I didn’t know I was. I’ve never really harbored any racist views, but maybe I am not impartial to myself.
I had no idea that I’ve been walking around as a racist for years now until I was informed by Shelby Fero who fancies herself a real hero of the disenfranchised huddling masses yearning to breathe free because she has taken on the extremely poignant opinion that the person who replaces David Letterman when he retires from his Late Night show next year should under no circumstances be both male and caucasion, although they should be allowed to be caucasion if they are female, obviously.
This working class hero certainly makes a valid point. We all know that there is no possible way that the person best qualified to host the show could be a white male. It just isn’t an option. Females and minorities are just way funnier than white men. Even if they aren’t in the entertainment industry. A Filipino female dental assistant is funnier than every white man who works as a professional comedian. This is a fact.
A few things:
1)There is currently only one of these jobs available out of a total of like 5. If you want to claim that it is a travesty because the rate of white men holding these jobs is 100 percent, that sounds a lot more incendiary than saying that all five of them are white.
2) Daytime television almost exclusively employs women as hosts, and I haven’t heard anyone complain.
3) Perhaps the most offensive point I found in this article was the notion that all of these hosts (Letterman, Conan, Leno, and I guess they’re counting Stewart and Colbert) got their jobs not due to diligence and talent, but were just given handouts because they are white.
With one possible exception, all of those guys, besides being white men, share something in common – They are really funny and good at what they do.
So I don’t see why you should discredit them because they happen to be white.
A few disclaimers before you scan to the bottom of this and call me racist:
1) I am not interested in any weird pro-white racist bullshit that I will probably be bombarded with. I am not on your team.
2) I in fact do believe in affirmative action, which isn’t a really popular opinion among anyone, white or not, that I have spoken with recently.
3) Shelby Fero is a smug and pompous person who takes herself entirely too seriously.
4) I think that there are a lot of injustices in the world much more worthy of being discussed than the skin color or gender of the person replacing David Letterman.
5) I don’t really think ‘reverse discrimination’ is a real thing, or a problem.
These are the things that racists say. Congrats on coming out as a racist/huge piece of shit.
These are things that racists say? Are you sure you read the whole thing? Be honest.
Not only do you try to derail the argument being made (“where are the MALE daytime talk show hosts?”) but you’re attacking Shelby as a person and it comes across as childish.
Also, point #4 is dumb as well. Representation in the media is a very real problem for people of color, and should be treated with respect. Don’t dismiss it with “well there are worse problems!”
You’re trying to become a victim, as if Shelby says she hates white men. That’s not what she’s saying. She’s saying it’s about time we give the opportunity to someone who isn’t.
I will do some basic research. But I am pretty sure that minorities are represented on non-fictional programming at a rate that pretty much mirrors the population. But let me check into it before I make that statement.
Surprise! They’re not. Just look at superhero movies or children’s books or rom-coms. Predominantly white. You should have done this research BEFORE posting this misguided nonsense.
Arsenio has a show right now, btw.
Wow! One show! Definitely mirrors the population. 90% of the pop does consist of white males, after all. Women should just get used to it.
Disclaimers, leggett.
I think she’s also counting Kimmel and Ferguson. That would increase the count to 7. 7 hosts who are all white men. She’s not saying “they got the job because they’re white”, she’s saying “non-white people can be great too, so it’s fucking weird they’re all old white men.”
I agree. But I think she is saying that the only obvious choice is someone who isn’t white. Which I think is bullshit. And she seems like an unpleasant individual.
She’s saying the obvious choice is a non-white person because there are plenty of great people who are non-white who deserve their chance. It’s not like the best people at hosting late night just happen to all be white. That’s stupid and racist. If you’re pro affirmative action, you should understand this. No, the opportunity just hasn’t been given to someone who isn’t white, and it’s about time. There are plenty of great choices who are wayyyyy better than Kimmel and Leno, that’s for sure.
Explain to me why the obvious choice is a non-white person, and why the obvious choice isn’t whoever is the best available person? This is kind of a racist statement.
BECAUSE if we are going off the assumption that the best person is going to be a host, then why are there no women or minority late night hosts? White men are not always the best. That’s racist. Clearly, the opportunity hasn’t been given to minorities.
I have to assume you’re a troll at this point, because Matt clearly asked why would you not pick the best person for the job, regardless of race?
And you come back with something about how the fact that minorities aren’t being considered because there aren’t any minority hosts.
What if these 7 white dudes were the best for their posistion. Pull your mind out of your institutionalized racism gutter for a second and think. What if these 7 people were the best people they could find for the job? what if none minorities that applied or were reviewed were as good as them? I’m not saying there isn’t racism happening, but the burden of proof that it is happening is on you, not Matt Ralston.
