O'Reilly Goes To Harlem, Leaves More People Convinced He's a Racist

I've written before about the ways in which O'Reilly couches racist ideas -- treating gangsta rap culture like the primary voice of black America and then blaming a host of ills affecting black people on that cartoonish caricature.

Now, after an attempt at rapprochement with civil rights advocate Al Sharpton, O'Reilly has stepped in it again, this time by marveling at how he had dinner with Sharpton at a Harlem restaurant and people were civil to him; no cursing, crotch grabbing or ugly behavior in sight.

Here's the quote, fresh from the admittedly liberal media watch Web site, Media Matters: "(O'Reilly) reported that he "had a great time, and all the people up there are tremendously respectful," adding: "I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia's restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean, it was exactly the same, even though it's run by blacks, primarily black patronship." Later, during a discussion with National Public Radio senior correspondent and Fox News contributor Juan Williams about the effect of rap on culture, O'Reilly asserted: "There wasn't one person in Sylvia's who was screaming, 'M-Fer, I want more iced tea.' You know, I mean, everybody was -- it was like going into an Italian restaurant in an all-white suburb in the sense of people were sitting there, and they were ordering and having fun. And there wasn't any kind of craziness at all."

Here's my first column, written in 1999, about how O'Reilly uses racially charged language about gangsta rappers to scare his presumably white viewership and press his points. Here's my second column about O'Reilly's racist rhetorical tricks, employed this time to criticize those stuck in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Here's his response to the Katrina column -- a typically personal attack in which he cites his radio comments, not the TV appearance I criticized.

I think these comments are typical of O'Reilly's technique. Too smart to personally use an epithet in the way Don Imus finally did, he instead turns rap culture into a straw man used to represent all of black culture. Then, he's free to tee off on the stereotypical excesses of THAT culture, rather than talk about real, live black people with all their contradictions intact.

Fox News executive Bill Shine, speaking to the Associated Press, had a different take on his channel's star pundit: ""This is nothing more than left-wing outlets stirring up false racism accusations for ratings," said Shine, senior vice president for programming at Fox News Channel. "It's sad."

O'Reilly seems amazed to meet black folks who don't fit his disconnected stereotype of what we are. That he finally got introduced to some real black people may be the best thing to come of this bizarre meeting -- and yes, Sharpton critics, it took the Rev Al to make that happen.

NPR's News and Notes Covers Jena and White Supremacy

NPR's black focused show had an interesting segment today on material posted online by the leader of a white supremacist group who claimed to have a supportive interview with the mayor of Jena, La., where thousands of people converged last week to protest the prosecution of six black youths.

The Chicago Tribune published a piece on the interviews, which quote Jena mayor Murphy McMillin praising efforts by white supremacists to mount counter demonstrations. News and Notes interviewed the Richard Barrett, the leader of a white nationalist movement in Mississippi, who said he didn't tape record the conversation but wrote it down later from memory. Murphy declined to speak for the radio but sent NPR emails denying the most controversial quotes. 

Comments

[mike]

At least have the integrity to link to the interview or post the full transcript. Why would you instead present the bits and pieces chosen by a liberal interest group? Couldn't you at least pretend to have a little bit of journalistic integrity?

[Eric Deggans]

The great thing about the media matters site is that you can listen to the audio excerpt yourself -- on the very page I linked to. It's not a small snippet -- they captured audio from a conversation that last a minute or two -- plenty of time for you to listne and make your own judgments.

That's more journalistic integrity than I've gotten from Bill O'Reilly...

[mike]

You should be ashamed of yourself, Eric. I just listened to the clip, and those quotes are so out of context it's scary. Have you no shame?

[Alan]

I believe you owe Bill O'Reilly and apology and hope you delete this post.

[Eric Deggans]

Mike, you have proven in past statements on this page that you will believe what you want to believe.

All I can say, is that I listened to his comments and came to a different conclusion than you.

As in most of the situations, you and i will have to agree to disagee. And I feel no shame whatsoever...

[Gretchen]

Eric, I thought these were very valid points you brought up & you're absolutely correct on how Bill always tries to make Gangster music define the black culture as a whole. It's very disheartening.

But I must say, the audio wasn't shocking to me at all. He expresses these views all the time on his show. I believe it is detrimental to his viewers and black society because he paints a picture that is not reality. Yes, some blacks act a certain way but a samll percentage does NOT define us as a whole. It is the same thing for whites. We have to stop generalizing everyone together because of a few peoples actions. The sad part about all of this is that Bill ONLY JUST NOW figured this out by going to dinner with Sharpton???!! Mind-boggling!

For me the audio wasn't that bad, I think he made some valid points as well in the beginning. I believe quite a few whites (I hate to say this) feel the same as Bill. I think they would be surprised as well about how most blacks conduct themselves. I just loved how he stated "I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference, we are all the same." and the part about the Anita Baker's concert having blacks in attendance that were "well dressed". Come on Bill.

