One racist remark?

[Sixgunn]

The wuss move would have been to say and do nothing, IMO.

Since some have likened being in a band to working a job, I'll say this: Not many people have the luxury of working with all like minded people but we do have the right to not be harassed, etc. I would have said (once) that I do not appreciate and will not tolerate that kind of thing and to keep it to yourself.

 

[Manichga]

There are just some things you can't possibly tolerate from others - racism and sexism are the big 2 for me. You did the right thing. You just don't think such things, let alone say them. I really don't want to have anything to do with people who are like that, simple.

 

[loveandbass]

What a bunch of politically correct garbage.. What the guy said about obama was wrong, and I don't condone it, but common..lol What an overly sensative bunch of wussies we have in this country..

im not overly sensitive to bigots and their trash....im just completely intolerant of it. Has nothing to do with the president but the fact that the bigot is simply a piece of human garbage for saying something like that. So if you think its being its "overly sensitive" for telling this scumbag to go pound sand then I ask you to ask yourself if you would be OK with the comment if you were black or had black family, etc.

Also, if you think not throwing around the n word is simply being politically correct and pandering then perhaps you should step away from the internet and reevaluate your life. No black person thinks its ok to be called that so why are you ok with it?

:mic drop:

 

[GregC]

GregC you are either extremely naïve or a huge liar

Oh for two. But again, you specialize in hyperbole.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Maybe I'm just used to a rougher crowd, idk...

I find the remark to be tasteless, stupid, and completely unrelated to the situation in every way. I see band situations the same as a work environment in most cases. If you wouldn't talk about it in a professional office environment (aside from some things two might have a personal connection on, like a religion they have in common or something) then you don't talk about it in a band environment.

Now to expand on that, I've been in plenty of jobs where people have said things I didn't agree with nor find appropriate in the least. If it's a comment not directed at me or perhaps a co-worker/bandmate/fan, I'm a bit more apt to consider the source and just ignore it if it's not happening 24/7. I don't quit my job because someone said something that I didn't like. You could report it to HR, but it turns into a He said/She said debate in most cases. If I were in your shoes, I would probably have just said "Hey man, I feel [insert stance here] about Obama, but language like that isn't cool no matter where you stand." if I heard it more than once. Your gig, your call...but personally I wouldn't quit a band over it. I might have a talk with everyone and say "Hey, this worries me, I think we need to discuss it." especially if I'm not the newest cat in the band.

I've dealt with some rough around the edges groups in my past, more than once or twice. The only time I left a band on principle was when a band was going to play a "rally" that I didn't agree with the cause on. They ended up having an old friend of theirs come up to play for them anyways, but both sides left in good graces. I think over one idiot's remark, quitting the band entirely is a bit much. Again though...your gig, your call. There's no real wrong answer here.

 

[Hopkins]

Mein ist nicht mien.

Sorry, I misspelled a word in a language I do not speak other than a few phrases

 

[Rocky]

The wuss move would have been to say and do nothing, IMO.

Unless your black, and that word is used to discribe you or someone you care about then quitting a good working situation is being a wussy imo. Better toughen up if that bothers you..

 

[5StringBlues]

With all the increable amounts of BS that go on in many bands, and the business itself well then if the N word freeks you out your in the wrong business.

Blues people. Use the n word on some big festivals. Not a good idea. Business. Yes. I work with professionals.

 

[odin70]

. What's happening in Norway..you guys just accept racism activley, never think about it?.

What do you mean?

I can see that you have done your homework. Nevertheless ..the book about racism in Scandinavia would be short compared to the American history. I guess thats why somé of you imo overreact. I dont like racism at all...but would i quit my job because someone said something i didnt like. Hell no.

 

[tr4252]

dukemasterj,

Wow! This is like a Syracusans convention.

Sorry that I must disagree with you, but racism is a serious matter, in my opinion. The phrase "Divided we fall" comes to mind, though I'm not a fan of fascism either. There is serious violence going on these days because of it (racism).

Hope you're enjoying this rare good weather today.

just a comment; this is one fast moving thread!

