One racist remark?

[Jim Carr]

I recently quit a band over hate speech. It was a successful ensemble with plenty of Festival and Pub gigs that paid well, doing a mix of originals and covers.

I quit because of a single remark made by the newest member. To summarize it, he referred to U.S. President Barak Obama as an "n-word." This was during setup for a rehearsal when only he and I were in the room. He showed by his voice, body language and facial expression that he knew I would be offended. The other band members never make political or religious remarks to me, but I know they are very conservative. One guy works for local FOX TV affiliate. The man who made the remark is a long time friend of the guy who works for FOX.

Showing no emotion, I said, "I'm sorry. What did you say?" He then gleefully repeated his racist remark. I was quiet, but lowered my head and shook it sadly. I really was sad.

Perhaps he wanted me to quit? I gave it some thought and decided to oblige. A few days later I quit. I explained that the racist remark was so offensive that I would not be able to participate any more. They have a couple of things on the books, but can likely sub them.

I received a polite message "accepting my resignation." No acknowledgement of the hate speech incident.

What I am wondering is if I should state explicitly my zero tolerance for hate speech when agreeing to work with a new group of people?

 

[RoadRanger]

I'd "out" the band myself, naming names too. Oh, and I've been told I'm just to the right of Genghis Khan - but that doesn't mean I have to keep quiet about arsehats...

 

[Jon Moody]

You're a better man than I. If I was in that same situation, I probably would've packed up and left right then.

 

[FretNoMore]

Well, if the other band members didn't say anything about the remark when you mentioned it when resigning then I'd have to take that as they accept that kind of language and racist sentiment. And if so, you don't want to be in that company.

As to bringing it up before joining a band, nah, I like to give everyone a chance and assume people are normally civilized. It might sour things if they feel you have to say anything before there is a reason to.

 

[hrodbert696]

I think of myself as conservative but not real right-wing; I know that the guys in one of my bands are definitely more conservative than me. So far it hasn't been an issue, though I've had to tell the BL to share his political facebook posts in his own name and not the band's. But I'm wondering if and when it will become something we're going to have to have out.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Probably the kind of guy who would never use that word in front of a black person. Good for you for walking away from that and sticking to your morals.

 

[5StringBlues]

First off, sorry you are going thru this.


I don't think I would bring it up as a prerequisite going into a new situation. People usually show their colors fairly quick.





I tend to stay very businesslike in band situations and tend to discourage any non-gig/music conversation or non-light banter until I know the people involved pretty well.


If anything like this should happen, I'd state my displeasure and start packing my gear.




Edit: I'm working on the blues scene so anytime a musician on is dumb enough to say that in front of me............ I just can't tolerate it.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Artists are supposed to be above the fray. I guess he didn't get the memo.
As someone else mentioned, I would have quit on spot.

 

[mellowinman]

You did good. I would say there is no need to state upfront that hate speech won't be tolerated. Most people are better than that.

 

[Sixgunn]

That's funny that he chose to call a white man the "n" word..

 

[Cowboy in Latvia]

I would not stipulate "no hate speech" when joining a band as I do not believe it sets a good tone for a small, communicative group.

That said, you were right to get out of that crap situation and I am sorry that you had to. In the same situation, I would have probably said something like "adulterize copulate that excrement, I'm out!" (paraphrased to keep language appropriate)

And don't let the buggers get you down.

[Edited to avoid offending those who have sex outside of marriage]

 

[bass12]

Why would you quit if he is the newest member?

 

[bass12]

And don't let the buggers get you down.

Ironic - in a thread about "hate speech"...

 

[Fat Steve]

Ironic - in a thread about "hate speech"...

I knew it was just a matter of time...

 

[rtav]

Good for you for walking away. You handled it very well, and did the right thing.

Be glad you don't have to help them prep for their up and coming Aryan Nations/fascist/inbred Klan tour circuit.

F--- them ALL, flush the toilet, leave the lid down, and don't forget to wash your hands.

UGH.

 

[odin70]

I would never quit a band because of something like that. In my opinion you overreacted. I guess (some of) you Americans are more nervous about this.

 

[Dojix]

I say good call with getting out of there. A zero tolerance attitude is the only real way to eventually push out racism in this world.
And hell, if you had chosen to just ignore it and stick with them, more of that kind of stuff would probably have been said, and that would associate you with them, no matter how against it you were.

 

[BurningSkies]

While I enjoy playing with a bunch of people with diverse personal philosophies, spirituality and outlooks, I would have looked to change the 'band dynamic' as well.

If I were a long standing member and I knew/trusted that the others in the band shared my philosophy in racial issues, I'd be discussing the removal of the person who made the comment. If I thought that the comment was reaching approving (or even indifferent) ears, I would be walking myself.

But then, I happily play in a band that is racially, religiously and politically integrated.

 

[Cowboy in Latvia]

Ironic - in a thread about "hate speech"...

It helps if you know the legal definition, full origin and humorous implications of the term instead of only applying it to a specific group of people.

 

[wintremute]

I remember when I was it a kid it was, "if you don't respect the man, at least respect the office". I wonder how and when that changed.