news1Capital Bay (?): White People's Day: Chris Rock Comment Sparks Fireworks

[Jumbo]

I love Chris Rock. :ols:

http://news1.capitalbay.com/latest-news/254815-white-people-s-day-chris-rock-comment-sparks-fireworks.html


White People’s Day took place on July 4th, according to comedian Chris Rock, who tweeted a joke to his legion of followers that has not settled too well with a large selection of the populace. Since the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member is no stranger to the world of controversy, Rock seems unfazed by the extreme amount of backlash his biting observation has generated. From what I can tell, he’s ruffled quite a few feathers with this one, which usually indicates that he’s touched a nerve most people don’t want to acknowledge.

If you missed Rock’s tweet, here you go:
Chris Rock
@chrisrock

Happy white peoples independence day the slaves weren’t free but I’m sure they enjoyed fireworks


:ols:

I was not yet a teenager when, after having learned a little history, I first started wondering how other people in other nations of the world reconciled our actual history as a nation , "good and bad" in toto, with our always talking about how awesome and better we were than everyone else. :) And I suggest avoiding posting as taking that as some sort of "bashing America" thought on my part ;)).

But mainly, while there's some meat here, I just thought the line was funnier than hell. But then I can get into nonPC or dark humor pretty easy anyway, if done right. :D

[Teller]

No call out threads!!! :mad: :cool: :ols:

When I saw his comments, I initially chuckled. But then when I saw how some of my facebook friends took it and ran with it, I developed my usual "WTF?" mentality on matters of race.

Some were saying things like "we're still not free," etc. Which is utterly ludicrous. But yeah, I absolutely can understand the point that on July 4, 1776, we DID declare independence and freedom....for some.

[skinsfan07]

hahaha that is hilarious! How can you not love the guy?

[ixcuincle]

Chris Rock is one of the funniest comics today.

[Jumbo]

Yeah, you know when Chris does anything he's being a comedian first and foremost. He's one of my favorites.

[Kilmer17]

People are really A- Offended at this or B- Think he's serious and blame whitey?

I love Chris Rock- His "how not to get your ass kicked by the cops" skit is an alltime great.

[mojo]

Judging from how much press he's gotten over the tweet I could've sworn it was "Washed Up Black Comedians Day"

[Heisenberg]

Judging from how much press he's gotten over the tweet I could've sworn it was "Washed Up Back Comedians Day"

Washed up?

Lol ok

[Corcaigh]

It's hard to argue with the sentiment ...

From the Preamble:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

English abolitionist Thomas Day wrote in a 1776 letter, "If there be an object truly ridiculous in nature, it is an American patriot, signing resolutions of independency with the one hand, and with the other brandishing a whip over his affrighted slaves."

[skinsfan07]

Judging from how much press he's gotten over the tweet I could've sworn it was "Washed Up Black Comedians Day"

wow lmfao. Any evidence to back up that statement? No? Okay.

[Jumbo]

Someone's mojo is broken. :pfft:

[Jumbo]

Women, Negroes, Native Americans, Homosexuals, Various other ethnicites and nationalites at various times, and short people---forget about Old Men, this has often been No Country For Many of You. :evilg: :D

[Yusuf06]

That is pretty funny stuff. I love that so many people got their panties all in a bunch....exactly as Rock expected and wanted. :)

[Koolblue13]

July 3rd is emancipation day on this island, so locals celebrate the 4rth. It wasn't an American island when that happened either.

Also, there are more slaves today, right now, than any other time in history, but that fact seems to be lost on folks who want to hold onto their past. There are a ton of reminders of slavery here.

Growing up in a place known for the underground railroad and such, then moving to a place you can see sugar mills and slave blocks everywhere, is pretty profound.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Just absolutely absurd to freak out over comedians.

[RichmondRedskin88]

What cha talkin about "peoples"?;):ols:

[Dan T.]

Louis CK agrees with Chris:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4f9zR5yzY

(Extremely hilarious, some salty NSFW language)

[Mad Mike]

It's hard to argue with the sentiment ...

