Am I racist?
Added 2022-06-28 17:06:36 +0000 UTCDid I just make a terrible mistake?
Comments
not racist
JaneD
2025-10-24 13:13:18 +0000 UTCDefinitely racist, but my kind of racist.... in a hilarious and extremely profitable way. Not in a cancel culture kind of way. I think your safe with that amount of racist AJ. ( But just in case, it wouldn't hurt to have a mixed race wife or previous gf and/or multi racial children just in case the hilarious rants we all came to love catches the wrong ear at the right cancel culture time, nothing like a lil added insurance ) I'm just speaking from my own experience, but this is your journey let's see where this goes! BTW this video alone was worth the year membership I just bought.
Zachary Strause
2025-08-21 06:54:29 +0000 UTCGreat insight, we all have the same experiences. The fact you’re saying something means you care.
David Leatherman
2025-04-17 21:19:09 +0000 UTCNah, not racist at all AJ. Btw, I didn’t get welcome Patreon or whatever you call it 🤣👋
Letty Uñate
2025-02-23 22:09:01 +0000 UTCI didn’t get the hello note 💀🥰 but no I don’t think it’s racist but maybe I ain’t the one to speak on it either .. I do know my bf is from the Philippines 🇵🇭 and his last name is Spanish sounding
Gushi 1011
2024-11-29 02:32:32 +0000 UTCI have Mexican last name but can't speak a lick of spanish
Brad Reyes
2024-08-11 17:55:49 +0000 UTCWanting to connect with different people culturally is not racist but it can make for a funny and embarrassing story though.
Cucker Tarlson
2024-07-10 23:51:40 +0000 UTCI declare, not racist! I wish people would speak to me in Spanish more often… but because my Mexican Mother married a white dude, I came out all light skinned, and gave me his German ass last name. So, everyone just assumes, that I’m a white-y…
Hanna Schulthess
2024-06-30 04:44:30 +0000 UTCI think you were just trying to be kind, make random strangers feel comfortable. Though I understand it can be a bit awkward at times. Still, this made me 🤣
AndreaV
2024-05-09 14:39:17 +0000 UTCI'm an American latino...it's not prejudice bro. People speak Spanish to me all the time - I barely speak it lol.
Jason Goode-Domingues
2024-02-08 00:06:49 +0000 UTCJust listening to your whole story, says to me that you are just being respectful to others heritage in an automatic way. I live and grew up in San Francisco my whole life. I have been exposed to just about all the different cultures in this rich city of diversity . I will always tend to do certain mannerisms in respect to others I meet. And yes the whole bowing thing is one of them. Being on the other foot, I look Hispanic but am a mix of Irish and Filipino, I get greeted the way you talked to the viewer. I never take offence to it and usually start up a good conversation using it. I have seen racist actions first hand and know that you are no way even close to being one. Love your show and the way you present it. Look forward to more good things from you.
Xig
2024-01-27 00:10:07 +0000 UTCYou are good, and you care. That's definitive, AJ. It's those who don't care, ya' know? Anyway, stay gold my friend 🙏
Michelle Bott-Graham
2023-11-07 20:27:14 +0000 UTCBut to your question, No that is not racist. I just dont think you think in those terms. In my 30+ years here in the States I have seen and felt racism and prejudice, and That's not it. So don't worry.
Omar
2023-04-22 01:35:06 +0000 UTCAJ Que onda carnal, mira yo soy Mexicano, y acabo de inscribirme a tu Patreon. No mames! Si a mi me hablas español, mi idioma que tanto quiero, me vas a caer pero muy bien. Como decimos nosotros, me vas a caer a toda madre! AND I'll translate. AJ what's up my friend, look I am Mexican, and I just joined your Patreon a little bit ago. Don't be foolish! If you speak Spanish to me, my first language that I love so much, I'm gonna think you're great! I can tell you, generally, that's going to be the case with everyone. Of course, I know this channel is your baby, and you have a lot riding on it. And it naturally worries you to be cancelled for some stupid sh*t. Because, well, we all know Youtube. But if it ever does happen, know that you have been doing such a good job that your loyal fans will follow you anywhere. Look at Rogan. It worked out for him. Keep being genuine, keep being kind and all the pieces will fall into place. Onward and Upward! And if you ever want to say hello to me in Spanish, It would make me feel honored. I may laugh at your accent, but I'll feel honored, and its ok, you can laugh at mine (is that racist?) lol. Este wey!
