Recently I published a piece in Gawker accusing Jerry Seinfeld of being a racist.
My argument was simple. When asked by a CBS This Morning host about a lack of diverse guests on his web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Seinfeld responded with an acidulous "Who cares?"
Most people took his comments to mean that as a comedian he's more concerned with being funny than promoting diversity. But when I heard the words "who cares" come out of his mouth, I couldn't help but think of all the countless white people who did nothing to stop slavery.
Reaction to my piece was mixed. Some noted the fact that Jerry Seinfeld has done a lot of work in promoting the work of minority comedians. Others that he is a huge fan of black comics Pryor, Cosby, Murphy and Rock.
Meanwhile, people on Twitter pointed out the irony of accusing someone of racism on Gawker, a website renown for its homophobia.
I stand by my conclusion: Jerry Seinfeld is a racist dirtbag. But in retrospect, I shouldn't have accused someone of discrimination in a publication that outs gays against their will.
Thankfully, the editors of The Daily Currant have given me space here to expand my argument. I didn't just base my piece on one interview. Over the decades Jerry Seinfeld has established a long record of blatant racism, especially against those in the African-American community.
So here's five more reasons why Jerry Seinfeld is a racist:
1. He never campaigned for President Obama.
When Barack Obama announced his intentions to become the first black president in American history, most Hollywood celebrities rushed to campaign for him.
Not Jerry Seinfeld.
Over the entire course of Obama's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, Seinfeld didn't campaign with the man a single time. Oprah was practically everywhere. Kal Penn actually quit acting to work in the Obama Administration. But Jerry Seinfeld? Nothing.
Some people say this is simply a case of a comedian trying to protect his brand by staying above the political fray. But something tells me there’s more to this story. Something tells me Jerry Seinfeld just hates the idea of a “negro” in the White House.
2. He didn’t lift a finger to help Trayvon Martin’s family.
On Feb. 12, 2012, Florida teen Trayvon Martin was brutally murdered by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman for the crime of being black. The vicious murder and the subsequent trial and eventual acquittal of Zimmerman left huge emotional and financial scars on the young man's parents.
Last year the Martin family established the Trayvon Martin Foundation to help cover their expenses and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. You would have thought that Jerry Seinfeld, as a millionaire, would have thrown a little money their way.
But according to tax returns from the foundation, Seinfeld hasn't donated a single cent to the cause. I’m sorry Jerry, not a single penny to help out the Martin family in their time of need? Do you realize how expensive lawyers are you insensitive prick?
After seeing their innocent son murdered in broad daylight, don't his mother and father deserve something? But noooo! I guess these people are too black for your checkbook.
Jesus Christ, Jerry Seinfeld.
3. None of the main characters on Seinfeld were black.
We all remember Seinfeld, that lovable '90s sitcom that made Jerry a star. Who can forget George, Elaine, Kramer, the contest, shrinkage, muffin tops, bubble boy, the puffy shirt, soup Nazi, lobster bisque, yada yada yada...
Here's a question: Do you remember any black people? I don't, because there were none.
I mean, seriously, how dare a white Jew from New York write a sitcom about white Jews from New York. Brandy didn’t just write about black people on Moesha. George Lopez didn’t just write about Latinos on The George Lopez Show.
Jerry is such as jackass! He’s so focused on “being funny” and “trying to make people laugh.” Whatever happened to a comedian’s obligation to be an advocate for multiculturalism?
4. He hasn’t adopted any children from Africa.
Unlike most Hollywood celebrities Jerry Seinfeld has refused to adopt a child from Africa. Despite the fact that he has plenty of money and could provide a great home for these desperate little ones, he decided instead to have a biological baby with his wife.
Can you guess what color this baby is? That’s right, it’s white -- just the way Jerry likes it. God dammit Jerry Seinfeld, what the fuck is wrong with you! Babies are beautiful no matter what their color.
Are you seriously going to let some starving infant in Africa just die in the desert somewhere because you don’t like the color of its skin? There are thousands of African babies waiting to be adopted and you couldn't even take one? NOT ONE into your home?
You racist pig.
OMG Jerry Seinfeld’s racism makes me so fucking angry!! Aggghhhh!!!!
I’m sorry guys. I’m so pissed off right now, I can’t even finish this post. It’s just so, like, surreal. When I think about Seinfeld’s views on race, I feel like I’m living on a Georgia cotton plantation circa 1850.
Somebody needs to find this racist son-of-a-bitch and shove a cotton gin right up his ass.
Kyle Chayka is a freelance writer based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A talented art critic, he knows nothing about racism or comedy.