From the Preamble:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

English abolitionist Thomas Day wrote in a 1776 letter, "If there be an object truly ridiculous in nature, it is an American patriot, signing resolutions of independency with the one hand, and with the other brandishing a whip over his affrighted slaves."

And From Thomas Jefferson...


"For in a warm climate, no man will labour for himself who can make another labour for him. This is so true, that of the proprietors of slaves a very small proportion indeed are ever seen to labor. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever . . . ." - Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII[5]

"The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it. . . ." - Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII[6]

Even in the beginning, the seeds of change were there.

[Jumbo]

July 3rd is emancipation day on this island, so locals celebrate the 4rth. It wasn't an American island when that happened either.

Also, there are more slaves today, right now, than any other time in history, but that fact seems to be lost on folks who want to hold onto their past. There are a ton of reminders of slavery here.

Growing up in a place known for the underground railroad and such, then moving to a place you can see sugar mills and slave blocks everywhere, is pretty profound.

Sort of getting more OT (yet not entirely), but it was interesting to learn more about how it was sugar trade from invading the Caribbean islands that brought a enormous burst of increased wealth to a few European nations (Netherlands, France, England, Spain) during "American revolutionary" times (and beyond). And the British government was quite fine with utilizing all the African slaves. Then they were also quite fine with offering freedom to those slaves in the 13 colonies who would fight on their side. Pragmatism at its most endearing. ;)

[mistertim]

Just absolutely absurd to freak out over comedians.

Hey, if there is one thing that is pretty damn American (especially at this juncture and in the current political climate) it is (faux) righteous indignation. :ols:

[Koolblue13]

Sort of getting more OT (yet not entirely), but it was interesting to learn more about how it was sugar trade from invading the Caribbean islands that brought a enormous burst of increased wealth to a few European nations (Netherlands, France, England, Spain) during "American revolutionary" times (and beyond). And the British government was quite fine with utilizing all the African slaves. Then they were also quite fine with offering freedom to those slaves in the 13 colonies who would fight on their side. Pragmatism at its most endearing. ;)

I've learned a hell of a lot about the "good ol days" in the last 7 months. Most locals (certainly not all) will gladly tell tales of their earlier generations, that were passed down to them. Fascinating.

In downtown Fredricksted (the shooty part of the island) there is a slave post that has things spray painted behind it like "free Saddam" and "we will always fight". It really lets you feel the love. :ols:

All that said, it's the most culturally mixed place I've probably ever been and comfortable. Race rarely comes into play whatsoever.

[LadySkinsFan]

It's actually Rich, White Men Day since at the time blacks, women, indentured servants were not allowed to vote, and that was denied for a very long time, until the 20th Century for women.

[Dan T.]

Pragmatism at its most endearing. ;)

Which we saw with Jefferson too, as he tried to reconcile the lofty ambitions of creating a new nation based on individual liberty while at the same time owning slaves. In his case, pragmatism won out both personally and politically... Personally due to his crushing debt that prevented him financially from giving up his most valuable "assets" outside of land. His conscience lost out to his empty pocketbook. Politically it was a pragmatic decision to punt on the slavery issue in order to hold a fledgling nation together. He and his compatriots kicked that can on down the road, to disasterous future results.

But as a nation... hey, everybody makes mistakes. We do our best to right wrongs. For 250 years, we've been seeking the right path, and we do it better than most.

[hunterx]

If my ancestors were not in this country during the Independence Day of 1776, can I still be excited about it? I guess I can, their Independence from Britain probably created a lot more interest for immigrants moving here and creating a family for themselves.

[HogNose]

Judging from how much press he's gotten over the tweet I could've sworn it was "Washed Up Black Comedians Day"

Chris Rock washed up? :ols:


Anyway loved the tweet. Like any smart calculating comedian, he knows exactly what will get some segments of the population riled up.

