Quote:
Originally Posted by Istlota
Or a politician running for re-election.
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Hmmm I know this topic is a bit old but I would like to continue it . . . even for just a shot stint. I am an avid Howard Stern Listener . . . I would say I'm not really the typical listener. Since I am Black, college educated, well spoken . . . and well off. But I find the show very funny, and entertaining. However there are many times when racism rears its ugly head on the show.
Since I listen almost everyday and pay for the on-demand service I might have some incite into whether Howard is racist or not. And this is not an easy question to answer since the obvious correct answer is YES. But . . . not all the time. Howard is a shock jock . . . one of the best out there . . . but he has to pander to his mostly white . . . blue color audience who do harbor racial bigotry and ignorance (generalization).
Also Howard grew up in a different time in a different place. During his early years he lived in an all Black and very poor neighborhood that had little to no resources. He was beaten up and made an outcast for being different. He had no support system (insensitive parents) and he couldn't identify with anyone around him. Again he grew up in a different time, where "White Flight" was very common and Blacks were just overcoming the glass ceilings, and there was a rampant bigotry engulfing the US.
I feel in order to understand someone you must understand their origins. It's very easy to create a label for Howard . . . but he did come from desperate times. And most of us know the whole nature vs. nurture argument . . . your upbringing can define you.
Fortunately Howard usually is able to control his deep seeded bigoted feelings . . . but it does come out in many ways. Such as hiring Sal Governali, a rampant bigot and comedy writer on his show, that categorizes all Blacks in one group. To the need for Black Talk every time a Black person is quoted or spoken of during the show. To the caricature's . . . to the fact that someone at some point on the show says the word "******" everyday. To be honest there is so much evidence towards racism that it would be very hard to defend Howard. But again . . . one questions if this is satire, or the pandering to his audience or is it innate?
My personal opinion is that yes he is and most people are biggioted in someway or another. If the hatred is toward Hispanics, Jews, Blacks, Whites w.e. it there, and I'm sure that everyone has had thier say. Unfortunatly Howard has a bully pulpit to express his views, even if its not responsible . . . I have to admit it is funny.
JP