Remarkably Mark #38
#38: Racism, Homophobia and The Real WorldArcherr from www.archerradio.com joins me for a frank discussion about MTV's The Real World Denver, and the flap over the use of the "n-word" on this week's episode. We talk about the incident, homophobia, and the liberal lubrication of liquor on MTV's dime.
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Remarkably Mark, podcast, chef, qpodder, queercaster, MTV, The Real World
Labels: archerr, podcast, the real world
posted by ReMARKable Palate @ 10:34 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Hey what a timely podcast. I have been watching Real World for quite a few years. I was sorry to see Davis use the N word but I think he was feeling hurt and desperate and wanted to hurt Tyree. There was nothing said about Tyree's threats, I thought Davis was going to get hurt. He was crying. Then the other "Christian" did nothing to support Davis. The Producers were totally irresponsible. I felt bad for Davis. i think this will be a good season! Glad you are watching it too.
H. Lewis, interesting post and website. I find alot of what you have to say thought-provoking, and I agree on many levels. however, I don't feel that any word even CAN be buried, much less should be. Language is a very powerful human construct, and ideas, once out in the open, cannot be squelched. While that word has a long and horrible history, it's more important for us as a society to discuss WHY it has such power for us. Only then can we live in a way that the word no longer has power over us, but rather us that have power over our words.
I wonder if the word is so powerful because of "white guilt"
I don't know. But if you read H Lewis' blog (http://hlewissmith.blogspot.com/), he talks about how many white people are so fearful of being seen as racist, that they hold themselves back from saying anything at all.
"White America is a simmering teapot that is about to boil over and it will have nothing to do with being a racist. Often times what is misconstrued as racial discrimination is nothing more than a reaction reflective of human nature. Many whites are fearful of being labeled a racist and is therefore allowing their pent-up emotions to build and it is building to a boiling point. As sensitive of an issue the n-word is…it needs to be openly dealt with."
There is a strong negative history behind the word nigger. It can be used in terms of degradation and hate towards people who are black. Racism, homophobia and discrimination is a serious issue, especially in America. Being gay is considered very bad in the black American community in general. It is very difficult to be black and gay. Lets face it. People tend to not like what is different. And when faced with people, cultures and stuff that is not what they are not like themselves they think those things are wrong.
What happened on the Real World is showing that. Most people still do not know what it is to be gay and all the struggles and discrimination that we as the gay community have to endure. I find this strange among minorities because I would think that our common struggles would bring us closer together. Most people relate things to themselves and because the have been raised to believe certain thing and have not been exposed to a wide variety of people who are homosexual they will tend to become defensive.
Tyrie, clearly has anger and rage issues. also think he might be a person how is very extreme in his emotions and is young and stubborn. And I hope he seeks out help to deal with his demons. But it does make for a good show this season. Hope he becomes more healthy in his state of mind and thinks about other, too.
I find it very telling how your (Mark) pointed out how everyone in the house was against Davis in the situation. Tyrie made many homophobic remarks directed to Davis because he was gay and it is so hypocritical. Well they were all drunk and Stephen did get upset over irrational things and I think he was the cause of the fight. There was a lack of communication amongst them all. And the issues did get get mixed up. And the fact that Tyrie was able to slide for what he said shows use how it is in general in America.
I also think that a lot of the Denver RealWorlders are back tracking. They get drunk and forget that they are on camera. The then realize that a lot of the things that they said and have done might look bad and they make an attempt to make nice, nice on camera in order to not look like an ass. I'm not saying that is bad. In fact I think it is a good thing. They are actually forced to have to think about their own actions and what is good and bad about themselves. Anyway i think is are getting, too politically correct. Put things out in the open and discuss it. Call me Charley and I will tell why that offends me. Call me fag and I will do the same.
I love watching the Real World and this season look to be a good one to boot.
The way you intend to use a word to express your thoughts is what is important. Not the word it's self. Because the meanings of words are abstract in nature and subject to evolving change and interpretation.
VJNET I enjoyed your response it was well though out. The "N" word is unique it is one of the few words that will make a small group of "white" Americans uncomfortable. I was recently at a party and a woman was discussing the use of the word among the African American Community, and she kept whispering the"N Word" when she said it. Mind you she also Whispered the "divorce word" when referencing her daughter. Wasn't a great party, was a work Christmas party.....
I thought you had some good points in the podcast, it still feels like homophobia is not taken seriously. I think we have been sidelined by being able to "take a joke" or even making the joke ourselves in order to defuse the situation. I have to wonder if maybe the total unity in the Black community is the only way to get the ground rules set when it comes to what the right words are and are not. I do not have any hope of the gay community getting to that point. I work with a bunch of truck drivers and nothing is more joked about than gays, I do think it is just the desire to laugh and feel a part of the group for most of them. (what else can we safely joke about) But, do I want to be a joke? Where dose that leave me? (did you cry at "What is eating Gilbert Grape" ?) No, I am not out at work, I do not feel that I would be safe.
Thanks DaveinVA, I agree with you that certain words have a power to make people uncomfortable and feel guilt and even cause people to be afraid to say them. But it is a double edged sword. Because if we perpetuate the strength of those words and the thoughts attached to them then we are also allowing those words to have the power to be used against another person in a hateful way. And it might be out of fear and ignorance.
There was a time when saying God's name in vain was a damnable, sinful thing to do. Now how many times do most people say "Ooh, My God"?
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