[Jumbo]

Well said, Dan T. :)

I keep thinking I have to come visit you, KB--though TK will kill me if I do it before going east and seeing a Redskins game with him. :)

[Koolblue13]

Well said, Dan T. :)

I keep thinking I have to come visit you, KB--though TK will kill me if I do it before going east and seeing a Redskins game with him. :)

You're always welcome. This place is pretty amazing. I went to the botanical gardens for the first time last week, for the mango festival, gotta go again when it isn't so crowded. Amazing place. This is an interesting time to be here too. We just had one of the largest oil refineries in the world close for good and when it's an island of 50k people, you really feel it. Hopefully, we embrace our history and heritage and use that to propel tourism.

I've watched sea turtles lay eggs in the moonlight two of the last three nights. Magical. I can't even explain it.

[Destino]

And From Thomas Jefferson...

Even in the beginning, the seeds of change were there.
The seeds of change being "daring to state the obvious" at a time when doing so was dangerous. I say this because I don't accept the ridiculous rationalization held by many that people didn't realize slavery was wrong at the time. This is how we keep our heroes shiny and bright.

[thebluefood]

That is hilarious and the backlash makes it even better. :ols:

[DCSaints_fan]

Also on July 4th(Well technically more like July 3rd, but close enough), 1863 the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which pretty much sealed the fate of the Confederacy and slavery in the US.

[Bang]

I like Chris Rock too, but damn if I'm not tired of people demanding equality and yet separating themselves on practically every line imaginable.

It gets old, and it's impossible to rectify.

Land of the Fractured.
Home of the Complaint.

~Bang

[gortiz]

Judging from how much press he's gotten over the tweet I could've sworn it was "Washed Up Black Comedians Day"

man, you don't stop being funny ... it's like being tall. You just don't stop being tall.

Rock is not my favorite, but he keeps it real and he can drop some gems ... and he is far from washed up, if that is what you meant.

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

And From Thomas Jefferson...



Even in the beginning, the seeds of change were there.

And Jefferson was the Founder who notably did NOT free his slaves upon his death.

---------- Post added July-6th-2012 at 12:49 PM ----------


If my ancestors were not in this country during the Independence Day of 1776, can I still be excited about it? I guess I can, their Independence from Britain probably created a lot more interest for immigrants moving here and creating a family for themselves.


That and famines.

Mostly famines.

[Califan007]

What's Chris Rock talking about?...That movie had to do with aliens, not slaves.

[Drop]

lol, i thought Rock's comment was pretty funny. but i dunno, i thought Mojo's "washed up black comedian" line was just as funny.


maybe neither of them are really that funny at all? haha

[Yusuf06]

Also on July 4th(Well technically more like July 3rd, but close enough), 1863 the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which pretty much sealed the fate of the Confederacy and slavery in the US.
Haven't you heard? The civil war had nothing to do with slavery. The end of that noble institution coincided with the civil war merely by coincidence. ;)


I like Chris Rock too, but damn if I'm not tired of people demanding equality and yet separating themselves on practically every line imaginable.

It gets old, and it's impossible to rectify.

Land of the Fractured.
Home of the Complaint.

~Bang
You know, I resisted the temptation earlier to reply to H_H's post by saying that to some degree slavery does still exist today and that much of it is self imposed and not limited to just one race.

[Bang]

You know, I resisted the temptation earlier to reply to H_H's post by saying that to some degree slavery does still exist today and that much of it is self imposed and not limited to just one race.

I hated to make that post, but it can get frustrating.

I think that one thing that anyone needs to do when confronted with a relationship problem is TRY to cooperate toward a common goal.
Now, I know not everyone will do this, and I know plenty who will actively resist.
But I don't see any other way.

~Bang

[GibbsFactor]

The founders knew of their hypocrisy (perhaps not to women, but definitely their slaves) and the north needed the south. They didn't have time to take on the issue of slavery during the revolution, there never would have been a revolution. 75 years later, once the country was sovereign, the issue was tackled and almost brought the nation down then.

[Corcaigh]

That and famines.

Mostly famines.

A fair amount of emigration was driven by landowners who realized that peasants, when scattered over the hillsides, were not only less profitable than sheep, but also less pleasing to the eye.

