Beck: A "sick part of me ... would just love to see" Al Sharpton and Strom Thurmond related
On the March 7 edition of CNN Headline News' Glenn Beck, host Glenn Beck and Rev. Al Sharpton discussed the recent discovery by a team of genealogists that Sharpton's ancestors were slaves owned by relatives of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC), who ran for president in 1948 on a segregationist platform. During the segment, Sharpton questioned suggestions that Thurmond "moderated his segregationist views in his older age," asking, "Well, when did he denounce it?" Beck then told Sharpton: "There's part of me -- a sick part of me -- that would just love to see you two related in DNA."
From the March 8 edition of CNN Headline News' Glenn Beck:
BECK: But it wouldn't have -- I couldn't imagine knowing that guy was the guy whose family owned me.
SHARPTON: Well, of course, that adds --
BECK: It would have been just --
SHARPTON: -- that adds salt to the wound. But you know what amazes me, is the press says that he moderated his segregationist views in his older age. Well, when did he denounce it? He's -- I've never seen Strom Thurmond say, "I was wrong. I'm going to do what I can to correct it." I mean, the media, you guys, sanitize anything. It's ridiculous.
BECK: I have to tell you, because you know I love you, but I disagree with almost everything you say. There's part of me -- a sick part of me -- that would just love to see you two related in DNA.
SHARPTON: Well, at least you said it was a sick part of you, and I understand that -- may you be healed one day, Glenn.
BECK: Thank you, sir.
SHARPTON: Thank you.
Um, what part of you is not sick Beck? Must be really, really tiny...
Just another wasted thread by MMFA. It was friggin humor... it is his style. He's sarcastic. He did it to the man's face. Good god... there are bigger issues to deal with than bad jokes taken literally. It seems like the folks are MMFA are just watching tv looking for anything they can find to quote and make conservatives look bad.
What about substantive debate on the issues of the day like immigration reform, cures for cancer or countries that want to remove us from the map?
Oh? Explain to everyone here why it would make someone "sick" to think of a black man and a white man as genetically related? And then explain why that kind of racism is funny.
Marv,
That's a Black man and a White segregationist. A White bigot. A White racist.
That's different than just a Black man & a White man being related.
Yes, there is legitimate irony there. Unlike his creepy come-on to that young lady, I think this bonehead Beck statement is identifiable as a "joke" (albeit not that funny).
I literally don't see what's funny here - I mean, even jokes I don't think or funny, usually at least I can see what the joketeller was going for.
This one... I got nothing.
You can't see the inherent irony in the two being related? I agree, the joke didn't stir a laughter reaction in me either, but that's exactly what it was, nonetheless.
irony? no, tragedy yes, after all it would mean at least one woman raped and the child abandonded and disowned by it father. If you find that ironic, you really don't know what the word means...
That's not irony, and not what I was referring to. The irony is that Al Sharpton and Strom Thurmond would be related - the topic of this thread.
Ironic how? Because they're on opposite sides of the political spectrum?
I really think this particular thread is just Alanis Morissette's fault...
she doesn't know what the word means either.
(that was my point)
Well, an ironic comment is not necessarily a joke - some are, and some aren't. I don't even see the irony here, though . I think for it to be ironic it would have had to have been Thurmond who had a black ancestor, or someone like Farrakhan, maybe, with a white ancestor. If Sharpton was known for decrying miscegenation, this would be ironic. As it is, it's just an odd juxtaposition. Kind of poignant, actually. Thurmond spent a big part of his life supporting the oppression of his own flesh-and-blood - including a daughter.
I'm really trying hard not to seem humourless... I just can't see where anyone could see the comment as a joke. I think it was just a snarky remark.
Val,
Al Sharpton - Liberal black civil rights activist who brings racial issues and what he views as injustices to the forefront.
Strom Thurmond - Fomer Pres. candidate who ran on racial segregation.
Therein lies the irony.
I see. It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife.
I'm guessing that Beck had not spent a lot of time thinking it through, and was thinking it would at least be fun to watch both guys' reactions, especially if 'twere possible for them to have to discuss it face to face.
Can't see his intent being anything (superficial tho' it was) more sinister than that. Beck likes to play the boyish prankster.
Val, I think it's a "joke" for the reasons J2 and Tommy stated. I don't mean it's a well-constructed one, or a funny one, just that I think it meets the minimal standards to qualify as a legitimate attempt at humor. Whereas the "naked pictures" thing didn't seem to.
OK. I'm sticking with "snarky comment," but I can't help feeling like some crotchety old dude that doesn't think "South Park" is funny...
