Hey Guys,
Last Wednesday, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg was giving a brief speech before the American Irish Historical Society. In his opening remarks he said, “Normally when I walk by this building there are a bunch of people that are totally inebriated hanging out the widow. I know that’s a stereotype about the Irish, but nevertheless we Jews around the corner think this.”
Since Wednesday, Bloomberg has apologized for the comment stating he was attempting to make a lighthearted joke, and certainly did not mean to offend anyone… but he did. Bloomberg is being criticized for playing into stereotypes, something that can be dangerous… consider this however… What if Bloomberg was Irish and made a similar statement? Would that be okay? Probably…
I think everyone is clear that Bloomberg is not in any way “anti-Irish”, they just want him to use a little more decorum in his job as Mayor. But what of everyone else?
Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics is known for the offensive nature of his comments on the court… he routinely uses the “N” word, and has referred to other players as “cancer patients”… is this acceptable?
Listen in the hallways of Pilgrim High School before school, between classes, and after school… you will hear a barrage of offensive terms and names…
Those of you who know me, know that I am not at all interested in living in a world controlled by the “PC Police”… that being said, there is a time and a place... maybe a comedian on stage (be careful, see Michael Richards)… but not the mayor of New York City at a public event, not in the hallways of a public high school… have a clue people…
What do you think?
why is everything taken so lyterally he was trying to lighten the mood he failed and now he is apologizing. at least he realizes his mistake people need to lighten up on some things.
ReplyDeleteeveryone say things that are not meant to be taken as offensive, maybe this was his. As for other people, you cannot stop them for what they say. You have no controll over what people say. If it offense you then you could appoach them about it or just ignore it.
ReplyDelete-Saman
I agree that there is a time and a place. For example during a basketball game things are said in the heat of the moment that are not always polite but i believe is just talking trash to the other team, and a part of the game.
ReplyDeleteAs a state official at a public speech is not the time to use this type of language. With this said he apologized and as long as it doesnt become a habit people just just forgive him and let it go. people make mistakes its a part of life
Stereotypes are always a touchy subject, even when meant as a joke...This guy slipped up but realized that he had offended someone, but did apologize.
ReplyDeleteThere is a time and a place for everything,and being the mayor of New York City is not a position in which you should say these comments. People do need to lighten up, though. It's obvious that he made a mistake, but he apologized.
ReplyDeleteAs a public official, he should know better. It's not his job to make jokes. If he were, he'd be on stage at a comedy club, not making speeches in front of the national news. Leave the jokes aside until away from the podium.
ReplyDelete-Brandon