The downside of comedy. This is what happens when you try to push the envelope and fail. Hugely.

UPDATE: I've watched this about five times. It's so freaking weird. I have a lot of crazy, different thoughts, not of which are least bit concerned with whether this makes Michael Richards racist or not - sorry Chuck.

IF I WERE A MODERN FRENCH PHILOSPHER: This is a man melting down. The comic equivalent of committing suicide. You could feel how badly he hurt. I felt nothing but sadness. People have written similarly of the Zidane incident at the World Cup. How could he crumble like that? If the Columine killings forshadowed 9/11 with the suicidal urge to indiscrimately kill and inflict terror through suicide, what do these professional suicides forshadow? The complete implosion of the West? I have a feeling Mel Gibson's Apocolypto will hit upon the same nerve, the same urge, that something is rotten and sick inside Western Civilization, a self hatred so deep, we've resorted to cutting ourselves on our arms and legs. We need help, lest we jump off the bridge one day.

IF I WERE A COMEDIAN: It wasn't funny. And that, beyond being racist or anything, is the most hurtful thing one can say about a comedian. Comedian's live and die on the success of their last joke. As a comedian, Michael Richards is dead - until he comes back.

IF I WERE HIS FRIEND: I hope I'd be as a good as Seinfeld.

IF I WERE BLACK: I'd be proud of how the the audience members handled the situation. They were above it. Way above it. Martin Luther King would have been proud. As am I.