[Koolblue13]

Haven't you heard? The civil war had nothing to do with slavery. The end of that noble institution coincided with the civil war merely by coincidence. ;)


You know, I resisted the temptation earlier to reply to H_H's post by saying that to some degree slavery does still exist today and that much of it is self imposed and not limited to just one race.

There are more slaves in the world today, than any other time in history. Not by some degree either.

[Jumbo]

A fair amount of emigration was driven by landowners who realized that peasants, when scattered over the hillsides, were not only less profitable than sheep,but also less pleasing to the eye.

Those were mainly the English. The Irish, Welsh, and Scottish were always more attractive.

[Corcaigh]

Those were mainly the English. The Irish, Welsh, and Scottish were always more attractive.

Obvious sarcasm. No-one has ever accused the Irish, Welsh or Scots or being attractive ... in any manner.

[Jumbo]

Obvious sarcasm. No-one has ever accused the Irish, Welsh or Scots or being attractive ... in any manner.

C'mon man---it was in comparison to the English, no one else. :pfft:

[Corcaigh]

C'mon man---it was in comparison to the English, no one else. :pfft:

Ah ... the classic douche versus turd sandwich choice

[Jumbo]

Ah ... the classic douche versus turd sandwich choice

Exactly--think Summer Citrus vs. Eau De Phew

[Yusuf06]

There are more slaves in the world today, than any other time in history. Not by some degree either.
I'll take your word about the physical slavery problem and yes, it's reprehensible. However I actually was referring to the attitudes many of us hold that keep us shackled to outdated ideas and in some cases downright foolishness.

[Pedro]

Sheep > peasants, at least since first go on wedding night rights went. Can eat sheep, make socks from their wool and they make better horses for pet monkeys to race on.

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

Judging from how much press he's gotten over the tweet I could've sworn it was "Washed Up Black Comedians Day"

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/030/403/YouMad.jpg?1260647699


The seeds of change being "daring to state the obvious" at a time when doing so was dangerous. I say this because I don't accept the ridiculous rationalization held by many that people didn't realize slavery was wrong at the time. This is how we keep our heroes shiny and bright.
I agree with this

[mojo]

man, you don't stop being funny ... it's like being tall. You just don't stop being tall.

Rock is not my favorite, but he keeps it real and he can drop some gems ... and he is far from washed up, if that is what you meant.

Yea, you're right. What was your favorite Eddie Murphy movie lately? The one where he dresses as a fat person and farts a lot? Or maybe Ghost Dad?

[Predicto]

In response:


Ted Nugent Wonders if 'We'd Have Been Better Off if the South Had Won the Civil War

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ted-nugent-confederacy-won-civil-war-john-roberts-346041

:silly:

[Burgold]

A comedian saying something outrageous with just enough truth in it to get a certain segment really upset? Why that never happens.

[mistertim]

In response:



http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ted-nugent-confederacy-won-civil-war-john-roberts-346041

:silly:

Ted Nugent is almost as funny a comedian as Chris Rock

[Predicto]

Yea, you're right. What was your favorite Eddie Murphy movie lately? The one where he dresses as a fat person and farts a lot? Or maybe Ghost Dad?

Eddie Murphy?

Oh I get it. They all look alike to you. :silly:

[illone]

Chris Rock is one of the best comedians of all time, and he's a pretty smart dude.

He had to think he might ruffle some feathers with a statement like that. Not everyone understands that he is a jokester, plus he comes across kinda bitter when you "read" the comment. im sure if you heard him say it in context, it was funny and most would laugh, but when you read it, just makes it sound like he has a chip on his shoulder.

I love Chris Rock, but this isn't one of his finer moments.

[Unforgiven]

Yea, you're right. What was your favorite Eddie Murphy movie lately? The one where he dresses as a fat person and farts a lot? Or maybe Ghost Dad?

He's actually still capable of being really funny. Just because someone throws a check for $20 million in front of you and asks for you to be in their **** movie doesn't mean you're no longer capable of being funny.

