The other day I was in lab and some of the students behind me were talking about how much they love Chris Rock, particularly his bit called 'niggers vs. black people'. They were talking around the actual terms of niggers and black people, but as a Chris Rock fan, I knew what they were talking about. They all thought that this bit was hilarious and right on target and all this stuff and it made me feel kind of strange because they were all white.

Chris Rock does joke about race and for the most part I think that all races can appreciate it, but I've always felt that 'Niggers vs. Black People' was a bit that was really for minorities(racial and otherwise) in general and black people in particular. It's pretty much about how a few people who don;t know how to act end up making the whole entire race or group look bad and how damn frustrating that can be when you're just trying to be yourself and live a good life.

Hearing these white students talk about that bit made me feel strange. I wouldn't go right out and call them racist because I don't know their opinons on other issues concerning race and I also enjoy that bit and think it would be hypocritical to call others racist for enjoying what I also enjoy. However, there was something about the comments that they made about that comedy bit that just rubbed me wrong. It was almost as if they were saying, "see, another black person hates black people, too so it's okay for me to hate them," without really making the distinction that Chris Rock was making or even really understanding what he was trying to say. I just found the whole situation, their love for Chris Rock and my being uncomfortable with it, interesting. I think that if they were just talking about Chris Rock in general I wouldn't have had a problem with it; it was that bit in particular that made me feel...strange. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

I also think that they were kinda dumb to try and talk about Chris Rock while I was in earshot as if I wouldn't know. What, do they think that they're the only people familiar with his material? but that's another issue...


[note to moderators: if this is in the wrong forum, I am very sorry and please move it. I didn't want to put it in the Politics and Religion forum because it's not really about politics or religion but it could end up being that way.]

i feel what you say, some people i work with have a problem with talking about the standup show "Malai Presents..." if i'm in the same room...dont know why, hell i LOVE that show!!!

ArdeoTheMerciless said:

i've never even heard of that show. it is strange what people will do or say when they think you're not listening.

All comedians do stuff like that. Ya just gotta learn to laugh at yourself and others. Chris Rock is one of my faves and so is Bernie Mac.

luv4u said:

The problem wasn't his 'niggers vs. black people' bit. I've always thought that was one of his funniest. The problem was how I perceived these white students as interpreting it.

jessyMD32781 said:

Everyone interprets things in different ways.

jessyMD32781 said:

I'm familiar with that Chris Rock bit and he IS on point.

But I know exactly how you feel. You can tell when a non-black person is using that word or situation with bad intentions.
I probably would have turned around and said to them, "Hey you know I feel the same way about white people vs. crackers/honkies/rednecks." (take your pick) and see how they reacted. Their agreement or offense at the statement would have given me a good indicator as to their underlying feelings.

Don't take it too hard. It's just folks.
Now if they had sheets on...

theAudience said:

well said.

I hear you. It depends on their understanding of the material. If they were doing it in a "hey, we hate THEM too!" kinda way then that's definitely reason for discomfort. Some people think they get it but they really don't. I'm contributing absolutely nothing but I do understand how you feel

CalhounSq said:

well if you understand how i feel then you are contributing alot!
[This message was edited Sun Mar 7 18:44:06 2004 by jessyMD32781]