen i know it seems like I'm arguing just to as someone pointed out but i just hate when people read too much into what someone says without knowing what was truly meant by it. while i agree he most likely used the term because Harrison is black, but i doubt he meant it to offend, i assume with 88 in his name he is 20 or 21 and while i am that age and i don't use the term loosely i acknowledge that alot of my peers do, and the word doesn't carry the same weight it once did. now i don't know how old you and rampage are so it might still carry some weight in ya'lls mind idk.

also i know you just warned him to be aware of the term he was using. i (in response to your post) was simply saying just be clear on how you mean it and don't worry about what other people think. if he were to use the N word i have no problem with it, that is to say i have no problem with him saying the word because he wants to use it(i hate that word btw) just as long as he is clear about what he is saying when using it so there can be no gray area, that way when you hear it you can do whatever you see fit about it. everybody has a right to an opinion whether or not we like it or not, I'm just a member of the **** what people think, you do you and I'll do me line of thinking.

i don't know what part of the country you live in but i advise going somewhere else if you have to walk on eggshells to avoid a stereotype that you don't want, every place i have worked the 'angry black guy' is just a joke used when a black co worker gets angry most often used by said co worker first. my experience is that young 'punks'( you know with the spiked hair tats and piercings everywhere) are the most commonly angry people and anybody that does drugs(regardless of race) are the lazy ones.

i don't know what your experiences are but i really do not see anybody outside being racist, believing that a race of people cant handle certain jobs because they are not intelligent enough to do so, i would think that is a pretty foreign thought in most people in this day and age

Actually, you're doing the arguing for him. I didn't go on and on about it with CFS88. I issued a simple admonition, and that was that. You decided to come to his defense. If you had not, this would have ended before it began.

Oh, and, no, it's not a foreign concept. I have white friends and co-workers who've attended parties and gatherings where there are only whites, and they have some interesting stories to tell.

 

[rkell87]

Actually, you're doing the arguing for him. I didn't go on and on about it with CFS88. I issued a simple admonition, and that was that. You decided to come to his defense. If you had not, this would have ended before it began.

Oh, and, no, it's not a foreign concept. I have white friends and co-workers who've attended parties and gatherings where there are only whites, and they have some interesting stories to tell.

OK? i dont see your point, i said i know it seems like im arguing just to argue and you say im arguing for cbf88?it makes no sense

you also seem to ingnore every part of my posts except what fits what you want to say.

and i have black friends that sit around and bash white people for everything under the sun whats your point? are you telling me your white friends and co workers tell you that other people they know say black people cant do the same jobs as white people?

 

[Avaj]

It is amazing to me, I'm black, when white people tell us how we are suppose to feel. If one of us said we are offended by what the OP said why do we have to explain ourselves or justify why we feel that way.

Do you have to explain everytime you are offended??

 

[juck]

It is amazing to me, I'm black, when white people tell us how we are suppose to feel. If one of us said we are offended by what the OP said why do we have to explain ourselves or justify why we feel that way.

Do you have to explain everytime you are offended??

You guys are always "offended" however.Stereotypes exist on both sides for a reason.Face it.Always will.

 

[jimmy40]

You guys are always "offended" however.Stereotypes exist on both sides for a reason.Face it.Always will.

Since I'm not a supporter I have these ads and the one under you're post is "Black Singles Chat". Seemed extremely funny in this thread.

 

[CowboysFanSince88]

Well as a black man I was bothered a bit by the way Rodney handled himself on TV and felt it needed to tone it down a bit. He needs tips from Michael Wilboun and James Brown.

 

[Rampage]

Well as a black man I was bothered a bit by the way Rodney handled himself on TV and felt it needed to tone it down a bit. He needs tips from Michael Wilboun and James Brown.

oh so he should act like a white man?