You have to prove that there is a person who is a minority that is objectively better than one of these “Old White Dudes.” You made the claim, so simple logic indicates the burden of proof rests with you.
I’ve followed Shelby Fero on twitter for a while now and I don’t think “takes herself entirely too seriously” is something she can be accurately accused of.
Well she definitely has a high opinion of herself. However you want to phrase it.
Also, side note, when discussing race, don’t call yourself “caucasion[sic]”. If you’ve ever taken a class on race, you’d understand how misguided and ridiculous it is to call white people Caucasian. The history of that word is steeped in racism and is not in any way more PC than “white”.
Talk semantics all you want. There really is no such thing as race, if you’ve ever taken a basic anthropology course. Dullard.
No, you fool. Race exists. Just because it is a social construct doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. And don’t call me a dullard in an attempt to throw your anger around when you are the one using outdated and racist terms like “caucasion”.
Do you always proclaim your opinions on things as absolute fact? Oh wait, you do. You should stop doing that. That’s the whole point of my article. It’s ignorant and annoying and probably reflects a personality disorder that you have.
It’s not an “opinion” that race exists. It exists (despite rig a social construct) an had very real consequences as a result. You’re embarrassing yourself.
Well, again, this is YOUR OPINION. You’re an embarrassment to general discourse.
Wait…so you believe race doesn’t exist and have real consequences?
This is just laughable. Now the existence of race is “my opinion”.
This is something I found on Google. It doesn’t say you are right. So there are a lot of people who disagree with you, and that doesn’t make them WRONG. And, they are scientists. Apply this to your life in general, fucking guppy.
“This is something I found on Google.”
LOLLLL I rest my case.
You should look into it. It turns out that many issues aren’t just black and white. No pun intended. It is frustrating to me that I don’t think you’re self aware of how stupid you are. Also, are you saying that any information accessible via Google is not valid? Because that would basically invalidate all of information accumulated in the history of human existence. You honestly seem really stupid, which is fine, but you should just be quiet. It is frustrating to people who are thinking about things and not repeating what they’ve been told to think. Also, as always, my odds are high that you’re overweight.
You’re saying race doesn’t exist. You clearly have no idea what you’re talking about.
Also, I’m underweight, but if you want to go there then I’m sure you’ll come off looking as very mature and in the know about compassion. Also: fat-shaming. Tell me more about how open-minded you are. You’re making a very interesting case.
I don’t know how to link it, so maybe I am stupid. But at least I’m smart enough to admit that.
*despite being
**and has
I just use the terminology that the fucking U.S. census bureau does, for the sake of moving the conversation along. Dipshit.
Can you not just accept that you’re wrong on that point and say “you’re right, I shouldn’t use that word”? You’re being very childish.
People use “white”, “Caucasian,” “European American.” What’s wrong with that? Some people call themselves “black,” “Afro American,” or “African American.” Their choice.
It’s a digression from the topic of this conversation to get into a terminology war. You can have your opinion as everyone else does, but it serves no purpose to go to the mat for this.
Because the background of the word is racist. It has a racist origin. It exists because of racism. Therefore, it has no place in a topic on race.
I’m not digressing from the point. I address his point in multiple places. I’m just pointing out that he should reconsider his use of the word.
Matt,
1. You are NOT racist. 2. You know me. I’m a feminist and all about diversity. I fucking live for rainbows. But, that means white guys INCLUDED. 3. May the best Man win. Most likely that means…ELLEN.
4. Great way to lead the debate. 5. I apologize for counting
Always your friend,
Dinah
Wow, just when I hate everyone reason prevails.
I don’t think you’re racist (re: this piece). I do think if you tried to make this funny it would’ve driven the point home, but no. I believe until other parts of an archaic system balance out affirmative action is needed. I don’t believe anyone is or should be ‘handed’ anything in this field. They earn it, through hard work and perseverance. The audience and performer owe each other nothing. The energetic exchange between them dictates the bankability. I hope the best man wins.
Or person. Yeah, person.
Judging by this comment you’re clearly the authority on comedy. I’ll try and make it funnier next time. You have me rolling on the floor.
This is pathetic. You don’t even know about race (claiming it “doesn’t exist”) or have any knowledge about the disparity in representation between minorities and white people (saying that you’re pretty sure they accurately reflect the population). It’s laughable. I think you should save yourself the embarrassment of not knowing things you’re arguing about and just delete this before you become a laughing stock for bloggers that know so much more about this, they could tear you limb from limb. I’m done trying to educate someone who is going to throw a temper tantrum when trying to defend using the word “caucasion[sic]” in an argument regarding race.