HAHAHA SLAVERY IS HILARIOUS ESPECIALLY WHEN WHITE PEOPLE MAKE JOKES ABOUT IT TO BLACK PEOPLE. HAHAHA.
You're a wasted thread.
(ps internet web pages do not take up that much space)
pps: shut up.
Q: What will it take to "heal" Beck?
A: A full frontal lobotomy.
Why's that? Are you suggesting that he's too smart?
If so it would be the funniest suggestion I had heard in a while. Perhaps he is suggesting the frontal love of Becks brain is doing him no favors.
My question?
Why does Al Sharpton appear on this show? Just like why does he appear on FOX?
Give Al credit, he often goes where he and the host have very different views. I give him kudos for that.
As for this, Sharpton knew it was said in jest, a joke - he even responded as such. But that's not good enough for MMFA - any excuse to get a Glenn Beck thread up here.
Yes! First apologist for the day folks!
Come on, it was not a "joke" at all, mostly because it was not even remotely funny.
It was said DIRECTLY to his face, for crying out loud. Why are some of you so bent on trying to tell others how they should feel? If Al was offended, he had the perfect opportunity to haul back at Beck. He didn't because he knew it was a joke.......next time I guess he should check with you to see how he should react.
Maybe Sharpton decided to take the "high" road and not respond in like to someone spouting off some crazy thing? You know, it is a possibility, and he did say that he hopes he "heals" himself.
If it was a joke, it wasn't funny at all. That's the point. Maybe Beck ought to stick to reading and re-reading the news and skip the comedy. It might be better for him in the end.
You mean as opposed to the "low road" taken by many here who have called for a lobotomy, called Beck a dumbguy, and accused him of being a racist? You mean that?
If Sharpton were really offended he could have very respectfully and calmly said so, definitely the high road.
Um... I don't think it was intended to be a joke at all, I think it was an intentionally provocative comment which Beck is famous for. I'm sure Rev. Sharpton expected no less - I imagine he expected more.
I'm not really 100% sure what the hell he meant. Why would he like to see them related? There would certainly be some species of irony in a segregationist having AA relatives - what makes it sick, though?
Beck and his audience use the word SICK as a word that can have a number of meanings. In this case, it's supposed to mean MISCHEIVOUS. Seriously.
Oh I see, its kind of like when I use the word atavistic to mean that little fork no one ever uses
Didn't Beck say he didn't have African-American friends, because he wouldn't know what to say around them?
Tommy,
Beck calls himself a dumb guy.
...and he obviously is a racist. The "low road" was taken by Beck himself.
You mean as opposed to the "low road" taken by many here who have called for a lobotomy, called Beck a dumbguy, and accused him of being a racist?
Oh, it's the "low road" to call someone a racist? I agree on the first two, but if someone such as myself considers Beck to be a racist, it's the low road to call him that?
Because equating anonymous posters in an internet forum is the same as someone who is seen by possibly millions of people, and heard on the radio by millions more, every single day? Yeah, that's ALMOST the same, oh no wait. They're not even close. People insult other people on these tubes running through the internets, you should know this by now, and yes, there are going to be flame tossers on this site from both sides, but you can't equate them with Beck and Sharpton in this scenario, because we are the masses, and Beck and Sharpton both command a lot more power and presence due to their position in broadcasting (Beck) and civil rights (Sharpton).
And Beck has proven himself at the very least, in my opinion, to be both racist and highly bigotted. He condemns himself by his own very words. I also find him t say really incredibly stupid things, and then he and his sympathizers, try to pass off said comments as "jokes" or "sarcasm", and as I said in other locations in this thread, he's just not funny. He should stick to news and commentary, the things that he is allegedly good at, and leave the comedy to the comedians.
Tommy are you lecturing other posters on how they should or shouldn't respond to a story again?
Absolutely not, and I would appreciate the same consideration when I say that a thread is unworthy of mention.
I do not belive Tommy was apologizing for it, it was a joke Sharpton was there. My issue is that Sharpton should not be on these types of shows. I do however feel Beck was just joking with him. Beck most of the time however spews hate toward others.
Thank you Doris, I was not apologizing for it. I just don't get in the habit of telling others when they should or should not be offended. People make that choice for themselves.
I just don't get in the habit of telling others when they should or should not be offended. People make that choice for themselves....by tommy
Make that choice for themselves? Why Thomas it's that type of sane logic & commen sense that gets you in hot water here ;-)
Beck & Sharpton obviously have a good relationship & and can kid around. What Beck said was dopey, but Sharpton knew it wasn't being said in a mean spirited way & gave a great response.
J, You got me, a little :)
But I comment on how I see things, if people disagree or see it another way, so be it.
But your point is noted.
