Media

Should Al Sharpton Be Fired From MSNBC for Making Racist Comments?

Does history matter?

Should past actions/statements be used against someone?

If the answer to those questions is YES, then we must also ask:

Should MSNBC fire Al Sharpton for making (well documented) racially insulting and insensitive comments in public?

Consider just these three clips. (Earlier this week, SiriusXM satellite radio hosts Opie & Anthony played these three pieces of Sharpton audio.)

Clip #1 is from a 1994 Sharpton speech at Kean College:

 

Clip #2 features Sharpton, talking about then-Mayor David Dinkins (reportedly recorded in Harlem):

 

Clip #3 (also reported to have come from a Sharpton event in Harlem) features Al trying to discourage people from buying fried chicken from Chinese-owned restaurants or watermelon from Korean-owned shops.

All of these audio clips feature Al Sharpton, the full-time employee of MSNBC’s 5pm offering “Politics Nation” (and also the star of MSNBC’s latest “Lean Forward” promotional campaign).

The first is a relatively well-known comment from a 1994 Sharpton appearance at Kean College where the Rev made some patently offensive statements. Several reports of this event have been written up and posted online, this is the only audio we could find of the controversial remarks;

 “White folks was [sic] in caves while we was building empires…. We taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and them Greek homos ever got around to it.”

Salon’s Jake Tapper noted in 2003 that Sharpton was called out for the remark by The Forward and responded by saying:

“Homo is not a homophobic term, but I think even the reference is irresponsible and I don’t do that any longer.”

Curiously, when Imus appeared on Sharpton’s radio show and apologized for his insensitive remarks, vowing to never make comments like that in the future, he was still driven from his job thanks to the massive pressure placed on sponsors by Sharpton and others.

In May of 2002, during an appearance on CNN’s Crossfire, at first Sharpton seems to be trying deny that he made the offensive remark. Here is a transcript from the show with Tucker Carlson and James Carville talking to Sharpton about another run for the White House;

CARVILLE: Well, I hope you do decide, Al Sharpton, because you look great, by the way. I hope you run as a Democrat, I look forward to covering you. I look forward to covering your speeches. And I hope you give speeches like. This is a speech you gave in 1992 early at Keane University in New Jersey. This is one of my favorite Al Sharpton quotes. “White folks was in the cave when we built empires. We taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and then Greeks homos ever got around to it.” If you run, speeches like that?

SHARPTON: Well first of all, if I made the speech, first of all…

CARLSON: If you made the speech? You did you make the speech.

SHARPTON: Well, you’re reading your card. Doesn’t mean…

CARLSON: That was in “The New York — did you not say that?

SHARPTON: Am I allowed to respond?

CARLSON: Yes, sir.

SHARPTON: Tonight? All right. Thank you, sir. So…

CARLSON: Tell me about them Greek homos.

SHARPTON: Well, first of all, I think that clearly, if you look at my record with the gay and lesbian communities, you can never try to accuse me of dealing in any homophobic…

CARLSON: And I’m just quoting you. “Them Greek homos…”

SHARPTON: Well, first of all, I don‘t know that you’re quoting me properly or not. But let’s talk about the issue of homosexuality. Let‘s talk about how many Republicans are not dealing with the problems that we’re even facing today with fellow churchmen of mine, who are trying to act as if homosexuals are the cause, rather than pedophiles are the cause.

Sharpton’s initial instinct is to deny that the offensive words came from his mouth. Then he tries to create confusion or doubt about it. And finally he takes the discussion another direction. In three sentences he manages to deny or cast doubt on the statement, and then completely change the direction of the discussion.

This was not the first time Sharpton used pejorative terms to describe gay people. During an appearance on the old Morton Downey Jr. Show, Sharpton called someone a “punk faggot.”

David Horowitz of The Freedom Center recalled the same moment and wondered why Sharpton still has a job. Horowitz compares the Sharpton gay insult to a similar comment that cost director Brett Ratner his job on the Oscars telecast.

While I cannot say that I have personally discussed the topic of homosexuality or gay rights with Mr. Sharpton, it seems as if the gay community has accepted his apologies. Earlier this year, Sharpton was a presenter at the GLAAD Awards, introducing Russell Simmons as the winner of the “Excellence In Media” award.

