'The Simpsons' under fire over concerns about racism

[Alex337]

If that’s what you think

I stand by the idea that the minority who are being portrayed get to determine whether the portrayal is racist. And it does seem like this one is racist.

 

[HarryStotle]

I stand by the idea that the minority who are being portrayed get to determine whether the portrayal is racist. And it does seem like this one is racist.

I see. So you are part of that “minority,” then? A spokesperson for it that gives you the qualifications to determine what it deems to be “racist?”

And what if that “minority” you speak of is only a small minority of that minority? Do they still claim a right to speak for the entire minority?

A whole lot of vicarious hand-wrenching and tear-shedding going on, it seems.

Kind of like the Washington Redskin controversy, When those with, figuratively speaking, literal “red” skin were consulted regarding the offensiveness of the name they responded with one great shoulder shrug.

But do go on speaking on behalf of the “minorities” if you have a mind. My guess, however, is that you are white, left-leaning and currently or recently in college, though I fully admit that I could be “stereotyping” you, otherwise understood as generalizing based upon inadequate information.

 

[Alex337]

I’m not sure why you keep putting minority in inverted commas; do you think Indian Americans are a majority?

As I have explained a few times; I just think we should listen when minorities speak. As you can see in the documentary and the lot of talking about this topic amongst that community it would seem that the portrayal has racist issues. So I accept their opinion on it; they would likely know better on the topic than I do.

Actually I am of Indigenous Australian extraction, Dunghutti tribe to be more precise, I have finished my third degree and am currently working in education. But I am left leaning, so I suppose one out of three guesses isn’t bad?

 

[deMontfort]

Marxist most likely. Identity politics derive from Marxist studies in Western universities.

 

[Alex337]

Marxist most likely. Identity politics derive from Marxist studies in Western universities.

Heh, I’m sure you’re one step away from claiming the Frankfurt School inspired me too. I have a bingo sheet around here somewhere for once people start saying “identity politics”, we’re not far off “cultural Marxism” being thrown into the mix.

While I am not a huge student of politics I do rather like the Australian Greens party for what it’s worth. I like their views on renewables.

 

[HarryStotle]

Actually I am of Indigenous Australian extraction, Dunghutti tribe to be more precise,…

That would have been my second guess.

I have finished my third degree and am currently working in education. But I am left leaning, so I suppose one out of three guesses isn’t bad?

Apparently, your area of specialization wasn’t math, since the tally is actually two out of three: left-leaning AND recently attended college. Actually, 3 of 4 since my implicit assumption was that you were young.

I am also guessing part-white and culturally so, based upon the phrase, “indigenous Australian extraction.” So 3.5 out of 4, perhaps?

 

[Alex337]

Alex337:

Actually I am of Indigenous Australian extraction, Dunghutti tribe to be more precise,…

That would have been my second guess.

I have finished my third degree and am currently working in education. But I am left leaning, so I suppose one out of three guesses isn’t bad?

Apparently, your area of specialization wasn’t math, since the tally is actually two out of three: left-leaning AND recently attended college. Actually, 3 of 4 since my implicit assumption was that you were young.

I am also guessing part-white and culturally so, based upon the phrase, “indigenous Australian extraction.” So 3.5 out of 4, perhaps?

I finished University in 2012; I wouldn’t call that “recent” personally I suppose I would also have to ask what you class as “young”; I am in my 30s so I wouldn’t be classed as particularly “young” with most youth initiatives cutting off after 25. It’s beginning to look like you got one of four right.

Now, in terms of my ethnicity I’m not sure how much you know about Australian history. It is a sad state of affairs that, particularly on the east coast where I am from, the country practiced the White Australia Policy. So, simply put I identify as Koori. I wouldn’t pursue that path of argument were I you.

 

[lilypadrees]

If they didn’t have something to blame “The Simpsons” for, they wouldn’t have anything to complain about.

 

[HarryStotle]

So, simply put I identify as Koori.

In a day and age when people “identify as” many things: men as women, women as men, individuals as otherkins, as dragons or lizards and cats, as aliens, Elizabeth Warren as Cherokee, etc., it isn’t clear what your statement actually means, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Let’s leave it there.

Perhaps your choice of words means something different to you than it does where I live.

I wouldn’t pursue that path of argument were I you.

Sounds ominous.

Perhaps, “I would prefer that you not pursue that path of argument,” would be more congenial and sounding less like extreme leftist tubthumping?

