When you've had a career as long and distinguished as Jerry Lewis – part of a comedy act with Dean Martin, star of The King Of Comedy, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, charity monolith – you can pretty much do whatever you want.
OK, you can pretty much do almost whatever you want. Introducing an imaginary character called Jesse The Illiterate Faggot 18 hours into his annual Labor Day telethon to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association is probably one of the few things that Jerry Lewis shouldn't do. But, hey, Jerry Lewis did it anyway, clearly not realising that even calling invented invisible characters 'illiterate faggots' during an event that raised $63 million for charity will land you in all sorts of trouble these days. Now, however, Jerry Lewis has apologised for his outburst and everyone's happy again – apart from Jesse The Illiterate Faggot, who plans to write a tell-all book about the incident entitled Jery Loois Iz A Dik.
Jerry Lewis isn't a perfect man by any means – something that's true about anyone who's directed and starred in movies about a German clown who lures Jewish children to their deaths in Nazi gas chambers during World War II – but the never-ending energy that Jerry Lewis has shown by raising money with his MDA Labor Day telethon – over $800 million in 41 years – makes up for a lot of his failings as a human being. And that's true right up until the moment that Jerry Lewis starts shouting the word 'faggot' on live TV.
When you've hosted an almost day-long telethon every year since 1966 like Sinatra-snitcher Jerry Lewis has, chances are you're going to run out of material at some point. And that happened 18 hours into this year's Labor Day Telethon, when Jerry Lewis went and said this…
Watching the clip it's clear that midway through that last word a mental image of Mel Gibson cursing the Jews flashed through Jerry Lewis's mind, leading to the abandoning of the word, the swift "no" and the lurching away like Frankenstein's assistant. But Jerry Lewis has gone one stage further and apologised directly to the handful of people who actually stuck with the Jerry Lewis telethon for 18 hours and didn't just watch a 30-second clip of Jerry Lewis being homophobic on YouTube like everyone else. ABC reports:
In an e-mail statement released by the Muscular Dystrophy Association Tuesday, Lewis apologized for the remark, saying it was a "joking comment" intended for a member of his production team."I apologize to anyone who was offended," Lewis said. "I obviously made a bad choice of words. Everyone who knows me understands that I hold no prejudices in this regard. In the family atmosphere of the telethon, I forget that not everyone knows me that well. That something like this would distract from the true purpose of the telethon pains me deeply… The success of the show and all the good that will come from it shouldn't be lost because of one unfortunate word. I accept responsibility for what I said. There are no excuses. I am sorry."
By apologising so quickly and sincerely, it looks as if Jerry Lewis has escaped the fate of Isaiah Washington, who was also called to task for using the same gay slur on the set of Grey's Anatomy. That's good news for all concerned because not only has Jerry Lewis learnt an important lesson, but now he won't have to a) go to gay rehab or b) star in that ropey-looking Bionic Woman remake. Plus it's thought that in next year's Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, all proceeds will be snatched away from the wheelchair-bound children and instead be used to set up a charitable fund for imaginary homosexuals that can't read good, which is clearly a step in the right direction.
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safski says
This was obviously a slip made by an aging sleep deprived comedian. Does it really offend anyone or are some people just looking for media attention??? Anyone who says they were offended needs to grow up, I’m sure they’ve been called much worse by people who actually mean it…
Al says
Whoever wrote this: get off your pedestal and shut the hell up. How much help have you given to others? Probably not much. Yet you criticize a man who has donated his time, skill and efforts for decades to help others.
If you have never made a mistake then you are the first perfect human being ever born. And the cheap shots you took at him in the article make you look like the idiot you are.
