"It ain't about being perfect..."

[kestrell]

I was listening to clips from a new Woody Guthrie compilation CD, and came across another compilation, titled "Til We Outnumber 'Em," which had a great MP3 by Craig Werner. He told a story about how, in the early days of his radio show, Guthrie would tell racist jokes, until he received a letter from a young black man who said that those "jokes" were hurtful. Then comes the heroic part: Guthrie apologized on his show and said he hadn't thought about what he was saying, because "it ain't about being perfect, it ain't about being politically correct, it's about dealing with the times we mess up."

Comments

[thnidu]

Right action. Part of the Eightfold Path. Goody for Woody!

[kestrell]

Also highly relevant in ongoing discussions in fandom regarding racism, sexism, etc. Also, as far as everyday life, I have found that a simple "I'm sorry" will defuse many, many arguments. Two little words with a lot of power to make things better.

[thnidu]

Yes, as long as they are meant and said sincerely. And taken as such, which unfortunately we can't always rely on.

[bibliofile]

Well, yeah! That Woody, he knew stuff.