Actually Tommy I was paying you a compliment [saying YOU had sane logic & common sense]...maybe I didn't make that clear?
Thanks buddy, but sometimes I do tell people they shouldn't be offended when it's really not my business. I should stick to my opinions and not tell others how to feel.
It's just that unsophisticated, simple minded liberalism that I had years ago, that I just can't shake at times :)
I don't recall many of saying that someone should be offended, but rather had we been in that person's shoes, we would have been offended in that situation.
I don't recall many saying that someone should be offended, but rather had we been in that person's shoes, we would have been offended in that situation.
I don't see anyone saying that Sharpton should be offended. You can scroll up to see for yourself.
I do see Tommy saying that Sharpton "knew" it was a joke, which maybe he did and maybe he didn't.
Sharpton goes where Sharpton wants, is not afraid to go anywhere, and builds some bridges because of it. I don't see most of his political viewpoint, but I appreciate that he's willing to BRING IT to anybody (Hannity, Beck) and put up with being shouted down (Hannity), or an attempt at it.
He has what I think are unique perspectives, or at least the ability to present things in a way that can get people to pay attention when they might not have if it was somebody else.
And he's kinda likable, which counts for something.
I knew you made too much sense (from time to time) to be completely conservative...
"... I just don't get in the habit of telling others when they should or should not be offended. People make that choice for themselves." --tommy
Really?
"Absolutely, [an apology for slavery to black people] would be a purely patronizing gesture." --tommy
Wow, you've been working on that, haven't you? Good job. I have already fessed up to Jeter, someone I respect. To do it to you, someone I don't, would be disingenuous.
And by the way, this vitriol is really better under your "other" screenname. Be careful, switching back and forth can be tricky.
Typical conservative response. Busted, so a) blame the person who caught you in your lie, and b) then attack that person in various ways.
Nice display of conservative values.
Busted? (lol)
I give Al credit for wanting to have a serious debate however promoting hate speech Beck and Hannity is something he should avoid.
Hey TOMMY.
A few thought on why MMFA would post this item.
BECK:
"There's a part of me - a sick part of me - that would just love to see you two related in DNA."
So, the "joke" has something to do with Thurmonds ancestors having sex with their slaves? Is it "sick" because the slaves would have been raped? Is it sick because it was interacial? Is it "sick" because that would mean Sharpton is part white? Is it in good taste to say this to someone whose ancestors were slaves?
Cajun,
I am not commenting on the "sickness" of what he said. My point was that he wasn't making some speech or diatribe where Sharpton couldn't respond. He said it right to his face, where Sharpton had every right and every opportunity to call him on it. He chose not to, my guess would be he saw it for what it was - a joke. Bad one or good one? It's really for Al to decide.
So, if George Carlin tells a story, then I can't decide if it's funny or a joke?
You decide for yourself, not for anyone else.
Even if he's not talking to me? Because if that is true, then I should be able to make the determination if what someone else say can be framed as a joke or not.
Tommy
I'm not really commenting on the "sickness" of his "joke" either. Or how Sharpton responded to it. I'm commenting on why MMFA posted it on their website.
I'm saying that MMFA posted it because Beck attempted a joke in extremely poor taste in front of a national audience. Also, there's a huge portion of our population whose ancestors were slaves who might feel the same way.
My use of the "Is it "sick" because" line of reasoning was merely to put the "joke" in context. I think if you truly consider the underlying themes in the joke you might find it offensive as well.
Cajun,
Basically, it's two guys having primarily a personal discussion about one of the guy's possible historical family ties. There is no relevance to any issue that affects anyone else except Sharpton and Thurmond......it was very personal to Sharpton. This website is taking what in essence a personal conversation and highlighting it for one reason - to get their audience to slam someone they loathe, Glenn Beck.
That's really why this is here. Sharpton is more than capable of taking care of himself and doesn't need anyone else to patronize to his sensibilities.
This blog regularly highlights outrageous things said or written by conservative pundits. Your faux outrage at the fact that this is not a part the mission statement of the 501(c)3 corporation that pays for the website has been duly noted. Repeatedly.
If you think the mission is refereeing and monitoring two public figures speaking to each another, go for it.
I don't think the mission of MMFA shuld govern what is posted here, Tommy. We just disagree on this.
I don't think anyone is trying to "referee" what Beck and Sharpton said to each other, rather just commenting on the gasping ignorance of it.
Apreciate your point of view, thx.
TOMMY
Two guys having a "personal discussion"? Wow! I almost don't know how to respond to that, but I'll give it a try.
1) They're not sitting at Starbucks chatting. This "pesonal discussion" was being broadcast around the world.