JayMar says
Ah… political correctness. We now have to be careful not to hurt or insult anyone, especially those poor, down-trodden souls. No need to apologize Jerry, faggots is what they are
buzz daly says
As someone who grew up in Vegas and had to endure Mr. Lewis’ constant, childish, self-centered behavior when dealing with “non-stars”, or the general public, this is no surprise. Frank Sinatara, Buddy Hackett and that whole crowd were some of the most annoying beings ever to land south of area 51. No surprise to me. Stars are a pain in the butt.
luv says
tmz won’t accept my comment. hmmmph. I’ll just post it here then. :) …
…I am sick and tired of these gay bullies. There is only one *F* word and ‘fag’ AIN’T it! At the glaad site they have a whole bunch of words they want to ban. It’s simply ridiculous. They want to ban the word ‘homosexual’ because they whine that the word has ‘negative connotations’ attached to it. lol. Riiiight. “Blonde’ has negative connotations too! Maybe THAT word should be outlawed also!! lol.
They need to get a grip. They’re only words. And you know what? Those people aren’t my mommy. They aren’t the *word* police. They can’t make me stop saying ANY word. In fact maybe I’ll use those words on purpose, ’cause they’re bullies and I don’t like them. :D
Just live your lives, be decent human beings, and stop attacking innocent people. NObody likes a bully, I have an extremely negative view of ‘glaad’ right now. gay bullies seem to be especially nasty and shrill.
posthocergopropterhoc says
Does anyone wonder about the efficacy of publishing a written apology to illiterate whatevers? Imaginary apology to imaginary whatevers might have been more appropriate. Right on, Jerry, they are not illiterate!
Thozz says
I agree with safski.
Are we really willing to sacrifice freedom of speech for political correctness?
We now have two banned “F” words, and a host of other letters from the alphabet that are banned ” ” words.
Are people so thin skinned and sensitive now that we have to “walk on egg shells” every time we speak, even in jest?
I grew up believing what my grandmother told me, “Sticks & stone’s will break my bones but names can never hurt me”.
We’ve grown into a nation of hyper sensitive, self righteous and hypocritical “word” freaks. Who but a child could
get as offended as some groups do after being called a “name”?
friendlier says
“But, hey, Jerry Lewis did it anyway, clearly not realising that even calling invented invisible characters ‘illiterate faggots’ during an event that raised $63 million for charity will land you in all sorts of trouble these days.”
“These days”? Um, HecklerSpray, there’s NEVER been an era in TV history when it was okay to use the term “illiterate faggot” on the air. Or are you too starting to whine like so many others that “political correctness” is soooo out of control?
The myth of PC gone wild has been fabricated by conservatives to ridicule and silence progressive ideas. Meanwhile ‘conservative correctness’, far more pervasive, virulent, and well-funded, remains unchallenged.
And get your quotes right, Willis. Jerry said “illiterate fag,” not “illiterate faggot.” But that’s probably just the way you usually say it, right?
safski's mom says
You get back to cutting the lawn, young man!
John says
I’m sure that if he had said something like “Tobey the illiterate nigger” there would have been hell to pay regardless if there is really a Tobey or not so why would it be any different if he said “faggot” instead?!
Gabriel says
While I agree that the f-word is not appropriate and distasteful, I wish everyone else would be just as much in arms when you here the b-word, the other f-word,
and the one I really hate is the GD word. Why are these words not being fought from being said in movies, television, and music? It is no wonder why our youth in
America has no respect and act the way they do. It seems tolerance in this country is double standard when it comes to what we say and do. Mr. Lewis gets in
trouble for the f-word but everyone else is going unnoticed.
james says
i agree with lewis. F’kn faggots aughta not get their panties in a knot. all the scratch lewis has pulled out of our respective hats for a greater good gives the man a pass. what have
most of the faggots done for the greater good? `cept, of course, whining how nobody loves faggots except other faggots. SHUT YER YAPS, NANCY BOYS!
p.s.: it ain’t natural for a man to wanna git nekid wit’ another man. yeesh.
Dan Fielding says
Sorry to hear that he upset so many illiterate faggots in the fag community.
Mateo says
how could even an illiterate gay man take offense to such clumsy humor delivered by someone raising money for children with disabilities? the ONLY offensive thing is that people found issue with it. GROW UP you silly PC world.
Rick says
Hmmmm…HEY ! all you self centered dumb jerks!!…
Wikopedia….”quote” a ‘faggot’ is a MEATBALL!!”
