Cosmo Kramer and the "n-word"

We all know Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld. He was the lovable neighbor who always found a way to make a horrible situation worse. When Seinfeld had rapped up in 1998, Michael Richards turned to Stand-up comedy. Yet when everything seemed to be going well, Richards lost in one night during an act in Hollywood, California and used the “n-word” profusely. I chose this topic because not only do I think it fits in perfectly with what we talk about in class but also relates to the “Kindred” reading in how it was common to refer to blacks as the “n-word”.
While performing at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California, Michael Richards was disturbed by a group of black men in the crowd. Richards was video taped shouting “shut up” at the group in the audience and followed by “he’s a nigger!” to rest of the shocked audience. The argument broke out even further when the audience members being attacked retaliated saying “that is uncalled for” and “your not even funny”. Richards, who was already in trouble, did not hold back referring them as niggers and even made a comment about lynching. Through out the confrontation the audience was in shock of what was happening. Richards would not stop threatening to “never interrupt a white man”. The confrontation ended when the group of black people left the Laugh Factory with threats and name calling. They also referred to Richards as a “cracker”. When the group of black member left so did the majority of the audience and after awhile Richards just walked off the stage almost knowing how big of a mistake he had just made. When I read the book Kindred, it was surprising to me to see how freely the whites used the “n-word” in reference to African Americans. So when I saw the Michael Richards incident I was in shock to see how freely and careless he threw out that word as if it meant nothing. The “n-word” is something that is so emotionally charged that it should never be used in a joking manner because it just brings up a horrible time in this countries past. Truly the audience members felt the same way as they left in disgust. Michael Richards apologized publicly on the “David Letterman Show” and has since retired from stand-up comedy in search for spiritual healing. Richards also apologized to civil rights leaders Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.
I was feeling sick after I had watched the taping of this incident. Not only was it so weird to see someone in the twenty first century say that word so care-free but also because the man who was saying it made me laugh for so many years prior to this incident. I feel sorry that this event even happened but I also forgive Michael Richards and truly believe that he is sorry. We should not judge Michael Richards but learn from this experience. The “n-word” should not be taken lightly and used in a laughing manner.