2) Glenn Beck is a political pundit/commentator who is promoting an agenda. Like Coulter and Limbaugh conservatives try to excuse their behaviour by saying they're comedians. Or, the jokes not funny, but free speech blah, blah, blah! But they're not comedians, they're political pundits who attempt to crack jokes to further there cause.
3) MMFA calls attention to individuals who uses their Free Speech to denegrate and demean others to promote their conservative agenda.
oh shush! how dare you toss facts in the face of tommy! after all it is his self-appointed mission to tell MMFA what it should and should not post! piffle on your facts sir! they shall not sway tommy in his mission!
Cajun, I'll say it again. Beck was doing his "mischievous boy" routine, nothing more.
And this is just a waste of space, because of that fact.
THOUGHT POLICE.
Why is it a joke? I am not being sensitive, I just don't see what the humour would be regardless of your perpective on race relations.
Irony I can see, or at least an odd juxtaposition, but I don't see humour in his comment.
MISCHIEF, OK? Maybe not humor, although there IS humor in SOME mischief.
C'mon, folks--this is really getting unnecessarily tedious, AND you're looking humorless.
Upon reflection, Beck would most likely agree with most of you re: the full ramifications of the (possible) facts, and the consequent insensitivity, but even Sharpton saw Beck's remarks as those of a boyish prankster, and made that allowance.
that would have been rape since they were slaves, consent was not considered an option. So in effect Beck (and by extention his defenders here) are condoning and wishing for rape
Like I said before, what part of Beck (and his defenders) not sick?
I've wondered the same thing. Sharpton has to know that conservatives promote him as a boogeyman. I think that's his purpose on these shows, he's the guy they all hate and wingers seem to love to hate so I'm sure they enjoy Sharpton's appearances. BTW, ALL the con hosts say how much they like Sharpton and he does seem like an affable fellow; but I wonder is it because he serves a useful purpose for them.
Lynn, I have never heard a conservative speak so disparagingly about Al Sharpton. According to you he is tool. I disagree. I may not agree with him politically, but I do think he's smarter than you're giving him credit for.
Tommy, if you want to see a con go ballistic, just mention the name "Tawana Brawley."
Lynn, I have never heard a conservative speak so disparagingly about Al Sharpton.
I just had to see that one again.
Hey Lynn,
Maybe some Conservatives may like to portray Sharpton as the "boogeyman", but I think others have a genuine affection for the guy.
Maybe the conservatives in Boston, but deep in the red states the word "Sharpton" is usually spat out with disgust. (See also "Jesse.")
Well I personally enjoy the guy, I find him bright & clever and I've seen him have the ability to spar civilly or even joke around with O'Reilly & Hannity. And there's seems to be a genuine respect & affection there.
Of course it wouldn't shock me to hear Sharpton might have his detractors in certain areas of the country. But I was speaking more about his relationships on the public airwaves.
I may have told this story at another time but it bears repeating [IMO]
Our eldest son is a social studies teacher. During the 2004 race he was teaching 7th grade civics. His class held a mock election during the primaries between the Democratic candidates.
Sharpton won.
Why?
The kids loved him. They thought he was charming & witty & funny.
Whew, no offense J, but I'm glad 7th graders can't vote!
See, Tommy thinks Sharpton is a boogeyman, he also hates Jesse Jackson. Seriously, I think Sharpton is very bright and a good orator. Most Black Baptist ministers are, but I'll admit I have great difficulty understanding Jesse Jackson. It isn't his dialect as much as I beleive he may have a real speech impediment.
Oh please Lynn, I wouldn't vote for him as President but I don't think he is a "boogeyman".......
Just joking Tommy!
Ditto Lynn
J2, here in Mississippi you'd be a liberal.
In Georgia, they would think he is a flaming homersexual! Just kidding. Jeter would probably be a liberal here as well. I would probably be considered a conservative in Mass.
Oh wait. I know. This was just "sarcasm" again right?
Riiiight. Not really offensive. Just stupid. More dumbguy 'humor' from Beck. He also does weddings.
BECK: I have to tell you, because you know I love you... There's part of me -- a sick part of me -- that would just love to see you two related in DNA.
Is Beck saying he would like to watch...? Yikes!
He does brisses (sp?) too.
And the sick part of me wishes that Sharpton would've reached across the table and backhanded Beck across the face.
OK CNN, Beck couldn't come any closer to saying, "I'm a racist," than he did here. And he said it to Al Sharpton's face! To give this guy any platform at all is just despicable.
i watched this, i was like "hahahah oohhh that was kinda jerk"
On the other hand, did anyone see Sharpton on The Daily Show the day that this whole mess came out? Stewart actually asked him good questions, and he gave great answers to what he was being asked. And I was impressed with both Sharpton and Stewart on that occassion. It was like what a real news show should be like, instead of what we get most of the time now, even though as we all know, The Daily Show ISN'T a real news show, it appears to be more real than most of the real shows. Did that make any sense at all?