I would be honored to have the one and only Jerry Lewis call me a ‘meatball’.
Grow up and find something more usefull in life to do than
run down someone who does more in the morning than you do all day.
Did you dontate to his cause?…probably not!
JD says
Nope. I didn’t donate because I didn’t want to give any money to help “a bunch of lame cripples”. Oh wait. I guess that’s not right to say either is it even if it’s a joke? Wake up people. Even if it’s a joke it’s still harmful and unfortunately most people will believe it’s ok to use derogatory words.
Frank says
Well, like it or not, it is the age we currently live in. While some words, and actions do indeed hurt some people, others are more “thick skinned.” (Oh, if that phrase offended anyone, I do indeed sincerely apologize). Sensitivity and hypersensitivity continues to crept into our culture.
Mr. Lewis’ comedy style is from an earlier age where fun was made of all groups of people. I feel no need to forgive, him for I don’t feel insulted, but really, he is a public figure representing a charitable organization in an important fund raising event. As a professional fund raiser, he should have known better. So he, or his PR, people have apologized and it is time to move on to the next perceived insulting event.
Thank you for all the good you have contributed to the world Mr. Lewis! You are still a funny guy.
michelle says
Homosexual men refer to themselves as fags all the time, why shouldn’t anybody else be able to use that word? Censorship at it’s ugliest, once again!
Dave says
This is rediculous. There’s a war going on right now where almost 4000 troops have died, not to mention over 10,000 reported civilian deaths since the beginning of the war in 2003. Will somebody PLEASE get a f**k’n grip and get some perspective as to what’s truly important?? I am officially changing the definition of “Fag” to include ONLY those individuals who have their head so far up their azzes they can’t see past the sh*t they spew. Who gives a f**k who has sex with who?? If you prefer the company of the same sex then whoop-da-dee-do!! If your skin color is anything other than “white” then La-dee-da!! Too often people are focused more on the difference than the similarities on BOTH sides of the argument, and as far as I’m concerned if that’s you’re postition then according to my new rule you are a Fag. Fag Fag Faggity f***k’n Fag. Grow up world. Just grow the f**k up. This is rediculous.
Oregon says
OK, you want to allow Mr Lewis to say “faggot” because he has raised some money. Please allow Mr. Vick to play ball, he entertains as well and makes a lot more money for the NFL. Allow OJ to write books and make appearances making money after slaying his wife! Allow all the Enron guys to steal from the poor hourly wage employees and never do a minutes prison sentence. All of you wanted to hang Paris for a small incident that 99.9% of non-celebs would have never done more then 6 hours jail time. She donates MILLIONS of dollars to humanitarian causes. Niggers, bitches, cunts, whores, jews, chinx, beaners, faggots, dikes, retards……….. should all of these plus the other 10, 000 derogetory names just be allowed to be said by anyone with consequent? I think not… Were we not taught at one stage of our life to watch our P’s and Q’s, to “Love Thy Neighbor” and to “Do Unto Others As……” exactly.
I am a male who is handicapped, disabled, hispanic and gay. I have heard it all. From strangers calling me fag, to being screamed at ‘ get out of the US damn Mexican, to being called a retard because I have a limp due to a hip replacement from a bone disease that I have. I am Spanish/French/American Indian, I have a Engineering degree and have been in a 25 year relationship with the SAME person. I volunteer for community non profits about 50 hours a month plus I give $$ to my local catholic church that I attend. I think I also do a lot for the community, can I go around using these harsh rude words freely? Of course NOT, I treasure my good upbringing and wood not lower myself to such conduct.
Mr. Lewis…… you are just another “ZERO” !
Mike says
Apparently, it generated some response…they raised more money than ever.
Farnsworth Detwiler says
Illiteracy amongst those of the homosexual persuasion is real, America. If there was justice it would be that Jerry Lewis devote a 48-hour telethon to ending illiteracy among all people, regardless of their faggotness.
