Comedian Michael Richards, who played Kramer on the TV show "Seinfeld," recently launched a racial tirade at a couple of black hecklers during his comedy club routine. Students at Sahuarita High School were asked what they thought of his behavior and his subsequent apology on the "Late Show with David Letterman." Students also were asked if they had ever encountered racism.
"I believe Richards' behavior was inappropriate, even though he was somewhat provoked. Also, apologizing on David Letterman made it insincere because it is a comedy show. I have experienced racism in my family. Certain family members grew up hating other races and haven't learned how to change their prejudices."
Olivia Waskin
16, junior
"Michael Richards is not a racist. He was upset. At school, when students of different ethnicities start to fight, they use racial slurs. Michael lost control and acted like any high school student, but it does not give him the right to explode on these two men. His apology was sympathetic. Going onto "Letterman" was not the best idea. He should have used Fox News. Racism is not a problem, but when a heated argument starts, racism does get involved."
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Matthan Bosse
16, junior
"I don't think it was right that he spoke that way to those men, but they should not have heckled him. That must be very annoying after a while. I believe that his apology was very sincere. We all encounter racism, being so close to the border. Both white and Mexican groups team up against each other. It's sad, but that's how it is."
Grayson Brown
17, junior
"Michael Richards' behavior was unacceptable, even if he was pressured and heckled. He should have made them look like fools and not blown up. His apology was not a good idea, to put it on a comedy talk show. It just made him seem like he wasn't taking it seriously. He should take responsibility for his actions and not on a comedy show. Everyone has a little racism in them, but it still is irresponsible to point fingers and say they started it. That's just childish."
Jamileh Hawatmeh
16, junior
"I do not think he is a racist. He clearly just lost his temper and said some things he regrets. Everybody has been in the same situation. Just because he is 'Kramer,' it's a big deal. If it was anyone else, you wouldn't have even thought twice about the situation."
Hannah Ribotto
16, junior