Tom

 

[Rocky]

im not overly sensitive to bigots and their trash....im just completely intolerant of it. Has nothing to do with the president but the fact that the bigot is simply a piece of human garbage for saying something like that. So if you think its being its "overly sensitive" for telling this scumbag to go pound sand then I ask you to ask yourself if you would be OK with the comment if you were black or had black family, etc.

Also, if you think not throwing around the n word is simply being politically correct and pandering then perhaps you should step away from the internet and reevaluate your life. No black person thinks its ok to be called that so why are you ok with it?

:mic drop:

Yeah if I was black or if they had said something against Italians I really wouldn't care. you see I'm not that sensitive..I don't get my panties in a ruffle because someone uses a name against me.. remember sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt us?

And the use of the N Word is not something that I condone or practice. However you don't have to be black to be one .

 

[5StringBlues]

I don't think Jim is sweating the gig or the money here. He has other bands.

 

[svtb15]

The guy is entitled to his thoughts.. As you are to yours.. if it doesn't affect the music then no harm done. People are too sensitive these days.
Did anyone's mom teach them "Sticks and stones may break my bone, words will never hurt me." It was a good childhood lesson. to learn.
People that are real PC are not going to like what i think . But i that doesn't matter to me at all.

I think as adults we need to learn not to allow everyone language affect us
I wouldn't quit for something someone said...Unless it was a false statement that was slanderous.. Even then, i wouldn't quit if i liked the band.
If the band sucked I may use it an excuses to leave.. But even then Id rather man up and tell them the real reason that i was leaving.

I find that you are gonna run into all types in the real world. Its how you don't let others it affect you that counts. Obviously it affected you . .
Being from NYC, Ive heard all the Italian Jokes, the Irish jokes, Polish jokes, the black jokes etc etc etc. I'm unfazed by words.. . Now if someone picked up a bat. .That would be the last time they ever did that . Because I'd go Brooklyn on them and put it where the sun doesn't shine . But someones thoughts and words?. cant harm me. i wont let it affect me .

 

[petrus61]

I must say, I'm a little surprised at some of the comments calling OP over sensitive. Over sensitive would have meant busting the guys skull, which he didn't. What I find even more surprising is the open admittance to finding sensitivity to the word to be "politically correct BS". Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 60 years or so, the term has shifted out of the realm of being "politically incorrect" and into the realm of simple racism.

Just the other day I was commenting to my wife at how topsy turvey the world must seem to some older folks, what with all the legal weed, black presidents and gays getting married...it must feel like a veritable twilight zone to the garden variety racist.

 

[Jim Carr]

Unless your black, and that word is used to discribe you or someone care about then quitting a good working situation is being a wussy imo. Better toughen up if that bothers you..

I disagree. Tolerating the intolerant for money is not tough, it is weak and immoral, IMO.

 

[Jughead6]

Yeah if I was black or if they had said something against Italians I really wouldn't care. you see I'm not that sensitive..I don't get my panties in a ruffle because someone uses a name against me.. remember sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt us?

And the use of the N Word is not something that I condone or practice. However you don't have to be black to be one .

Like I said in an earlier post. Some countries recognize racial hatred for what it is: a crime. Come to Australia and use the N word. I dare you.

 

[svtb15]

Well it isn't showing resilience! Just saying. you have to snap back and not let words knock you out. What would you do if something real bad happened? Crumble? What are we 10 ?

 

[Rocky]

I must say, I'm a little surprised at some of the comments calling OP over sensitive. Over sensitive would have meant busting the guys skull, which he didn't. What I find even more surprising is the open admittance to finding sensitivity to the word to be "politically correct BS". Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 60 years or so, the term has shifted out of the realm of being "politically incorrect" and into the realm of simple racism.

Just the other day I was commenting to my wife at how topsy turvey the world must seem to some older folks, what with all the legal weed, black presidents and gays getting married...it must feel like a veritable twilight zone to the garden variety racist.

What is politically correct BS is the oversensitivity of quitting a band, then coming online to boast about how you were so offended, making a big deal out of a little word.. What a bunch of babies.. grow up.

 

[svtb15]

But for adults to call it the N word.. That to me is like kindergarten children saying the B word for breasts! Its juvenile.. .. .

 

[RiZzBot]

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?

Sounds like you're over thinking this issue. What's there to be sad about? F those narrow minded fools! Just move on.