Ed says
Not a problem with Jerry, but Stuart Heritage, writer of the article of the article, leaves a lot to be desired in his use of grammar and spelling.
GetALife says
Tne culture of political correctness is out of control. What’s next? If you can’t laugh at yourself then you have a problem. In fact, you all have a problem. I don’t like Jerry Lewis but free speech is free speech unless you offend a marginal, immoral group. Get over yourselves.
Delilah says
Give me a break! An elderly, over-tired charity host makes an extremely minor faux pas, and that’s supposed to be a big deal??? SO WHAT? I urge all illiterate faggots out there to get a sense of humor; everyone will like you much better then, regardless of your illiteracy or sexual preferences.
joey joe-joe says
Jerry Lewis is still alive?
Booya (No im not black) says
Jerry that was funny as hell, fags leave Jerry alone, while you spread disease he is trying to cure it.
ROTFL says
Jerry’s slip-up notwithstanding the article is one of the funniest things I have read in a long time. And no, it is not the situation that is funny. We as a nation seem to have evolved to the point where hurtful terms in public are not acceptable anymore –and that’s all good. It is the author’s handling of the subject and his writing that is hilarious! His use of irony and way of putting things is truly brilliant satire. So Ed, cut some slack on the grammar police front. In a world of blogger hacks this guy is a rare gem.
gamisan says
Does anybody actually find this bit funny? It actually just seems a little sad to me.
Mark says
Why is it that comedians can poke fun of any race, culture, and stereotype but if they say the word “faggot” – they are treated as anathema? Ridiculous. I agree with the previous post. Either get a sense of humor or hold everyone to the same standard, outlawing all discriminatory language. We could create a Department of Homeland Thought-Police with cool uniforms.
shazzb0t says
i did. haha, everyone has a illiterate faggot in their family, geesh get over it you hate-mongers!
Ron says
Freedom of speech is a fundamental freedom in this country. I personally pointed “H” bombs at countries that don’t believe in freedom of speech. What notion has led some people to believe if they restrict freedom of speech the problem of Gay bashing will go away? Are you going to apologize for the mental image that you project with your lifestyle? Let’s not forget how you guys are using your “willy”. See we all offend each other a little. Find another battle and leave Jerry Lewis alone.
rebecca says
wow… why do people get so angry so fast, really…. calm down!
Sean says
Jerry Lewis’s entire career was based on playing the character of a very obvious gay man. He does a bizarre dance between being as flamboyant as possible without actually ever coming out. His infatuation with Dean Martin, the boyish, dopey antics . . . Jerry is the illiterate faggot for crying out loud!
Besides, Gay empowerment means not having to be bothered by stuff like this.
Common sense says
People, there is a difference between an everyday person and a public image voicing their opinion on topics of homosexuality. An everyday person can say whatever they please, but Mr. Lewis is a public image. He lives by a standard, a standard to which one refrains from insults. This is not about free speech.
Kasey says
Before all of this happened, I HATED Jerry Lewis. I don’t care how well respected he is or what he’s done, he’s a very arrogant, obnoxious, narcissistic man. As for this, he’s been in the business WAY long enough to know that you don’t make ANY comments unless you’re 100% sure who you’re talking to — and even then you’d better be careful.
So, someone got on the ball and prepared a fast apology for him. SO FREAKIN’ WHAT???
He’s a truly creepy man.
Wrongway Right says
Reckon the gay community would have accepted ” illiterate queer?”
THE BIG CHUCQUITA says
Hey LUV your not the only one TMZ was to scared to post my comment too apparently they thought it was to politically incorrect. So like you I’ll post it here. Gay’s go around calling each other faggots queens and queers all the time just like black people call each other nigger all the time. Boy but let somebody else use those term’s and your a homophobe or a racist. I don’t know how many time’s I laughed in the face of a person who called me a honkie or a cracker and told them that they needed to come up with something better then that if they wanted to insult me. apparently Jesse didn’t have a problem with being called an illiterate faggot
THE BIG CHUCQUITA says
And now to finish my comment. As I said apparently Jesse didn’t have a problem being called an illiterate faggot maybe it’s because he’s illiterate or maybe it’s because he doesn’t care. I thought gay people were proud of who they are so why let a word like faggot bother you. You are who you are deal with and get over it
Scotty says
ENOUGH! What a ridiculous story…..Soooooooo What!
