It’s Happened Again

Just when we thought it was safe to venture out in public again another of Hollywood’s setting stars has destroyed his reputation with a minute long racial tirade. Michael Richards, known primarily for his role as Kramer on Seinfeld, was in the middle of a stand up routine when he launched into a viscous attack on some hecklers. He repeatedly called the black men “niggers” and made reference to how they would’ve been lynched 50 years ago. Its makes for truly amazing footage, from the point of view that it’s so unexpected in this day and age.

Watch it here for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UomfLKQr57U&NR

Hot on the heels of Mel Gibson’s drunken anti-Semitic rant, the subsiding wounds have been reopened and we need to acknowledge that racism is alive and well - particularly if you’re a wealthy American entertainer. Thankfully, in Australia our ‘stars’ are generally much more circumspect and manage to retain some humility when they make their millions (Russell Crowe is an obvious exception, but he’s not really Aussie). This is partly because most of them are ‘B’ celebrities (who cares what Sarah-Mari, or Hot Dogs has to say), but mostly because the truly mega stars have had to work so hard to be famous. Nicole, Hugh Jackman, Kylie, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana… there are plenty of down to earth Aussie ambassadors. I don’t care much for the power and money that movie stars are allowed to wield but remain thankful that Australian ones, for the most part, tend to remember their roots.