It’s not pathetic. People have different experiences and views, and assuming that race doesn’t exist makes sense based on current scientific knowledge. Understanding social constructs is not something that people generally know outside of a minority of people who’ve taken sociology classes recently or who have done reading on the subject.
The way I usually try to explain race as a social construct is to point out that money, the days of the week, and gender (not sex) are also social constructs and which have concrete impact on how we perceive things and which dictate social, economic, political, and cultural activity.
I can understand and relate to your frustration about these kinds of issues, but people will not surprisingly get defensive if you attack them for something that is considered to be normal in current society. It’s a worthwhile challenge to try to figure out how to constructively put your knowledge and views forward. Don’t give up.
I’m not going to baby him if he’s acting like an asshole. He’s an adult man talking about things that both you and I both know he’s clueless about. I’m not going to hold his hand because he decided to start a discourse on race without learning about it first. If he’s going to be juvenile (calling me fat? Wtf??) then I’m not going to coddle his childlike misinformed ass.
I’m clueless about race. But you are not. You are super informed about it. Because you are really smart. Right.
How has everyone not ‘learned’ about race simply from being alive in America assuming they aren’t from a homogenous background? Your problem is that you think what you’ve learned is superior to others experiences.
This is not intimidating. I think it’s ironic that the people who pretend to be on the progressive side always want to tell you what you can and can’t say, and resort to intimidation techniques to limit speech, often while missing the point completely and focusing on minute details regarding terminology.
You can kindly fuck yourself.
Hey look dipshit, Wikipedia has a totally bogus article up on their site. You should email them and tell them to take it down since it has no basis whatsoever as far as you are concerned.
Again I can’t link, but after you’re done burning the books that you don’t agree with just google “Caucasian” and it should pop up. Let me also be frank in that I have no opinion on this really, but I think you are wrong because you’re so fucking confident that you’re right.
….So let me get this straight. And correct me if I’m wrong.
Even though the word Caucasian is steeped in racism and has no place in an argument on race, considering that it technically refers to the Romani people who are actually from the Caucasian mountains….even though all that is true, and I was simply pointing out that you should refrain from using it, you’re going to pretend I’m wrong because your emotions blind you so much that you throw a temper tantrum, shut your ears, and go “LALALALALA YOU’RE FAT” in response to being proven wrong.
Yes, you’re definitely fit for a reasonable discussion on race. Oh! My bad! According to you, “race doesn’t exist”! D’oh! Nevermind that it’s a social construct with very real consequences for mankind. It’s your self-proclaimed opinion that it doesn’t exist! Whoops!
Save yourself any further embarrassment.
I love this notion of embarrassment.
*Caucas
Matt-
Don’t listen to that guy who “took a class” on racial identity. You’re not racist for using the word “caucasian” nor for your position on hiring a new host to replace Letterman.
However, you are kinda racist for supporting affirmative action. That is LITERALLY judging someone by the color of their skin.
MLK would be quite disappointed.
Support for affirmative action is not racist. And MLK supported affirmative action efforts in support of equality and dismantling years of oppression and privilege based on race.
From an article by Paul Rockwell,
In a 1965 Playboy interview, King compared affirmative action style policies to the GI Bill: “Within common law we have ample precedents for special compensatory programs…. And you will remember that America adopted a policy of special treatment for her millions of veterans after the war.”
Anonymous. You sound like a real DBAG. “If you’ve ever taken a class on race.” What a ridiculous thing to say. You sound like a fucking yuppie. Matt Ralston is not a racist, he has a valid point. That being said it would be naive to think racism doesn’t exist in television of course it does. I’m not attacking your view as much as I’m attacking your idiotic and belligerent way of getting your point across.
You should take a course on etiquette.
I think Matt should be commended for talking about these things. It’s not easy because people like Anonymous are always ready to attack. We might not agree, but it is a conversation, why does it have to turn so hostile? You made some great points, Matt.
Hey Anonymous,
Stop trying to educate everyone on what a pretentious douche you are. No one cares.
Jerry
That’s when it pays to be anonymous.
I’m educating your misguided and uninformed ass with hard facts and all you can do is say “YER A DOUCHE”, “GET OUTTA HERE WITH YER FANCY SCHOOL LEARNIN”, and “YOU MUST BE FAT!”
And you people are telling me that my manner of discourse is poorly thought out. You’re right, you’re clearly the authorities on the matter.
Matt Ralston is not a racist. Anyone who thinks the author of this post is a racist is seriously confused.
They aren’t confused. They’re too lazy to read 3 paragraphs but egotistical enough that they need to judge based on their group think.