In 2007, right after the Imus firings, Mr. Sharpton made the following statement:

“No one, even in the name of creativity, should enjoy a large consumer base when they denigrate people based on race.”

Of course that prepared statement was made to the media in a public performance, delivered by Sharpton following the dismissal of Don Imus in the wake of the Rutgers women’s basketball team scandal. But if he believes in the statement, should Al Sharpton be held to the same standard that he forced on Imus, CBS and his current employer, MSNBC?

In 2007, following racially insensitive and insulting comments made by Don Imus, Al Sharpton lead the charge to have Don Imus fired from his syndicated radio program and the simulcast version of the show seen on MSNBC for 11 years. The former presidential candidate and leader of the National Action Network, successfully lobbied large companies like American Express, General Motors, Proctor and Gamble and Staples, convincing them to pull advertising from the cable network until Imus was fired.

Although Imus apologized publicly and privately to Sharpton, the issue was not one that was going to quickly fade away. Sharpton and Jesse Jackson pushed both NBC and CBS Radio to fire Imus. And eventually that happened.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A key element in Sharpton‘s argument for Imus’ firing was a claim that this was not an isolated incident. Could not the same argument be brought up in the case of Sharpton?  In just three clips played here, Mr. Sharpton, the man chosen to host an hour of television each day on the NBC cable news outlet, is heard calling the Mayor of New York a “n***er“ and a ”whore“ while Greek people are referred to as ”homos.”

H/T Opie & Anthony Channel

Share your opinion… Are the hateful words spoken in the past by Sharpton “fair game” today?


Sharpton’s Comments

Comments (486)

1 2 3 ... 15
  • MUDFLAPS
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:24am

    al came from the anus. he is the anus of this country. BUT!!!!! he sho do have him a nice process.
    He be pimpin fo sho.

    Report Post »  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 4:20pm

      you are right on al is a living example of one is like that is birthed from the wrong hole

      Report Post »  
    • Alvis Prezley
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:30pm

      but..how did he come out the wrong hole like that….?.thats the question!

      Report Post »  
    • jimtrees
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 10:00pm

      It would’ve been alot easier today, now that he lost all of the weight. He got the job at msnbc because they know they can run him any way they want. Wouldn’t be that easy with Jesse. As long as Rachel likes him, he’s good to go.

      Report Post »  
  • capecodsully
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:23am

    The left celebrates hatemongers, racists and misogynists. Questlove (Ahmir Thompson) is a big hero today among the left for his hatemongering and misogyny. The left never criticises their own for vile disgusting behavior. They live for it. Al Sharpton and Rev. Wright great examples of hatred well accepted.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:35am

      The same standards should apply across the board for everyone; and yes Sharpton should be fired.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:38am

      Ahmir Khalib Thompson’s wiki entry only shows the Michelle Bachmann “controversy”.

      Wiki needs some serious updating or its’ veracity is in doubt

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:42am

      By Rev. Al’s same measure..aren’t the homos on MSNBC like Ralph Maddow upset with him?

      Report Post »  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:43am

      You said it cape. Racism, hate, and the like are all the left is made up of. That is all the ammo they have, so the feed it every day. Let one person, conservative or center right person say something like that, and not only would they be fired, but every aspect of their lives would be run through a microscope by the left. Al the racist hatemonger sharpton should be fired and put back up under the rock his kind (racist hate mongers from the left) crawled out from under.

      Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:46am

      Are the Urtak questions above done by Blazers only? If so, the results are DISTURBING! Real freedom-loving, 1st amendment-loving conservatives know the REAL answer is not to punish ANYONE for insulting anyone else. Only when words rise to the level of threat, fraud, or conspiracy should they be punished. Sharpton’s a hypocritical hate-monger, for sure, but the way to deal with him is not using govt to enforce he not be able to say certain things–it‘s to point out his hypocrisy loudly and often enough that he’s shamed into quitting, or made into a laughing stock and paid no mind. Should a black crowd be able to call each other the N-word? Why not? No skin of anyone’s nose but their own.

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:59am

      Yes and so should Jimmy Kimmels band for playing a vulgar song for Michelle Bachmann’s entrance this last week .. but it is MSDNC .. and NBC (DNC) so I doubt anything will happen!

      TEA!

      Why would you hire racist Al Sharpton in the first place????

