Michael Richards, I forgive you.
You may remember him more as Kramer on Seinfeld. Yes, he said some words that weren’t the best choice. The result was that he has been branded a racist and his career is not looking so good right now.
But, you know something, I forgive the guy. Why? He seems to be truly sorry about how he reacted, but there is a better reason. Let me put it to you this way.
Has any one of you ever said something that wasn’t appropriate for the occasion? If you have never had your foot planted firmly in your mouth, then I bow down to you. That will leave the majority of us who have wanted to take back what we said, but had to suffer the consequences.
What amazes me is that words that are equally degrading as Richards used appear on some rap and hip hop videos. I have also heard words that make me wince on the BET television network. If you ever want to experience racism, listen to how some of their comedy(?) acts talk about white people. Forget the excuses. If dignity is to be practised in the world, it is for everyone.
Someone once said that when you point the finger at somebody else, there are three fingers pointing back at you.
So give the guy a break. Forgive him. You’ll never know when you will need that same kind of forgiveness. Failing to forgive actually says more about you than it says about Michael Richards.
You may remember him more as Kramer on Seinfeld. Yes, he said some words that weren’t the best choice. The result was that he has been branded a racist and his career is not looking so good right now.
But, you know something, I forgive the guy. Why? He seems to be truly sorry about how he reacted, but there is a better reason. Let me put it to you this way.
Has any one of you ever said something that wasn’t appropriate for the occasion? If you have never had your foot planted firmly in your mouth, then I bow down to you. That will leave the majority of us who have wanted to take back what we said, but had to suffer the consequences.
What amazes me is that words that are equally degrading as Richards used appear on some rap and hip hop videos. I have also heard words that make me wince on the BET television network. If you ever want to experience racism, listen to how some of their comedy(?) acts talk about white people. Forget the excuses. If dignity is to be practised in the world, it is for everyone.
Someone once said that when you point the finger at somebody else, there are three fingers pointing back at you.
So give the guy a break. Forgive him. You’ll never know when you will need that same kind of forgiveness. Failing to forgive actually says more about you than it says about Michael Richards.
1 comment:
Right on, Johnny!!!
When I pray the Lord's Prayer "...forgive us as we forgive..." (which I actually personalize, forgive me as I forgive others) I take it to heart. Why would I expect God to forgive me if I can't (won't) forgive my fellow human beings?
A rhetorical question to make my point!
Right on, Johnny ... write on!!!
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