I woke up today surprised to see a bundle of apologetic tweets from the one and only John Mayer, who I 100% respect for his ability to say exactly what he thinks and feels, without worrying about the consequences. After discovering they were referring to some sort of race issue from his recent Play Boy interview (if you haven’t read it yet, I’ve attached the link above), I decided to actually sit and read through it, as I had only skimmed parts the first time through. After reading these so called “racist comments”, I instantly became enraged at how ignorant, to me, these people targeting Mayer seemed.
Side note: In college, I was a History Minor, which required me, of course, to partake in numerous History classes. As I hated History while in middle school and even high school, I was shocked to find myself so willingly involved and inspired to learn more about the topic. My newfound interest was all thanks to one of my favorite professors, who happened to be of African decent. I chose to take as many classes as I could with him, as I felt I was actually learning about something I used to have zero interest in. He taught many special topic Black History courses, in which I attended parts I, II and III before transferring to art school. I say this to simply state that while I understand race is - and will probably always be - a touchy subject to many, I am at least educated on the topic in some way. And well, there’s my disclaimer.
That being said, I genuinely feel people are blowing this interview way out of proportion. I understand the term he used it not exactly politically correct, but he was in no way targeting a specific person, or even using the “n word” as a derogatory remark or insult towards the race. If anything, I feel he was perhaps toying with the fact that black people allow usage of the word with each other as a means of respect, and I truly don’t see anything wrong with that, because well, it happens. I have seen it first hand. I apologize if these thoughts offend anyone, but he’s entitled to state his opinion just as anyone else is. And in this case, I can’t say I disagree with his mindset. Besides, did the interviewer not continue on the topic as well? Had it been as inappropriate as it’s been made out to be, it would probably not have been published, or at the very least, a subject change would have been required.
As far as the question referring to his experience with black women, I could not help but laugh hysterically. Yes, I can see people finding his response to be arrogant as hell, but I personally see it more so in a harmless, comedic way - the John Mayer way. Maybe it’s just my sense of humor, or my understanding and appreciation of HIS sense of humor. Either way, I just no longer see the difference between someone preferring dark hair, blue eyes, skinny girls, bearded men, etc. These, as well as skin color, are all characteristics of a person, and so what if someone prefers one over the other? Each and every person reading this would be lying if he or she said they never preferred certain looks; at least he was open about it, sarcastically or not.
No, I am not looking past our History or ignoring the fact that slavery existed, and that racism (though, of all ethnicities, not just one) still does exist today. I am, however, stating that we will never progress as one if situations as petty as this are dissected to the point a man feels obligated to apologize for speaking his mind. Using the word while interviewing was unnecessary, yes, but with reading his explanation/apology for doing so, as well as his thought process at the time, I can honestly say I have read worse.
Don’t get me wrong - had I felt his intent was malicious in any way, my view would be far different. I just feel people need to chill out with the whole race thing a little bit, and think more about the actual problems in the world today besides the fact that “John Mayer is a douche bag.” And hey, for the record, I can’t say I agree with that statement one bit.
i don’t even like john mayer and i agree with every single thing jenna has stated above. i also dug up the interview this morning and read it in it’s entirety. is there absolutely NOTHING going on in the news that this is a serious focus?
I can’t say that I can agree with you. Everyone needs to be kept to the same standard, celebrity or not. People criticized Senator Harry Reid when he said those racial remarks towards President Obama and they weren’t half as bad as what John Mayer said. When Senator Trent Lott said his racial remark concerning Senator Strom Thurmond, the USA was in an uproar and asked for his resignation. Let’s not forget about Don Imus’ remark about the basketball team.
All of my previous examples were not even close to what John Mayer said. He deserves all harsh criticism that is coming his way along with bad press. He apologized, yes, but sometimes people have to learn that an apology isn’t an end all gesture.
Is their more things in the news that are important? Yes. But let’s be honest, it’s the media, sometimes they run out of stories.
John Mayer isn’t a politician. Racism is perpetuated with…wait for it…DEFENSIVE listening!
Take any communication class and you’ll learn that defensive listening is considered anything but a “skill” in communication.
On the race issue, some people have reason to listen defensively, however, employing the technique makes the issue continues because it turns small mistakes into wars.
My point: be sensitive to the things that can hurt others, even down to short phrases that may seem insignificant in the moment. At the same time, take the time to clarify something said before you attack it. That’s all.