      Report Post »  
    • charleyrocks
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:02pm

      I wonder how much money he has taken from black people, to give to Africa to help his culture. I bet not one thin dime. Black people deserve a better leader than this he riles them up and that’s when he takes their money for all the halls that he rents he sure comes out ahead!!!

      Report Post » charleyrocks  
    • drbage
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:15pm

      @ShowLeopard, he should never have been hired in the first place. For a so-called media outlet with the promo of lean forward, they certainly bend over backwards to excuse the speech or actions of all those who lean to their side. I have certainly learned the hard-fought media mantra that Democrats do not lie, they mis-speak, are mis-quoted, are mis-interpreted, or are mis-understood.

      Report Post »  
    • Founding Father2
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:20pm

      They won’t fire him, HE IS MSNBC’S BLACK FRIEND…

      Remember this is the media organizations that backs Matthews, the thrill up his leg.

      Have you ever seen MSNBC’s Sharpton mock Matthews for that thrill: http://www.americanparchment.com/video/2011/sep/sharpton_matthews_thrill.html

      Report Post »  
    • Clive
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:21pm

      no one cares about rev wright. and in sharptons defense, greek people do suck.

      Report Post »  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:22pm

      The question is, will Al Sharpton step up and defend Al Sharpton if Sharpton is fired?

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • kennyg933
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Astrology? Greek homos taught Astrology? He’s saying that blacks wrote gay horoscopes before the Greeks did? Well, I for one did NOT know that. I wonder where this sort of history is cataloged? I’d like him to prove the validity of this claim because I believe that gay horoscopes where invented by the Sodomites

      Report Post »  
    • Buck Shane
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:38pm

      I think you people have Rev. Al all wrong. He is not a black leader, he is a comedian. How can you listen to what he says and not laugh.

      Report Post » Buck Shane  
    • vic138
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:38pm

      He should be fired for being stupid. We taught them philosophy, mathematics and astronomy before the greeks? Please. I suppose he’s talking about the egyptians. What about all the paintings with white pharoahs being carried around by black slaves? I’m not racist, just the truth. All the people around the mediteranian were the same back then, even the persians.

      Report Post » vic138  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:46pm

      As a conservative believer and supporter of the US Constitution, we should encourage more speech not less. Do you really feel threatened by the likes of Al Sharpton? Don’t fall for the trap. What they really want to do is for society to reach a point where all speech is filtered before it’s put out for public consumption… Hence no debate/discussion of Homosexuality and Jewish supremacy.

      Let’s encourage more speech not less. Most are angry over the hyprocrisy from the left.. That‘s justified but don’t fall for this trap. We want more freedom of expression not less.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:54pm

      I say leave him there. It merely proves how ignorant the left is. Trust me, only the uneducated, goat herded Black communities listen to, or follow fools like Sharpton, or Jackson, or Wright, or Cones.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
    • Buck Shane
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:04pm

      @ kennyg933
      Good one

      Report Post » Buck Shane  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:27pm

      TRUE COLORS SHOWING….Why was he ever hired????

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:38pm

      @ banjarmon
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:27pm

      TRUE COLORS SHOWING….Why was he ever hired????
      ——————————————————————————————————
      You’re one of my favorite posters. I think we both know why he was hired. He’s a reflection of their executive agenda.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
    • booger71
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:56pm

      greek are not a race

      Report Post » booger71  
    • helnopeno
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 2:23pm

      It is obvious what Sharpton is racist, has been always will be. Blacks can’t do no wrong in his eyes, let’s all remember he is black (obvious). Yes there are double standards, however what are whites going to do about it? Just sit back guilt ridden about the past and not doing anything about it? I am hispanic American (an American by birth) who feels that whites have to rise up and take a stand by the likes of Sharpton. He is obvioulsy a hypocrite, fire his ass up by the same tactics he uses by pressuring is sponsors. This is what I am going to do, I am going to contact MSNBS over and over issuing my satisfaction with Sharpton. Why not you do the same? Nothing will change until everybody fires up this evil mans ass! Start typing and calling now!

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 6:10pm

      Pleeze, do not call this man Reverend. The likes of him do not deserve to be called by that name.
      This includes that Mr. Wright and Mr. Jesse Jackson.. The name Reverend represents Christian values and I don‘t think those I’ve named have any that show.

