You're missing the point on this on HC.
It doesn't matter it was said in private. It's the fact he feels that way.
Not wanting to be associated with a person because of their color is a problem. It's a bigger problem when you've made a billion off the backs of others, many minorities. It's the mentality that makes this disturbing.
You say you find it's kind of unsettling. I found it to be appauling. I found it to be sickening. So much so, I couldn't even participate in this thread. And I don't think that's a overreaction.
The fact he feels that way...that's a problem? Are we really that surprised that racist old white men still exist? Just let them and their ignorant beliefs go the way of polio.
See this is the slippery slope. Do I think he's a racist? Fuck yes. Would I associate with someone that shares his beliefs? Fuck no. I just don't agree with the whole media overblown witch hunt. There is a difference between someone's words and someone's actions.
What he said didn't discriminate or cause hardship for anyone (other than the mental anguish people have felt for having heard it now that it's out, which I believe pales in comparison to REAL hatred and racism). It is my belief that any old white codger in America can tell his girlfriend "I don't want you associating with black people" without facing a 2.5 million dollar fine. That's all.
I'll restate that I don't agree with what he said or condone REAL discrimination in any way. I hope that someday this world gets to a place where words like this are ridiculed instead of punished. THAT'S what I think the reaction should be...similar to if a public figure came out and said the world was flat.