Khann says
i loled.
Topher says
What else should we expect from an illiterate Jew boy who is loved by the people of France.
newbz says
Imagine if he would have said “Illiterate Faggot Niggers”. Wow that would have got them all.. Well almost….
Right ON says
Bump + one for Dan Fielding
“Sorry to hear that he upset so many illiterate faggots in the fag community.”
pwnd fags :o
Roger says
One could only wonder if “Jesse” reversed the role and called Jerry Lewis a “kyke”…
gayle says
More important than the politically incorrect categorization of an imginary person is Why was he talking to an imaginary person at all? Poor Jerry, I do not think he is well.
spriggig says
He said a hateful thing *in public* and was called to task for it–as he should be. He sincerely apologized and I believe every word of what he said.
If you can find it in your heart to spare some love for an 81 year old man *who has done so much good in his life* I urge you to overlook his flaws and do so.
Cuthbert says
friendlier says > And get your quotes right, Willis. Jerry said “illiterate fag,” not “illiterate faggot.” But that’s probably just the way you usually say it, right?
I’m very confident, after listening to the clip that the quote is correct. He trails off.
Sidestepping the actual slur, this is another case where the context adds to the uproar. If he had said this in a nightclub act, it wouldn’t have had the same impact in the media. Peoples outrage are predicated on whom they have with them in the room (or even imagine is watching or paying attention).
hannah says
wow. that is so hilarious. and so dumb of people to call it an “outburst”. HA! And FAG is not the “F” word.
wow. some people are way too sensitive.
amber says
all i appreciate was the zoolander reference at the end of this article.
Quit Crying. says
I’m sure if you read the U.S. Constitution you will find that nowhere does it state that you have a right to not get your little feelings hurt.
Jerry Lewis, I say fuck a bunch of faggots if they can’t take a joke.
gerald williams says
I just dont get it. With a war raging in the middle east, global warming threatening the planet, and people starving in third world countries, How does someone single out Jerry Lewis as a villian for calling an imaginary person a faggot. Lets put thing in perspective. On one hand, Jerry Lewis has hosted the MDA telethon for 40+ years and raised hundreds of millions of dollars for kids in need. On the other hand, he jokingly insulted an imaginary character with a stupid joke. I think I can forgive him. For those of you who are offended – why not call your congressman. Demand that he (or she) introduce legislation that would make it a hate crime to discriminate against persons that dont actually exist. Come on folks, get a life. There must be something better for you to whine about. Get a life.
Roger says
So if “Jesse” called JL a “kyke” the outcome would be the same?…
hannah says
oh yeah, and…WHO GIVES A CRAP????!!!
Perjorative Observer says
Are “faggots” more easily offended than those who are just, “illiterate?” Does the unfortunate situation of illiteracy coupled with the choice of having sex with one of one’s own gender not occur in some percentile? Are imaginary “faggots” allowed protection under existing law(s)? So many questions for those who enjoy homosexuality and defend their life choices with such ferver …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faggot_(slang)
The Thought Police are aware of this and are acting as I type …
Roya says
This is not the first time Jerry Lewis has used the word “faggot” on his telethon. I personally called and complained to the telethon hotline approximately 5 years ago when he mouthed the word “faggot” and pointed to one of the male dancers who was part of a dance group that had just finished a routine. The operator told me “I’m sure he was just joking.” I told her it was inappropriate anyway. This was not a one-time slip from an old man. I’ve only watched one of his telethons, and that was just for a few minutes, and I saw him drop the f-bomb then. Its obviously one of his favorite words.
