# Klan gets a taste of Karma. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 25, 2003, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265 "2003-11-25T21:57:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/61 "2003-11-28T12:33:15Z")
No, **againtdwarf** , because it could easily be argued that whole _this_ Jew is doing pretty well, Jews as a while still suffer from a lot of discrimination. Which is not to say I subscribe to **DtC** ’s opinion in this regard. Racism can come from all sides, and can easily be directed at white people, too. Whether or not “cracker” is offensive, I’ll leave to native speakers of English and/or Americans. 😉 This cracked me up though, from the article linked in the OP: > [@](#): > > **A bullet struck Murr on the top of the head and exited at the bottom of his skull, authorities said.** So, all the way through the skull, top to bottom, and it didn’t kill the guy. Just “critically injured” him. This is the definitive proof that racists have tiny brains, folks. A person of average intelligence would probably have died from this incident, but if your brain is the size of a wallnut, your chances of surviving Dumbass Fire (a variant of friendly fire, apparently) are a lot better. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/62 "2003-11-28T14:39:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by agiantdwarf \* > \*\ ***Hamlet** , what the hell did you think “cracker” meant? In what context besides a negative and derogatory one have you heard the word “cracker”? \*\* Of course it was negative and derogatory, numbskull. I was using it in that manner to refer to vile, hate-filled fuckwits who revel in their own ignorance and hatred and have the audicity to celebrate it. You thought maybe I meant it as a compliment? However, I did not know it carried a racially insensitive connotation, and that it was offensive to certain people. And for that I apologize. Regardless of the validity of the term cracker as a racial slur, or it’s potency, I offended people, so I apologized. And I apologized. And I apologized. Do you need yet another one, **agiantdwarf**? OK, I’m sorry I offended you **agiantdwarf**. You want it anagramed? If yoyo is deformed, run, **agiantdwarf**. How about in leet? 1’M 5Orry I oPHF3Nded j00 **@914n+DW@RpH**. In closing, I’d like to quote Shakespeare: > [@](#): > > “What cracker is this same that deafs our ears with this abundance of superfluous breath?” ---
**Author:** ![Bandanaman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ab097/32.png) [@Bandanaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bandanaman)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/63 "2003-11-28T15:05:07Z")
You guys are rejoicing because a person got shot in the head. Very mature, and way to fight ignorance. Now, if he was a gay, black man, would you be so flippant? Yeah, he’s a racist, but he’s also a person. Could be your banker for all you know. ---
**Author:** ![Dryga\_Yes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@Dryga\_Yes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dryga_Yes)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/64 "2003-11-28T15:17:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bandanaman \* > **Now, if he was a gay, black man, would you be so flippant?** We’re laughing because a racist dickhead got shot in the head through his own damn fault. If a gay black man who, say, wanted the death of all jews, accidentally got himself killed in a dumb way, I’d still be laughing. …am I misreading you, or are you implying that we’re laughing because we don’t like white straight people? Speaking as a white straight male, I think it’s hilarious when klansmen die. ---
**Author:** ![singular1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/65 "2003-11-28T15:19:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bandanaman \* > \*\*You guys are rejoicing because a person got shot in the head. Very mature, and way to fight ignorance. > > Now, if he was a gay, black man, would you be so flippant? > > Yeah, he’s a racist, but he’s also a person. Could be your banker for all you know. \*\* Oh for Og’s sake. Got our sensitivity meter set just a little bit too high, don’t we? These are people that would gladly lynch that gay black man simply for being a gay black man. So, yeah, I rejoice. A lot. And if he was my banker, I’d be looking for a new bank.:rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![singular1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/66 "2003-11-28T15:20:07Z")
Say, I think we just FTT… ---
**Author:** ![imthjckaz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/imthjckaz/32/3223_2.png) [@imthjckaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/imthjckaz)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/67 "2003-11-28T16:02:41Z")
Racial slurs suck, no matter what color your skin is. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/68 "2003-11-28T16:27:30Z")
