Whether this was used in the divisive way -- in this case -- largely depends on how Johnson was intending to us it.

In this context Johnson's use of the term "brothas and sistas" is a clear reference to MLK's I have a dream speech and not the 80s era Caricatures that many white people used to make fun of the black pulpit speaking style. A caricature that is, as you said, considered mildly racist.

Only Johnson knows if he was trying to create a racial "incident." However Johnson has been heard talking about "the man" in games over the last several days.

My understanding is that his use of the term "the man" is not racist in nature. He is not speaking of a White Man or Black Man in this instance. I have been told that Johnson is making a veiled reference to Ryan the owner of the site. A reference to anger in some circles about Ryan's recent remarks and actions.

If this is true than he is not using the I have a dream speech as a way of creating racial divisiveness but as an attempt to humorously make a passionate call to all players, "whatever the color of their avatar" to stand up to Ryan and his actions of late.

However that call in itself can be considered potentially divisive to the community.

Now the "lameness" or appropriateness of Johnson's subversive jokes are up to the reader to decide.

The actual meaning can only be determined by what the original speaker meant to say. So only Johnson can tell us what he meant.

*Directs Johnson toward the microphone*

(please begin the usual mikeypoo get a life spam)

holy hell you guys are dumb. It's a joke stop arguing and quoting wikipedia.

Mikey,


Dr. King did not use the phrase "my brothas and sistas" in his speech:


http://usinfo.state.gov/infousa/government/overview/38.html


He used real english words, "brother" and "sister". He did not use the phrase "my brothers and sisters" in the speech.


REVERSIES!


Also in his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" where he reached out to white clergy adversaries, he used real English: "Brother" and "Brotherhood".

My original post stands. Imitating someone's speech is always a bit (no pun intended)...dicey. It generally indicates disrespect.

Perhaps we can hear from Johnson213 himself what the intent of this thread is.

Idiots.

Skrum, how old are you?

I mean that as a serious question.

First of all the post was a joke along with the rest of the series that Johnson posted.

But secondly, there is a place for slang within our lexicon and I do believe that Johnson, a product of his generation, is taking full advantage of this.

He was playing on pop culture and the vernacular of his generation to create a funny post.

Perhaps, you come from a generation that takes things at face value and has no respect for the creativity of youth.

</Bouncing noise>

Skrum only johnson can give us the answers we need.

Someone tell Mothra and Fathra that the kids are acting up again.

Nerds

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imitating someone's speech...Skrum, that was cute...


uh, I really didn't mean anything...