Omar
2023-04-22 01:29:32 +0000 UTCI don’t think you’re racist AJ but I never got my hello or Hecklefish shout out in Discord lol 😝 it’s ok though we still love ya over here in Maryland
Christia Brown
2023-01-14 04:19:41 +0000 UTCWhen I was out of the country and I heard someone speak to me in English the last thing I thought was they’re racist. I was like thank God I have someone to talk to lol
Chuck Freeburg
2022-12-19 06:28:50 +0000 UTCI appreciate that, Kevin.
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:04:56 +0000 UTCLove you back, fellow gen xer!
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:02:29 +0000 UTCTHANK YOU! I agree with everything you've said. BTW, I dated a Korean girl for a long time. Wow... her family was racist. Like, no doubt about it racist. And no... they didn't care much for me at all. And when I tried to learn Korean -- just made things worse.
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:01:41 +0000 UTCWHEW
The Why Files
2022-09-20 22:56:15 +0000 UTCNo. This is not how "racism works" ...
Špenát & Markéta
2022-09-10 23:58:32 +0000 UTCOf course you're not racist, you're a professional and kind man who brings joy to a lot of people. Anyway, you post videos here first, right? So patrons can warn you if you say something that it might be possible to misconstrue, though I doubt you ever will.
Lee
2022-09-09 13:00:45 +0000 UTCRacism is all about context and intent. Most times, it's easy to tell if comments/actions are racist at they're core. And most times, if we had thought objectively, we'd likely have found that many of those things that seemed racist, really weren't. Your case with the bowing and the speaking Spanish? I call no racism on the play. I've found that people will often confuse stereotyping with racism. Referencing a stereotype doesn't necessarily make something racist. Does anyone remember that old Abercrombe shirt that Asian-American groups made a big fuss about, the shirt with the "Wong Brothers Laundry Service" where "Two Wongs can make it white"? Was it stereotypical? Yes. Was it racist? I don't think so. Such exaggerated portrayals can only be seen as caricatures. They're not born from racism, they embrace the stereotype which, in a way, shows how ridiculous some our beliefs/views used to be. The Asian laundry thing is funny BECAUSE there is some historic truth behind it. The real issue is that too many people are waiting to throw the racism card at anything - no matter how lighthearted or innocent. We really need to just chill out because, man, we sure waste a lot of time and energy arguing about racism (even in instances where racism plays no part). I think I need a little addendum so I don't come across as racist towards Asians. I think the Wong Brothers Laundry shirt couldn't be more perfecly hilarious since: 1. I am Chinese, 2. I grew up working in my grandmother's laundry, and 3. my grandmother's last name was Wong. 😁 See? Perfect. That's good ol' serendipity for you.
Beefaronis
2022-09-06 19:15:18 +0000 UTCBeing a gen xer I would never ever ever cancel anyone for making a mistake! Love you AJ
Jenny Peters
2022-09-06 11:23:57 +0000 UTCI've spent my life in other countries, retired military. Everywhere in the world people take great pride in the orgin, culture and race. Not because they think their better than someone else but it's a large part of their identity. Only in the US do you run I to the idea that mentioning one of those things is somehow racist or bigoted, its an odd cultural phenomenon to me that you can't try to honor someone because of their background here in the US, while in other parts of the world its an insult to ignore it. No, you're not.
Kevin Via
2022-09-05 15:28:57 +0000 UTCNo.