I saw that a few time and you make perfect sense. (Sadly)
I often wish that the MSM would cover Iraq as thoroughly as the Daily Show has.
its pretty much glenn saying he wished strom's ancestor raped a slave and thats where sharpton came from
You are usually dead wrong, but I agree with you on this.
*pins a stripe on your shirt*
welcome to the colonel's brigade, soldier. wear it proudly.
Don't worry, I'm sure you'll prove that everyone is right about you and you'll revert back to your troll form any moment now.
You're both lonely today, and willing to massage each other.
You're both wrong. Sharpton could have said something similar to Beck, with no more forethought nor guile, and Beck could have made the allowance that Sharpton did.
Me too. How is that not funny?
;)
And Glenn wants pictures... :)
Sorry, Colroy. I think you give Beck credit for thinking more deeply about a subject than he has the capabilities for.
I think his statement was based purely on the irony quotient of it. Sharpton, far left liberal democrat, cousin of Thurmond, far right segregationist republican.
The sick part??? Then what the hell is everything ELSE about Beck?- the cancerous part??
His hair appears healthy. Maybe the sick part is everything else.
Really? His hair disturbs me.
That would be ironic...don't you think?
In the greatest sense of the definition. That situation would be the textbook example for irony.
I think if Thurmond was actually part black, that would be irony. This is more like "a free ride when you've already paid" irony.
That'll just be comical. Much like when Dave Chappelle did the skit about the blind KKK leader who happens to be black.
When did all of these commentators begin to think they are comedians? They always feel compelled to joke and they always comes across looking like idiots. Is their a job out there with the discription " my job is to go around blowing hot air up people's asses telling them that they are sooooooo funny".
They are getting hammered by Comedy Central's Daily Show and Colbert Report. Now, I can't tell if they're telling a joke, because they're not talking to me directly and I don't have the mental facility to make that decision.
Personally, I think these guys have Sharpton on because they think he's a buffoon, and they hope he will say something outrageous that will scare the dwindling GOP base. I've listened to Rush and Sean vilify Sharpton for years; I doubt that the Flying Monkey Brigade has suddenly started liking him.
Again, I agree... Sharpton is usually an idiot and says stupid things... he is usually on a program to represent minorities and democrtats rolled into one and he rewards his hosts by saying outlandish, bigoted remarks... I'm POSITIVE they were waiting for his mouth to prove that all democrats and minoriteies are prejudiced morons who should have no 'real' voice in politics...
Another rightwing plot.
Sharpton is usually an idiot and says stupid things
I disagree. He may say things with which you disagree, but I don't find him stupid at all.
Val,
He seems like a bright guy to me.
Al Sharpton is definitely verbally gifted to a certain point.
THANK YOU.
njguy93@yahoo.com
A very sane and sensible part of me would like to see Glenn Beck off the airwaves for good.
THANK YOU.
njguy93@yahoo.com
I'd like to see Beck, PigBoy, Hannity and all the other professional liars flipping burgers at McDonalds. Not censored due to left wing pressure, but out of work because Conservatives finally wake up and realize that they are being played for suckers.
It's a fantasy, I know.
A sick part of me would like to see Glenn Beck beaten into a pulp.
How many guests have to "own" Beck before he becomes a slave?
pwned
Sick "PART" of you, Beck? There are no sick "parts" of you. It's pretty much the sum of the whole.
But, hell, why would anyone be surprised that the "good Catholic boy" who said he'd like to see nude photos of a female guest on his show would wish for and rejoice in a long ago rape, huh?
I wasn't entirely surprised when CNN (wish we could lie like Fox and not be laughed at) hired you. I am becoming surprised at the degree of your depravity they are so willing to encourage.
"A sick part of me -- " takes in a lot of flesh and blood. There's no part of Beck that isn't sick. He has used his mouth to demonstrate that every day. Unfortunately, he has never learned to achieve any kind of connection between his mouth and his brain.
Nobody here seems to have noticed that Beck sickly wishes that a Sharpton woman would have been RAPED by a Thurmond. The "illegitimate black children" of white slave owners are the product of RAPE. No other kind of sexual relationship between a slave and her owner is possible. "Consent" cannot exist in that context.
Besides slavery itself, white slave owners perpetrated countless horrific additional crimes against black slaves: torture, rape, and murder.
Ha ha ha… it's all just too hilarious.