So far I have avoided watching Michael Richard’s racial rant because I like watching Seinfeld and didn’t want to contaminate my innocent joy. I find the situation ironic because the Kramer character was the symbol of open mindedness, with friends who were small, Cuban, oriental, fat, rich, and poor. Likewise is my reaction to Mel Gibson’s meltdown.
But the public recurrence of this controversy inspires me to reveal that I am a racist in recovery and have been one most of my life.
I have black friends and business associates. I owned a bar and had many black customers. I believe most of them are smarter and more sophisticated than I am. I am always respectful. I was raised by a socially liberal middle class New York Jewish family who prided themselves on their embrace of all people. My mom’s motto was “live and let live.” No one would suspect the viciousness hiding under the surface of my personality.
But once in a while, in moments of intense anger or fear I lose control and revert to my inner 13 year old getting shaken down for lunch money by a gang of black guys. This was such an emotional experience that it is seared into my hard wiring. Blacks were the first and most dramatic experience I ever had of danger and threat. I think ugly thoughts and if I am alone I say ugly things under my breath. And I loath myself about it. No one would ever know I have this affliction.
I can empathize with Michael Richards. He lost it and his darkest most evil demon was instantly revealed to the entire world and upstaged a life time of bringing joy to others. I can also sympathize with the target of his wrath. It had little to do with them or their behavior.
It seems to me that most people are friendly, fair and generous when they are feeling safe, secure and prosperous. But take any of those away and they can become mean, petty, and xenophobic.
It is amazing to me that the world works as well as it does.
Born 1950, Married, Living in Austin Texas, Semi
Retired Small Business owner and investor. My political interest
evolved out of his business experience that the best decisions come out of an objective gathering of information and a pragmatic consideration of costs and benefits. I am interested in promoting Centrist candidates and Policies. My posts are mostly about people and policies that I believe are part of the solution rather the problem.