Peggy says
While I agree that the f-word is not appropriate and distasteful, I wish everyone else would be just as much in arms when you here the b-word, the other f-word,
and the one I really hate is the GD word. Why are these words not being fought from being said in movies, television, and music? It is no wonder why our youth in
America has no respect and act the way they do. It seems tolerance in this country is double standard when it comes to what we say and do. Mr. Lewis gets in
trouble for the f-word but everyone else is going unnoticed
*****AMEN***** I am so sick of the GD word one TV in films!!! Does anyone care that that word offends a LOT of people? No, apparently they dont’.
Politically Correct says
This just goes to show that Don Imus’s nappy-haired hos and Michael Richard’s nigger hecklers didn’t deserve one second of air time, either.
DENNIS says
GROW UP WORLD AND GET OVER IT. SICK AND TIRED OF ALL THE WHINING ABOUT EVERY LITTLE WORD ANYONE SAYS OR DOES. IF YOU WANT PERFECTION GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT FIND IT HERE. SICK TO DEATH OF LAW SUITS, AND HOLLIER THEN THOU PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY HAVE TO TELL US ALL HOW TO LIVE AND WHAT WE CAN AND CAN’T SAY. IFYOU EVER GET TO JERRY’S AGE AND GO SLEEPLESS FOR 18 HOURS AND NEVER MAKE A MISTAKE OR OFFEND SOMEONE…LOOK AROUND……..MAYBE YOU ARE REALLY GOD……….NOT
Will A says
Oh my God Jerry said a bad thing!! Wash his mouth out with soap.
My only problem is that he said it on regular Television. As to saying the word “Faggot” so what? Its a word. He is a comedian. Its called figure of speach. Chris Rock says the wortd nigger more then a slave auctioner in the south before the civil war does anyone complain about him? No!!! And they shouldnt.
Hell walk through Dupont Cirlce anytime of the night and you will hear the word faggot a alot.
Grinwald says
wow
I’m amazed how many people feel there should be no reaction to this. I’m not personally offended, but I think Jerry’s career (if he still had one) should burn for this.
Yes, they are “just words” and “technically correct” … but what do you think the reaction would be if he used an imaginary character like “Jesse the inbred republican moron”?
xeric says
Jesse the illiterate nigger.
Jesse the illiterate kike.
Jesse the illiterate dothead.
Jesse the illiterate trailer trash cracker.
Jesse the illiterate wop.
etc. etc. etc.
Hey it’s funny right? No problem there? Political correctness is bad right?
Only when it’s not you the bigots are talking about.
Jesse the Illterate Faggot says
I accept your apology.
Ken says
Ahhh c’mon! who gives a flying Faggot! (ooops) I’m sorry…
Ken says
And by the way “The F-bomb” isn’t used for “faggot”!! It’s used for the word derived from a criminal charge British sailors would get put in jail for in the 1800’s or perhaps earlier. The F-bomb most assuredly stands for the word meaning “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge”. When the Sailors arrived back late to their ships their commanding officer would ask why and they would reply “For Having Unlawful Carnal Knowledge of a woman in the Nude” or “F.U.C.K.I.N.” the term was used as slang later shortened to describe the act of copulating. ex. Why are you late? awww sorry mate I was out fucking and got delayed by Constable Wilkins again The F-Bomb stands for any variation of the derogatory word “Fuck”. Only a gay homo retard would think it would mean faggot!
Andrew says
It seems to hold true if you got the gold you can pretty much call the shots any way you want and get away with it. Lack of moral purpose and values from a decadent old comedian who has no desire to be any thing but who he is thats ok because he makes a lot of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Ken says
This country teaches men and women to drop bombs on foreign cities killing hundreds of thousands of people. Yet Jerry Lewis can’t say Faggot on television while raising $63 million dollars for poor sick kids because people think it’s obscene..
BOBBY MAC says
“Does anyone actually find this funny?”
Answer: Yes, I and millions of average guys do find a fag joke very funny!
Another blogger says: “Jerry’s career should burn for this.” Get real sweetie pie……he’s helping physically disadvantaged kids and he gets a pass.