Agreeing that if someone finds a form of expression offensive, you shouldn’t use it in their hearing, I still find this ironic: > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chimera \* > \*\*Now it’s time for **Una Persson** to apologize to **me** for using a racist expression. > > **Person of Colour** > > I hate this with a passion. Because it implies that there are two kinds of people in the world; > a\> White People, and; > b\> “People of Color” (all ‘non-whites’ lumped together) > > It seems to me that this expression is perfect for racists. White racists can use it to apply to all people not white, while people who hate “whites” can use it in the same manner. > > What a load of crap. \*\* The expression originated because “coloured person” was objected to for putting the colour before the person, and now the PC alternative is itself offensive. Next up…? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/69 "2003-11-28T17:00:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by agiantdwarf \* > \*\*By that logic, it is perfectly acceptable to go up to a rich Jew and say “Yo, kike! Get in the oven!” > > Since he’s rich and doesn’t live in the ghetto and all… \*\* You just offended the hell out of me. Are you trying to be funny or are you as dense an asshole as you are portraying? By the way, child, do you know where the word “ghetto” comes from? Haj ---
**Author:** ![Dob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/70 "2003-11-28T17:28:49Z")
> [@](#): > > Once again we have white people sobbing about all the suffering and oppression which is caused by words like “cracker.” Grow the fuck up. You are not an oppressed minority. That has got to be the most ignorant fucking thing I have read here in awhile. What the hell do you mean by minority? Are you refering to White Americans? Cause im sure all the whites killed in the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo might feel a bit oppressed. Or maybe check with the Irish, or maybe some Scot’s. you dumbfuck. But since I happend to be born white in America I should just count my lucky stars and allow people to call me whatever they want?? Also, I didnt see anyone crying about the “suffering and oppression” of the word cracker. just that it offended them…how about you grow the hell up and realize pain and suffering is not related to being a majority, minority, or skin color. ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/71 "2003-11-28T19:22:50Z")
Native Floridian = Cracker. In Florida, it’s not an insult. Generally speaking, I like cheese on mine. Racial slurs are what you let them be. **DtC** is still tweaking over GWB’s flight into Iraq. I’ve never once claimed to be an oppressed minority, but racial discrimination is still wrong – even if you call it affirmative action. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/72 "2003-11-28T20:51:26Z")
Show me where whites have ever been discriminated against. One white guy calling some klan morons “crackers” is not an example of anti-white discrimination. Discrimination requires more than a little toothless name-calling. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Corrado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a88e4f/32.png) [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/73 "2003-11-28T21:12:25Z")
Oh, good lord, **Dio**. Are you _honestly_ telling me that there are whites who have never been discriminated against in this country? Go read Tip O’Neill’s memoirs and learn what “NINA” means before your spout such stupidity again. Or read Edwin Black’s “War Against the Weak” to find out about the crusades to sterilize the white trash of the Appalachians. Or talk to any of my uncles about growing up Italian in Maryland in the '40s and '50s. I’d ask you to talk to my grandfather about the Klan rallies he saw in Ohio against damned wop Catholics like himself, but he’s dead. ---
**Author:** ![Dob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/74 "2003-11-28T21:33:08Z")
I echo **JC’s** post…Good Lord **Dio**. Its one thing to be totaly ignorant of history, its quite another to go flaunting that ignorance. There is not a race, ethnic group, religon, etc…that has not been persecuted or discrimintated against at one time or another. Shit, go read the damn South Park Mormon thread in GD. Far as I could tell they were all white, led by a white man. And they were chased and killed in every state they went to!! ---
**Author:** ![John\_Corrado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a88e4f/32.png) [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/75 "2003-11-28T21:42:49Z")
And to be even more specific about one of my points- poor, rural, white Appalachians and southerners- i.e., pretty much the definition of “crackers”- were occasionally in the '20’s and '30’s gathered up and sent to state mental institutions, where like as not they were sterilizied, because they were poor and uneducated- i.e., “crackers”. So, yep, **Dio** , you’re perfectly correct that it’s perfectly safe to call someone a cracker, because no one ever discriminated against poor, white Southerners, or ever did them wrong for being what they were. And my eyes haven’t rolled back into my skull so far that I’m seeing stars. