Spring Break
OP-ED:Failed satire does not reflect author's views on race or humanity
by Jonathan Rubinger
Op-Ed | 5/1/07
Posted online at 11:41 PM EST on 4/30/07
/ Last updated at 6:46 AM EST on 4/30/07
I am not a racist. I am, in fact, a humanist-I am of the opinion that people do not choose their circumstances, and that all human beings deserve a measure of compassion, if for no other reason than the fact that we're all in this together-humans, I mean. The belief that any human is superior to another for any reason-genetic or lifestyle-does not fit into this construct, and so the accusations of racism that are swirling around me at the moment have hurt me a great deal and continue to do so.
Many people have confided to me that they found the material funny for the intended reasons, but are afraid to admit so publicly for fear of being branded as racist. If you fall into this category, you have my sympathy; it is unfortunate that you are silenced by this very reasonable worry. While I wish I could count on your public support, it would be too much to ask you to expose yourself to the same ire that has been directed at me over the past few days.
If, on the other hand, you found yourself looking at the ad, laughing at the expense of black people or the black community, I have nothing to offer you but disdain.
It is my hope that we can work out our differences of opinion through civil discussion. I continue to stand by the joke I was trying to make about the ridiculousness of stereotypes, and I apologize for my oversight of what could easily be misconstrued as an attack. Know that it was not my intention to hurt feelings, but rather to induce laughter and promote an increased understanding of the ludicrous nature of black, racial and all stereotypes. If anyone is planning to refer to me in the future as a racist, I hope you will reconsider. That is, far and away, not who I am.
Like all humanists, I am very much on your side, and I fault no one for his point of view. As a humanist, I respectfully submit that you consider as individuals or in groups the role that humor can play in easing racial tensions.
Like all humans, I am prone to making mistakes. As a human, I humbly request that you forgive me for mine.
My best wishes to all.
The writer is a member of the Class of 2008.
Many people have confided to me that they found the material funny for the intended reasons, but are afraid to admit so publicly for fear of being branded as racist. If you fall into this category, you have my sympathy; it is unfortunate that you are silenced by this very reasonable worry. While I wish I could count on your public support, it would be too much to ask you to expose yourself to the same ire that has been directed at me over the past few days.
If, on the other hand, you found yourself looking at the ad, laughing at the expense of black people or the black community, I have nothing to offer you but disdain.
It is my hope that we can work out our differences of opinion through civil discussion. I continue to stand by the joke I was trying to make about the ridiculousness of stereotypes, and I apologize for my oversight of what could easily be misconstrued as an attack. Know that it was not my intention to hurt feelings, but rather to induce laughter and promote an increased understanding of the ludicrous nature of black, racial and all stereotypes. If anyone is planning to refer to me in the future as a racist, I hope you will reconsider. That is, far and away, not who I am.
Like all humanists, I am very much on your side, and I fault no one for his point of view. As a humanist, I respectfully submit that you consider as individuals or in groups the role that humor can play in easing racial tensions.
Like all humans, I am prone to making mistakes. As a human, I humbly request that you forgive me for mine.
My best wishes to all.
The writer is a member of the Class of 2008.
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