I hope now he retracts some of his statements he's made in the past and shows more of the other side, not just Hip Hop.

[Jim]

I guess I am more surprised by the fact that Bill actually sat down for dinner with Al Sharpton. Is it me, or does it just seem like Bill and Al must make a lot of money off their supposed political 'disagreements' on cable talk shows?

Being white, I do believe that Bill's views represent quite a few white American's opinions of blacks. It's a blanket stereotype and it continues to linger due to the popularity of rap, which a lot of whites associate closely with the black community.

[whiteguyinDC]

"I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference, we are all the same."

Bill had a pre-conceived notion of how black were 'supposed' to act and was throughly shocked to see otherwise.

That's not racist folks. That's simply means Bill is not in touch with American culture. Bill O' Reilly probably groups most 20 something black males with gangsta, rap listening, headin' to jail non-educated segment of society..It's obviously wrong to group all blacks into one way of thinking. But's look at this.

So why does Bill think this way?? do I blame Bill. Well, alot of white americans do think like him, but are afraid to admit it. So why do we think like that. First, the media in america, the images we see of blacks aren't the most flattering. We see black overpopulating the jails while being the smallest minority group in the country. Second, other minorities males i.e. Asian (indian, korean, chinese), and even Hispanic don't have the negative stereotypes. They do well in schools, have professional careers, and don't have the negative stereotypes. These black stereotypes are enforced by many things. The over-saturation of MTV infused hip hop in mainstream america. Good thing or not, it enstills incorrect values.
Secondly, the emphasis of the must have 'bling lifestyle' attitudes of a majority of black athletes is highly false, and misleading. Educational mentors and role models are far and few between for young blacks, which leads young minds into thinking sports/and the rap game are viable options.

It's the responsibility of black parents, not one but both parents, to stress the importance of staying in school. Young black men need strong role models to look up to, and strive for a better way of life. Because education can only uplift someone, while ignorance can only keep one stagnant.

[Jubril]

After listening to all the ravens about Bill on CNN.com, I initially thought it was a case of one network attacking the credibility of another, But after viewing his show (Bill Oreilly) I don't think one can get a more racist human being than Bill Oreilly. He started by attacking a New York Congress man because the state decided to fund a public school which would teach students Arabic (As other New York schools that teach Spainish,Russian) asking the congress man "why can't they continue teaching student the language of success (English). I feel this man shouldn’t even be employed as a Dog Catcher much less a TV commentator

[Sybil]

This is just more reason not to watch CNN. Bill wasn't spouting racism. CNN had to twist Bill's words b/c they are so far out of touch with this generation they make crap up. I used to try to catch Anderson Cooper but have given up on that as well.

[sparks]

Why is it different to discriminate against someone for what they say think or feel than if they are black white gay etc. as long as nobody harms anyone than what they feel or think is their's you are you I am me and they are they nobody should be told how to feel talk feel etc. you don't have to be me and I shouldn't have to be like you this touchy feely don't offend or upset anyone is nonsense I have never seen or heard of anyone rioting or killing someone because of all the Christian bashing that goes on in this country nobody is killing an innocent bystander because Sally Fields doesn't like me because I'm Christian I have not seen any news reports that Christian bashers are being prosicuted for hate crimes It's ok to sue GOD but don't offend the blacks what one sided nonsense.

[Rebecca]

He's so obvious and pathetic ... that only his fanatic followers would/could except such an "excuse" but for those of us who see right through his evil eyes, know exactly what he meant AND CLEARLY STATED IT. His arrogance and ignorance shines right through him & he does it always with that SHAMEFUL smile ... & could care less what people think or for human kind around the world. He knows he's got his "kind of people" that don't understand other people & their cultures ... THIS IS HIS "SO CALLED" REASON FOR HIS FOOLISH ACTIONS. He should take some etiquette classes on how to speak to "people" that aren't his kind since he's trying to get "his people" to understand how an educated African American thinks. There are so many, many educated people in this world that know exactly what time it is & Bill obviously wants to pretend he doesn't know that racism and stereotyping is a "no, no" these days. I guess that "kind of thinking" is too intelligent for him or his kind.

GET HIM OFF THE AIR ... HE DOESN'T DESERVE A PLATFORM TO SPEAK & SPREAD HIS IGNORANCE.

Those of you who believe O'Reilly's comments were racist COULD NOT have heard the entire piece. All you are saying is based on ignorance. Learn to research before making conclusions. To me, it sounds like O'Reilly is making the point that there is no difference between a white-run restaurant to a black-run restaurant because they are all PEOPLE. The color of their skin does not dictate ability. HE WAS NOT ACTUALLY SURPRISED BY THE FACT SYLVIAS WAS NO DIFFERENT TO OTHER NYC RESTAURANTS....HE WAS JUST IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A POINT. Don't take his words out of context just because you have it out for the guy.