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:44pm

      Cape….
      Actually, I think MSNBC NOT firing Al brings more attention to the hypocrisy of the Socialist/Democratic party. The more they open their racist, bigoted mouths, the more they anger people like me and most others here.
      Sure, we already know Al is a racist, but it shows the hypocrisy of the leftist media.

      Report Post »  
  • SFsuper49er
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:22am

    I still don’t know how the man even got a job in front of a camera….. They brought him in because of ratings but he draws in the hate crowd and i can’t see how that does any good for America. MSNBC is just trying to save there bacon

    Report Post »  
    • RightThinking1
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:58am

      The fact is, the left are shameless hypocrites. That is their hallmark, that is the way they operate. The ends justify the means, however sordid, however dishonest, however dishonorable those means may be. Our forefathers granted an *express* freedom to the press, expecting them to be the guardians of truth and integrity. Alas, the media have been seized by liberal fellow travelers, whose character does not extend beyond their ideology.
      As a parting shot regarding Sharpton’s character : Twana Brawley, Crown Heights riots.

      Report Post »  
    • GdavidH
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:05pm

      You just answered your own question.

      Report Post » GdavidH  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 3:38pm

      I agree, RightThinking1, but please don‘t forget Freddie’s Fashion Mart.

      As for whether Big Al should be fired, well, I say no. Let attrition do its job. However, I do see the point that the people who are advocating his firing have. Others have been shown the door for much less offensive things. But I have great faith in Big Al and his ability to shoot his mouth off.

      Actually I feel sorry for the man if he truly believes that black Africans built the pyramids and discovered philosophy. If that is true, the black African culture has truly taken a major step backwards. Has anyone told him that it was western Africans that sold their fellow black men to the Portuguese as slaves?

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 6:36pm

      MSNBC is pandering to the black community represented by Al and by the new Black Panther party or the Nation of Islam. They are after anyone who is racist (yea blacks can be racists). Al is a has been. He lost belivability as far back as the Twana Brawley case. The only people who listen to Al are the haters,

      OMG

      Report Post »  
  • Bermuda Onion
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:21am

    What an eloquent man. If I were a black man in America and not so Sharpton and Jesse Jackson spoke on my behalf I’d be so embarrassed. This guy is in the top echelon of racists along with Odumbass and company.

    The funny thing is, I think MSNBC put him on just to show how DUMB he really is and they are just making fun of him every time he comes on.

    Report Post »  
    • drattastic
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:29am

      “resist we much” yes so eloquent

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • Maji
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:16pm

      I find if you hold people to their “own”standards
      is when they have the biggest eye opening
      experiences!!

      Report Post »  
  • Embrace Liberty
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:21am

    A commentator on Fox News made a good point when discussing the treatment of Michelle Bachman during an appearance on an NBC late-night talk show. He said that if the Democrats didn’t have double-standards, they wouldn’t have any standards at all. Enough said.

    Report Post »  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:20am

    Beter leave Bro Al lone er Bro Holder will get after you, axe Al he no

    Report Post »  
  • Nolooters
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:19am

    I don’t know about other people but personally, I don‘t keep trash in my home to rot and stink and I don’t invite it in through TV or other forms of media.

    Report Post »  
  • drattastic
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:17am

    Well it is obvious that rev.Al knows no more about ancient history than msnbc pretends to know about Al’s history. Egyptians were no more “black” back then than they are now but he is still the racist POS now as he was back then.

    Report Post » drattastic  
  • lovenfl3
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:16am

    This guy has always been one of the most vile and offensive people in the history of this country. He is the poster child for the Democrats. The level of hypocrisy surrounding this guy even makes Bill Clinton look sincere. This reminded me of a great YouTube video on the double standard.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlIS6gRq32Q

    Report Post » lovenfl3  
  • MinutemanOnTheBorder
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:14am

    Zetas cartel active in the US! http://www.americanborder.blogspot.com for info!!

    Report Post » MinutemanOnTheBorder  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 4:12pm

      MINUTEMANONTHEBORDER,
      I know. I know. It isn’t new news.
      Hamas and Hezbollah are there too. Where do you think the Zetas and their ilk are getting their instructions in beheading and dismemberment?

      To bring your post into the Rev.Al realm let me say….,if Holder and Napolitano resigned tomorrow..,Al could stay as long as that vile,progressive network could survive.It would not confront me.

      Al has no power. Holder and Napolitano do.