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/76 "2003-11-28T23:04:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Corrado \* > \*\*And to be even more specific about one of my points- poor, rural, white Appalachians and southerners- i.e., pretty much the definition of “crackers”- were occasionally in the '20’s and '30’s gathered up and sent to state mental institutions, where like as not they were sterilizied, because they were poor and uneducated- i.e., “crackers”. > > So, yep, **Dio** , you’re perfectly correct that it’s perfectly safe to call someone a cracker, because no one ever discriminated against poor, white Southerners, or ever did them wrong for being what they were. And my eyes haven’t rolled back into my skull so far that I’m seeing stars. \*\* One point that **Dio** may be trying to make is that the discrimination you, and **Dob** point out, while extremely evil, was not, it appears, on the basis of their race. It is the same issue I didn’t know about when I used the term cracker. I didn’t know that it was race-specific to whites. I don’t think it is perfectly analogous to the use of the n word, or the discrimination faced by blacks in the South simply because it was not BECAUSE OF the race of these people, it was because they were poor, or uneducated, or because of their religion. Not to excuse in any way the horrible things done, but none of it appears to be on the basis of their race. I think that may be what **Dio** was trying to point out: that because they were the same race as the power structure, it was not as insidivous, or as historically painful, as anti-black racism. Of course, I could be completely wrong, but it’s just an idea to banter around. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/77 "2003-11-28T23:13:56Z")
Exactly so, **Hamlet**. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2003, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/78 "2003-11-28T23:39:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Malacandra \* > \*\*Agreeing that if someone finds a form of expression offensive, you shouldn’t use it in their hearing, I still find this ironic: > > The expression originated because “coloured person” was objected to for putting the colour before the person, and now the PC alternative is itself offensive. Next up…? \*\* I will find offensive **any** expression that lumps all non-white people into one group. That is the basis of my offense to the term “Person of Color”. And as far as “putting the color before the person”, how 'bout we just leave the whole “color” nonsense out of it completely? Then we can all be People. ---
**Author:** ![Shade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@Shade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shade)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/79 "2003-11-29T00:09:42Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Chimera \* > I will find offensive any expression that lumps all non-white people into one group._ If you hadn’t bolded “any” I wouldn’t have nitpicked, but you just used “non-white people.” Sorry, I know I shouldn’t have. But I think a deeper look at why the term is offensive might actually help. Eg. it’s bad to use terms that suggest that everyone not-white is much the same, etc. OTOH, you do need a way of describing what people look like as opposed to are culturally or genetically, as you can’t quiz everyone about their ancestry immediately. Sorry I can’t go further with this. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Corrado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a88e4f/32.png) [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265/80 "2003-11-29T01:49:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Hamlet \* > One point that Dio may be trying to make is that the discrimination you, and Dob point out, while extremely evil, was not, it appears, on the basis of their race. Sorry, no. Look at what he wrote: > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Diogenes the Cynic_ > Once again we have white people sobbing about all the suffering and oppression which is caused by words like “cracker.” Grow the fuck up. You are not an oppressed minority… > It generally refers to a certain kind of white person not to white people in general but even if it is used to refer to white people so the fuck what? Doesn’t matter whether the term had anything to do with race or not. **Diogenes** burst in and declared that anyone offended by the term “cracker” had no right to be offended because they were white. By Dio’s reasoning, I shouldn’t be offended by people talking about “greasy wops” because I am white, and therefore not an oppressed minority. Likewise, Dio intimates that the terms “mick”, “kike”, “dago”, etc., mean nothing because they apply to a member of the white race. I’ve shown right here that poor white Southerners- those derided with the label “cracker”- **were** a minority and were subject to abuse and mistreatement because they belonged to that group. Doesn’t matter that it’s a social group, or an economic group, or even a geographic group. What matters is that being perceived as belonging to that group got some of them sterilized, and continues to get them ridiculed and derided as ignorant morons. **Dio** burst in and threw a temper tantrum, declaring that people offended by a slur were just pussies. Now he’s trying to weasel his way out of it by declaring that it was really about race when it was _never_ about race until **Dio** made it about race. I’m sorry- **Dio** is a bigot and an asshole, and he walked in here and shot his mouth off about how no one gets to feel biased against until **Dio** personally deems them a fit group to be oppressed, and no white can fall into that category. This means he is A) an arrogant prick and B) completely ignorant. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klan-gets-a-taste-of-karma/215265.md?page=5)