You think the question is: “Why shouldn’t the best qualified person to host the late show be chosen, regardless of whether he is a white male or not?”
A lot of other people think the question is: “Since there has been an unbroken chain of late night talk show hosts who are white and male, who are the candidates who are the best qualified to provide an entertaining alternative experience for viewers?”
If you are a supporter of affirmative action as you claim to be, you might grasp this different way of looking at the question. The way you are looking at it assumes that there is one list of candidates, ordered by some objective criteria (“best qualified”) that does not include race or ethnicity. The way other people are looking at it proposes that “best qualified” could include a background or ethnicity or culture or gender that has traditionally, habitually, and artificially been excluded from the list of viable candidates.
To you, the most fair method of choosing would be to rely on tradition, which is, according to the prevailing fiction, colorblind. Since the list has historically been exclusively white male and assumed to include only the “best qualified”, this results in a situation in which you know “best qualified” when you see it, and it’s always kind of white and male.
This doesn’t mean that there is anything inherently wrong with candidates who are white and male. Why can’t people express interest in seeing a late night talk show host who would be bringing something different to the late night table?
I have no problem with them expressing interest. She seemed to indicate that under no circumstances should the host be white and male even if he was the most qualified and liked.
She (and others) can’t dictate what happens. When people say this kind of thing it means they are expressing very, very strong interest, with which you say you have no problem.
Are you worried that if many, many people express this kind of strong interest for a late night talk show host who is not white and male that it might happen? What then? Would that be terrible?
And when you say “most qualified and liked” I hope you recognize the subjectivity inherent in that statement. That’s not bad; we’re all subjective, locked in our little hard skulls and our own little viewpoints like we are. But like I said, I think it’s important to take another look at “best qualified and liked.”
It seems like part of the problem here is a narrow understanding of racism. Essentially, we are all racist, and we should approach these issues with an understanding that racism is the default position for most of society. No, you probably are not racist in the way someone who actively discriminates or degrades people on the basis of race is. That is good. Not being in the KKK or hurling slurs at minorities are solid moves on the anti-racism front. I prefer it to the alternative.
But we do live in a racist society, and we grow up with messages that are very much internalized and ingrained (including by those minorities themselves). It is not our fault that we were ingrained with these things– but if doing away with racism is actually a priority for you, you do have an obligation to take on the process of unlearning that racism.
And I think that is where most of the hostility you’re seeing comes from. It seems like you don’t have an interest in making a good faith effort to question anything you believe is right, and do that difficult work of unlearning. It’s understandable– it feels terrible to be called a racist. We’d much rather deny it than consider if the allegation has any truth. I’m a woman and a feminist, and I still say/do/think things all the time that reflect internalized sexism towards other women. It’s embarrassing and icky, but if its way worse to just deny it rather than address and correct it.
Matt, you seem to care about these things, and that’s more than can be said for a lot of people. But pride or a need to be right can impede actually doing the right thing. There are a lot of resources available and people who would be excited to talk to you about these things if you were open to hear them. We can all shit on each other until the end of time, or we can realize we’re all on the same side her and move forward collaboratively.
Kinda agreed with you & see your point but at the same time I kinda don’t. I have insomnia so Late Night is like ALL I watch & sometimes, I hate to break it to you, these guys *aren’t* really that funny (COUGH COUGH craig ferguson wtf are you doing COUGH COUGH) which does make you question why/how they got their job & it seems like a very strange coincidence for them all to be white males…
Your post does come across as a white male rationalization exercise with a somewhat significant pantload of victimization.
That being said, I do think Stephen Colbert is *by far* the best choice to follow Dave on “Late Night”.
“white male rationalization exercise” – right that’s a thing. Psych 102 right? Give me a break.
Yes it is a “thing” as demonstrated in your post. Try re-reading your post from someone else’s persepctive, or read it from your own perspective and imagine the author is a black person talking about whites.
There is nothing wrong with organizing one’s thoughts and views in a rationalization exercise, I tend to think it can lead to self-awareness. Just understand you are opening yourself up to some strong, reactionary and vitriolic responses. Race is still a very contentious(sp) issue in 2014.
There are strong, vitriolic responses from people with personality issues no matter what the subject. Their stance is that if your opinion doesn’t directly match theirs, you are some danger to society. It’s pretty much the definition of narcissism. I understand. It’s not a big deal.
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Of course they’re is more White’s dumbass’s. There are more white people in the country. It’s math not racism. Racism gets so blown out of proportion. People just love to hear themselves complain is what it is. Picking someone just because their black or any other ethnic group would be a sign that this country is not progressing.
There aren’t more white runningbacks.