Jimmy Kimmel's "Karl Malone" skits are not racist
In the ongoing circus of finger-pointing that goes on in the United States over political correctness, everyone is both victim and villain it appears. Jimmy Kimmel is obviously on the left as far as the political spectrum is concerned and as soon as he interjected himself into the political limelight, everyone was dredging up anything he has ever done in his past to try to negate his opinion.
Before we begin this short opine I want to say that I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I am more of a Don't-want-government-involved-in-my-life-at-all-ican-crat. I don't care what Jimmy's political affiliation is. It doesn't matter if i agree with him or not - i am neither for him or against him. What I am against is everyone being so wrapped up in pretending to be puritan that any little thing a person did can be viewed as bad.
The made up controversy centers around Jimmy appearing in "blackface" to portray Karl Malone - a famous and very talented basketball player who is well known for referring to himself in the 3rd person.
This was a recurring skit and was wildly funny to anyone that has ever heard Karl Malone give an interview during an NBA game. It was never pointed out as racist at the time. Years later when Jimmy opens his mouth politically it all of a sudden is racist.
I don't know anyone that found it offensive at the time. I thought it was funny and a very accurate representation of how Karl Malone sounds during interviews. You know who else thought it wasn't offensive and that it was funny? Karl Malone
Here is why it isn't racist. Jimmy isn't getting dressed up and just pretending to be just ANY black person. He is dressing up and making fun of a specific person who just happens to be black.
In primarily the 19th century and early 20th century blackface performers who were always white, would perform as a non specific person who was black (and consequently not very smart.) This of course, is incredibly racist and if Jimmy had done that I would join everyone in saying that it is horrible. However it isn't racist since Jimmy was going after a specific person in this skit who actually happens to be a friend of his and comes on his show time and time again.
Jimmy went on air to apologize for the Karl Malone skits and I don't think he should have. If someone dresses up as another race and then proceeds to mock said race as a whole, that is racist. Portraying a specific person and mocking them is not racist.
Well, that is my rant for now. I am strongly opposed to racism in all forms. However, I am just as opposed to what appears to be a trend these days to label anything and everything as racist.
Hi Gooddream. I don't see any problem If you are telling a joke or making some fun. I have lived with racism all my life, well most of it. I have lived in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ones that take offense to it I have found are the racists themselves. If you don't care about what colour skin people have and live life why would you care. I am white but have heard lots of Whitey jokes and some are funny. I don't care and that is the problem. The ones that care are not politically correct but milking it for their own gain. This makes me sick and can see through them .
The skit was not racist because it was a tasteful impression that didn't dwell on his race. The Karl Malone segments were hilarious.
Blackface would have been offensive if it were done as a caricature or meant to intentionally draw attention to the skin color. In this case, it was just an opportunity for a funny guy (Jimmey Kimmel) to parody a funny athlete (Karl Malone). No different than if Jimmy Kimmel were to put on a wig and impersonate a famous white woman or famous white man.
It is indeed outrageous what they are doing, i mean why do people do it? Is it hippocrasy? Or is Jealousy? When someone gets in the spotlight people find apl sorts of accusations to pull them away. How he went about it wasn't even focused on the black color or made to be racist or even offensive in anyway but you see how they twisted things? This is why am not a fun of the political world, is soo dirty, everyone is gnashing at the other trying to tear them apart, see what just happened recently with the Roseanne show, absolute nonsense.
Nothing irritates me as this. When even the worst sinners point fingers at others as if they are holy yet they do the worst.
Well its unfortunate what jimmy did was seen as racist over time. But a good thing that he apologized anyways. Theres nothing as good as striving to live in peace even with people who dont want peace with you.
I hate to say it but you're simply choosing one instance out of perhaps a million. That's how it is on both sides (left or right), the PC hounds are everywhere
oh don't hate to say it. I know what you are saying is true. I just wanted to address this specific one because I think Jimmy is funny and specifically this skit.
People are just bunch of hypocrites. When someone does or say something, it is normal but when another do or say that samething, he becomes a racist.
I say no to racism but what is good for one is good for all
Oh wow, he actually did a black face skit? Very brave, very questionable...
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