      Al is just very old and very stupid. Filthy Lucre is his God. Since he has ensconced himself at MSNBC we should all be happy.

      No one with a tad of an I.Q. watches MSNBC. Al is stuck there and we do not see him on other more legitimate stations.

      Report Post »  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:13am

    Only if he compares a Socialist Communist President to Hitler or Stalin….

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:13am

    No, he should be fired for being a Jackass…

    Report Post »  
  • Donald
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:13am

    Out of his comes from his heart

    Report Post » Donald  
  • TheKingfish
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:13am

    Sharpton will be never be thrown off of MSNBC for any past or current racial hating statements (only Whitey gets punished for racial insensitive remarks), but instead be cancelled because no one is watching his show and ratings are so low. Comcast may have cut a deal with him for his supporting the Comcast merger thus giving him a show, but they will wash Sharpton out as ratings continue to me nonexistent. Sharpton IS what he IS.

    Report Post »  
  • Marine Recon Dad
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:13am

    I think MSNBC now stands for …..
    My
    Stuff
    No longa
    Belons to
    Caucasians

    Report Post »  
  • geo01
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:11am

    This post was….oops.

    Report Post » geo01  
  • majorsco
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:11am

    He’s the poster child for liberalism. If the liberals think he’s their leader, then we have nothing to worry about. He’s nothing but a clown, and if that clown is representing what is good about the liberal/progressive agenda, that’s great.

    Report Post »  
  • geo01
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:11am

    .
    LET ME SEE….Should Al Sharpton be fired?
    .
    With the risk of sounding racist………..IF HE WERE WHITE, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN GONE A LONG TIME AGO………
    .
    There are two standards in AMERICA TODAY. . .
    .
    One for those that perpetuate and keep racism alive……the likes of Al Sharpton.
    .
    And another standard for all others . . . should he be fired? YES will he be fired….NOT A CHANCE.
    .

    Report Post » geo01  
  • aquablue
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:10am

    Sharpton is a common theme in what is wrong today. He should answer to his stereotypical name calling.

    Report Post » aquablue  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:09am

    Seriously are there any suprises here? This bag of meat has been a racist since the day it was hatched.

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
  • rslamd
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:07am

    The people who scream Racism the loudest are usually the most Racist. Al Sharpton is a Racist. Since 1987 when he claimes screen time in the Tawana Brawley fiasco he has been a boil African Americans Buttock’s..

    Report Post » rslamd  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:25am

      RSLAMD – now you know that black folk can’t be racist, whites are the only one that can be. Just axe Bro Eric Holder

      Report Post »  
  • Fantastic Four
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:06am

    Keep Him exactly where he is…………..Myabe one day the Liberals will see their own Hypocrisy and Hate speech that they one will wake up………..

    Report Post » Fantastic Four  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:21am

      That’s what I say. Al Sharpton is the gift that keeps on giving.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:46am

      BehindBlueEyes

      If any of us have any friends or relatives that watch MSNBC, we should periodically remind them of the hosts past statements. Let the ratings fall further.

      Let the CEO try to explain MSNBC as a “loss leader” for the mega-corporation. (Use a loss leader).

      MSNBC does not have to return the normal profit (or any profit). It is used by General Electric’s CEO Immelt to curry favor with the Democrats & spew Democrat propaganda.

      In return GE gets concessions form the GUV like paying no taxes.

      Report Post »  
  • ilovetheusa1
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:05am

    race baiter Sharpton should be treated the way he treated Imus. see ya sucka

    Report Post »  
  • garyM
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:04am

    While I understand the disliking of Al Sharpton, he is only displaying what MSNBC stands for, and that is anything but what is right! Al has always been a racist along with many of the black brotherhood, Al is just what MSNBC needs because anyone who has any brains doesn’t watch MSNC anyway! Anyone who advocates affirmative action is racist no matter what their race might be!

    Report Post »  
    • Wayne
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:23pm

      I agree, They fired Imus for less than what Al said, but he was white. I don’t follow what Al says because I will not watch that Net-work are never will.

      Report Post »  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 10:59am

    Al Sharpton IS racism and hate speech.

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • fatjack
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:05am

      and a dumb ash one at that.

      Report Post » fatjack  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:29pm

      And with a great big fat poddy mouth.. Shame on you Sharpton!!

      Report Post » Darla_K  
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