 

[Alex337]

Alex337:

So, simply put I identify as Koori.

In a day and age when people “identify as” many things: men as women, women as men, individuals as otherkins, as dragons or lizards and cats, as aliens, Elizabeth Warren as Cherokee, etc., it isn’t clear what your statement actually means, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Let’s leave it there.

Perhaps your choice of words means something different to you than it does where I live.

I wouldn’t pursue that path of argument were I you.

Sounds ominous.

Perhaps, “I would prefer that you not pursue that path of argument,” would be more congenial and sounding less like extreme leftist tubthumping?

No, I mean if you really want to get into a heavy discussion of eugenics, stolen children, and the slaughter of indigenous people in order to somehow try to score a point by trying to “disprove” my “claim” of my ethnicity then that is on you. I wouldn’t do so if I were you because it’s somewhat hideous.

 

[Arkansan]

We can see in this thread a good example of SJW “reasoning”.

 

[abucs]

So Mr Burns is the stereotypical old white evil capitalist guy thinking only about himself with very little regard for any community around him.

How long before the outcry from the SJW’s on that one?

There are so many stereotypes in the Simpsons, it is part of what makes it funny. The dumb police sergeant, the useless father, the sad alcoholic clown, the corrupt politician, the Italian mafia, the trouble maker son and the brilliant daughter etc etc.

But of course lets all bow down to the politically correct religion telling us all what should be on our tv screens.

I remember when the Christians used to complain about what was on tv and the answer from the regressive Progressives was that if the tv offended the Christian sensibilities then Christians didn’t have to watch it. Seems like there are different rules when upsetting their religion.

 

[Alex337]

So Mr Burns is the stereotypical old white evil capitalist guy thinking only about himself with very little regard for any community around him.

How long before the outcry from the SJW’s on that one?

There are so many stereotypes in the Simpsons, it is part of what makes it funny. The dumb police sergeant, the useless father, the sad alcoholic clown, the corrupt politician, the Italian mafia, the trouble maker son and the brilliant daughter etc etc.

But of course lets all bow down to the politically correct religion telling us all what should be on our tv screens.

I remember when the Christians used to complain about what was on tv and the answer from the regressive Progressives was that if the tv offended the Christian sensibilities then Christians didn’t have to watch it. Seems like there are different rules when upsetting their religion.

I don’t think Indian Americans are a religion. I know what you were trying to do there but I’m afraid it’s not quite the same thing.

I’m interested though; how do you feel discussions of racial depictions should be had? Should they be had at all?

 

[abucs]

I don’t think Indian Americans are a religion. I know what you were trying to do there but I’m afraid it’s not quite the same thing.

I’m interested though; how do you feel discussions of racial depictions should be had? Should they be had at all?

Perhaps you should read my message again and then explain what you mean by Indians Americans and religion.

 

[Alex337]

Alex337:

I don’t think Indian Americans are a religion. I know what you were trying to do there but I’m afraid it’s not quite the same thing.

I’m interested though; how do you feel discussions of racial depictions should be had? Should they be had at all?

Perhaps you should read my message again and then explain what you mean by Indians Americans and religion.

I know you were trying to equate “social justice warriors” to a religion of political correctness. But that frankly seems rather dismissive of religion to me. It also ignores that this issue was raised by Indian Americans.

But beyond that, I really am interested in how you feel people should raise these concerns when they have them. I thought the video was a fine way for Indian Americans to open up the discussion and explain their point.

 

[abucs]

I know you were trying to equate “social justice warriors” to a religion of political correctness. But that frankly seems rather dismissive of religion to me. It also ignores that this issue was raised by Indian Americans.

But beyond that, I really am interested in how you feel people should raise these concerns when they have them. I thought the video was a fine way for Indian Americans to open up the discussion and explain their point.

First things first. So when you falsely try to assert I am talking somehow about American Indian religion, you acknowledge you are making very little sense.

 

[Alex337]

It was indeed a slightly needling joke Well spotted.

 

[abucs]

Because it made very little sense there could not be any response. Very many people think in general that people on the Left make very little sense when they try to communicate, another stereotype perhaps.

 

[Alex337]

Heh, if you say so, friend. So, any thoughts of the question?

 

[SuperLuigi]

Luckily for them many people who are not you do care.

No, they don’t.

I’d say a racist portrayal isn’t “nothing” but you’re entitled to disagree.

There’s nothing racist about this.