Randy says
Oh, Jerry is nothing but a nappy-headed ho! Oh dear, did I just say that outloud? The American public had no problem with firing Imus for calling black women basketball players “nappy headed ho’s”, but I’m surprised to see so many people defending Jerry Lewis’ comment. These same people that are supporting Jerry’s comment MUST hate gays in general; otherwise, there is no defense to his comment. But, unlike Isiah Washington, Jerry has been in the public eye for decades, raising over 800 million dollars in his telethons over the past 41 years. However, that does not give him a free pass to call anyone a nigger, a faggot, or any other slur. Jerry apologized, and (as a gay man) I accept his apology. I do not think at all that he should suffer the same demise as Imus. But there sure is a double-standard in this country when it comes to black slurs versus gay slurs. I’m quite positive that Jessie Jackson and Sharpton would be calling for the head of Jerry had he said “Jesse the Illiterate Nigger”. And, whomever is reading this, you KNOW you agree. Thus, the double standard that exists in our country.
The expert says
So the real question is should literate faggots feel insulted for their fellow illiterate ones? I am surprised everybody talks about how THEY feel about it and nobody asks Jessie how HE feels. How about giving Jessie the opportunity to host the next telethon and express himself about Jerry the illiterate ignorant comedian. As a I think they should redress Jessie’s deep wounds by sending him to a post telethon stress rehab.
howabowtdiz? says
i got a better idea to the commenters…
why don’t you all shut up?
Larry says
Just as people of color more than occasionally use the word “nigger” in a semi-humorous context, so do gays often use the word “faggot” (and several other synonymous terms). Even native Americans call themselves “Indians” without batting an eye. I advise relaxation and hot herbal tea, and a great deal of tolerance and goodwill. Then no one will be angry at anyone, and what a relief that will be.
gerald williams says
I would like to point out that we have no reason to be upset with Jerry lewis’ insensitivity for illiterate faggots or any other person in a minority group. He was politically incorrect – even though he didn’t violate the law. Let me explain. This is America. We have rights. We all know that it is a crime to discriminate based on a persons minority status, yet we must be careful to differientate between true discrimination and artistic expression. For instance, it is a deplorable violation of employment law to practice favoritism by hiring someone because she or he is a God fearing Christain when there are equally qualified radical muslims applying for the same job with an airline. Thats discrimination. Mr. Lewis didn’t discriminate. He is an artist and our right to artistic expression is also protected under the law. Thats why we respect the right of a rap “artist” to weave cultural stories (like capping his MotherF’ing nappy headed ho fo takin his crack) into his works of art.
Thats just my opinion. I’m not really qualified to comment because I am one of the lucky 26% to be in the majority group (hetrosexual white christian male). No matter how hard you try, I cant be discriminated against because discrimination only happens to the 74% minority. How lucky I am. Deny me a job, deny me a morgage, deny my membership to the NCAAP, or deny me entrance to the illiterate faggot club. You can never discriminate against me (just ask the Reverend Sharpton). Please don’t hate me for being blessed.
Rick says
I still cant believe people think ‘Jessie” is a real person. Let him host the next show??….stage would be empty.
He is a fagmont of JL’s imagination. duhhhh
JBollocks says
Word up! Fear baby, fear. Fear of a black planet!
Opps, sorry wrong blog.
Nah, just kidding, for a bunch of “illiterate” gays you all can spell pretty good. You should see how music fans spell.
“plus, what r ya’ll doin here in tha 1st place if all ya’ll was gone do is talk shit all day long about michael?!
hm, u must not have no life worrying about sumbodi else’s. and u must evidently care what he’s doing
because, what would u b doing here on this cite in tha 1st place?????? its people like ya’ll, tha haters, who
is actually inspiring michael 2 keep doing what he does. BEING THA BEST. ya’ll just jealous. and im right,
the better he becomes the more haterz he get.”
Luvn’ it.
james says
To Randy,
You said:
“But there sure is a double-standard in this country when it comes to black slurs versus gay slurs.”
Ah, but don’t forget: You’re born black. You’re NOT born gay. Not the same.