You can get a feeling for how intact his sense of humor is by reading an interview where he's being honest. Rolling Stone did one with him toward the end of '11 and if you were ever a fan, it's worth reading.

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/eddie-murphy-the-rolling-stone-interview-20111109 (This is an unedited interview with Eddie Murphy....obviously has some naughty words, cover your eyes children!)

[Koolblue13]

I'll take your word about the physical slavery problem and yes, it's reprehensible. However I actually was referring to the attitudes many of us hold that keep us shackled to outdated ideas and in some cases downright foolishness.

Yeah, the attitudes that keep you shackled (by choice) to something that ended a long ass time ago and you have very strong feelings about, yet never actually meeting a slave and knowing there are slaves under your nose that you'll never care about.

I really hate this slavery bull****. Yes black people in America, something bad happened a long time ago, and it sucked and it never should have, but it did and peoples lives we ruined. But guess what. Do you actually care about how ****ty slavery is? Or do you just want to get an empty bull**** justification becase people you were related to had to deal with it? If you honestly care about slavery, do something about it today or get the **** over yourselves.

[AsburySkinsFan]

I think it's funny and sad at the same time, because as much as Conservatives groan at the very thought of being politically correct they are too often the one's who scream bloody murder when someone talks off script about patriotism, the flag, and America. "America is #1 ! America is right, America is the best and don't you even think about bringing up our sins or challenge who we are 'cause we're the best and if you don't like it then GTFO!" We have developed such a panzie attitude that it makes me ill, if you want to challenge the revisionist history and the worldview held by many Americans then wait 'til no one is paying attention to those things, but don't you fracking dare touch those issues while we're all wrapped up in flags and BBQ smoke because we're busy celebrating all of that revisionist patriotism and we still cannot figure out why so many Native Americans see that flag so differently than we do.

Want to see what happens when you try to change those perceptions? Then stand from a pulpit and cry out "God bless America? No, God damn America" and see what happens. I don't quite remember when I realized that I wasn't a patriot any more, but I remember the first time that I heard Lee Greenwood and didn't get all excited. I've been told directly and in directly, "If you don't love America then just leave." Which is actually a translation of the thought that says, "If you don't join my way of thinking about America then just leave." Which is simply an absurd notion, America is my home, I don't leave my family because my brother is passive aggressive and my mother is an alcoholic with serious control issues....but at the same time I don't have pretend those things aren't there in my family.

So...there that is.

[Bang]

Yea, you're right. What was your favorite Eddie Murphy movie lately? The one where he dresses as a fat person and farts a lot? Or maybe Ghost Dad?

Ghost Dad was Bill Cosby!

~Point

[mojo]

Ghost Dad was Bill Cosby!

~Point

Lol. Damn, you got me. Does The Adventures of Pluto Nash qualify?

Honestly, I haven't watched much Chris Rock stand up lately but I'm sure he's still funny. But judging from his recent skirmish with the reporter who challenged his statements on Tea Partiers (not that I support the tea party but he threw his camera and challenged him to a fight while standing behind his 2 huge body guards) and this tweet fiasco, it just seems he's evolved into the typical hypocritical Hollywood D-Bag. I guess I shouldn't let my thoughts on a performer personally affect my judgements of his talents because I'd probably never watch a movie or listen to music again.

[Unforgiven]

I guess I shouldn't let my thoughts on a performer personally affect my judgements of his talents because I'd probably never watch a movie or listen to music again.

To be fair, half of Hollywood has a video of them snapping and trying to take out a paparazzi hassling them or some no name journalist trying to trap them with a trick question because of something they said. Even if you think the question is fair, you have to keep in mind any time these people go out there is a small army of cameras and people shouting questions at you following you everywhere you go....it's the price of fame but it would be annoying as hell. Also, it would really limit what you watch and listen to if you held it against each person.

From what I can tell, Christian Bale is a giant douche....but it's not going to stop me from watching The Dark Knight rises in a couple of weeks. :)

[Thiebear]

Ehhh everyone hates Chris