Those of you who believe O'Reilly's comments were racist COULD NOT have heard the entire piece. All you are saying is based on ignorance. Learn to research before making conclusions. To me, it sounds like O'Reilly is making the point that there is no difference between a white-run restaurant to a black-run restaurant because they are all PEOPLE. The color of their skin does not dictate ability. HE WAS NOT ACTUALLY SURPRISED BY THE FACT SYLVIAS WAS NO DIFFERENT TO OTHER NYC RESTAURANTS....HE WAS JUST IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A POINT. Don't take his words out of context just because you have it out for the guy.

[Brent]

I think it is funny how taking one portion of a statement can make that statement mean whatever the reader/listener wants. I believe that Bill O'Reilly was using a little bit of sarcasm to get his point across. The restaurant is just like white-run restaurants in New York, he is saying that as a fact. He is saying there is no difference. Not that he thought there should be a difference. There are a lot of people out there that think black culture is represented by rap music. He is making the point that black culture is NOT represented by rap music. That no one in the restaurant was saying what rap music says, but they were normal people, in a good restaurant, enjoying a good meal.

[Gretchen]

I agree TOTALLY with whiteguyinDC. Very well stated!

[Eric Deggans]

Gretchen, you agree that there are not harmful sterotypes of Hispanics and other races? That the prejudices facing black people are solely or mostly the result of rap culture?

Give me a break.

Every minority group has faced harmful stereotypes. Even women continue to struggle against harmful media images which objectify and demean them.

No one suggests that people who buy into those images are somehow helpless to resist them. Or that those minority groups somehow deserve the stereotypes they resist because other members of their group live down to them.

I'm so tired of racists using hip hop culture to justify their stereotypes about black people. And Bill O'Reilly is the ultimate offender.

It doesn't take much effort to realize that there is much more to black people than rap stars and athletes. And if there are white people who refuse to learn more about their world than the easy images offered by the worst mainstream media, then that is their fault, not the fault of the people being stereotyped...

[Gretchen]

Eric, I'm sorry. Let me be more specific for you. Totally agree may be wrong b/c I do NOT agree that other races don't face stereotypes; i.e. Mexicans & Asians. Trust me, everyone takes a turn at being stereotyped.

Heres what I TOTALLY agree with on his statement:

1."That's not racist folks. That's simply means Bill is not in touch with American culture. Bill O' Reilly probably groups most 20 something black males with gangsta, rap listening, headin' to jail non-educated segment of society..It's obviously wrong to group all blacks into one way of thinking."

2."So why does Bill think this way?? do I blame Bill. Well, alot of white americans do think like him, but are afraid to admit it. So why do we think like that. First, the media in america, the images we see of blacks aren't the most flattering." AND "These black stereotypes are enforced by many things. The over-saturation of MTV infused hip hop in mainstream america.

3."Secondly, the emphasis of the must have 'bling lifestyle' attitudes of a majority of black athletes is highly false, and misleading. Educational mentors and role models are far and few between for young blacks, which leads young minds into thinking sports/and the rap game are viable options.

It's the responsibility of black parents, not one but both parents, to stress the importance of staying in school. Young black men need strong role models to look up to, and strive for a better way of life. Because education can only uplift someone, while ignorance can only keep one stagnant."

As I stated earlier, I believe a lot of whites compare what they see on TV (rap videos) with the majority of black society which is a false petrayal. You know that we need more postive role models for our kids to look up to. And yes, it does start in the home. Unfortunely, a lot of the kids are looking up to rappers & it shouldn't be that way. We need more mentors for our young black males, don't you agree?

Lastly, I don't think that the prejudices facing blacks are SOLELY a result of rap music. That would be absurb. But it does help form negative opinions whether we like it or not. What also doesn't help is Bill always bringing up HIp hop artist like they CAUSED this negative personas. It is going to take a looong time before people see us for who we really are as indivaduals. Hell, I'm young & it most likely won't be in my lifetime!

What is it that you still don't agree with?

[Condrosky]

In the full-conversation, the Jena-mayor initially acknowledged that he had support from all across the country and, later, that he appreciated Richard Barrett's support. Only later, more than a week later, when pounced on by the media, did McMillin try to distance himself from the "controversial" remark about appreciating the moral-support extended to him. What is so "controversial" about someone, under seige, saying thanks to someone who extends support to him, under such trying circumstances? Barrett never asked for the Mayor's "endorsement" and the Mayor never asked for Barrett's "endorsement." Looks like NPR was trying to bait the Mayor, Barrett and any other suckers who bought into its bigoted line.