TampaDawg
2022-08-27 04:06:28 +0000 UTCEveryone to some degree has a racial influence, NOT everyone has a bigoted or racist influence. The irony of what you posted comes back to things you have said over and over again, "The media isn't your friend" and/or "The media has an agenda, always" your knee jerk panic attack is a direct result of the media's attempt to keep everyone separated and bickering with each other. I personally think that racism is more of an illusion, the variations are culturally different and environmentally effective at causing physical variation manifestations. We were all created equal, and our greatest gift is freedom of choice. Your actions came from the heart, and a place of understanding as well as an attempt to show equality amongst people. By the fact that by all indications you look like you are in need of a scotch and malox proves the point :-) A.J. You always keep it real. People need to take it down a notch, humor is a dying artform and is perhaps the saddest commentary I could make. Thank you for having me aboard, Love & Light, C.D. Strahle (Used to go by Azrahn by the by, and the last name is pronounced "Stray-Lee" for what it's worth. The only mistake you have made, is getting infected/affected by the media until next time.
C.D. Strahle
2022-08-14 23:12:31 +0000 UTCIf your intent was connection and community, I don't think it's racist.
Reverend Joshua Jackson
2022-08-12 16:28:13 +0000 UTCHi, as a Peruvian mixed race - with family in all places…, I love when people are different … otherwise life will be so bland… - somehow we need to embrace and celebrate the quirks in us… - it was respectful … a way to get connected … - x Charly
Charly H
2022-08-12 13:00:14 +0000 UTCWell said, my friend.
The Why Files
2022-08-04 23:39:44 +0000 UTCI dunno, i think one day we will learn to laugh and love each other for our differences rather than take offense. Im a white dude with Irish heritage and my girlfriend is Kenyan, from Kenya. I personally have never been happier. If more people got to know each other cultures, colors and languages....life then...and only then....becomes rich and fulfilled.
₿alco₿ulls
2022-08-03 01:27:11 +0000 UTCAlso saying something stupid WILL NOT end The Why Files. We all know your character and intent and that should be good enough for anyone (and it mostly still is!). Just be you and publish the truth. We have your back.
Nicholas A Preator
2022-07-24 03:54:12 +0000 UTCEverything you did was respectful, and I think everyone outside of this current climate would agree. Good on you AJ! Sounds like he was an absolute cool dude too!
Nicholas A Preator
2022-07-24 03:52:43 +0000 UTCI'm so glad you became a patron, Cathy! (Catherine, Cathy, Cath, C)
The Why Files
2022-07-20 21:46:09 +0000 UTCYou are not racist A J You are human and we have all been there at one time or another. The fact that you address it, be it with yourself or sharing it with others is what makes you beautiful. Thanks for sharing that friend ❤️
Cp
2022-07-19 21:47:45 +0000 UTCI agree with all comments, one can sense the intent of the other person… no disrespect no blame ;) is good to know you care about the other person’s feelings 🙏
Mauricio Carrillo Tripp
2022-07-17 17:33:46 +0000 UTCArigato. 🙏
The Why Files
2022-07-15 18:49:52 +0000 UTCIf I spoke another language and you took the time to speak a little of it to me, I’d be honoured.
Sarah Wedel
2022-07-15 18:06:05 +0000 UTCWhew. Thanks, Ed.
The Why Files
2022-07-15 12:43:02 +0000 UTCNo you're not a racist, it's all good
Ed E
2022-07-15 02:25:10 +0000 UTCThat is a great song, Kim!
The Why Files
2022-07-05 23:41:48 +0000 UTCThat is quite a tease!
The Why Files
2022-07-05 23:41:34 +0000 UTCI have a worse story, but i'll save it for another time. I still shudder when I think about it.
Jim Hoffman
2022-07-01 15:26:11 +0000 UTCThis is part of the reason why libertarians are skeptical of patriotism and despise nationalism. It's ok to be proud of who you are, but it's also ok to acknowledge that where you born doesn't make you better than anyone else. More fortunate, yes. Wealthier, yes. Safer, yes. But not better.
The Why Files
2022-07-01 12:48:37 +0000 UTCBrilliantly put, Stella. Really lovely comment.
The Why Files
2022-07-01 12:46:03 +0000 UTCI'm still so embarrassed.
The Why Files
2022-07-01 12:45:04 +0000 UTCHAHAAAAAA!
The Why Files
2022-07-01 12:44:45 +0000 UTCWell then, I bow to *you*, madam. (tips hat)
The Why Files
2022-07-01 12:44:04 +0000 UTCDavid Bowie said it in a song. "This is not America". And it isn't. Intent is everything and this fact tends to evade those who possess no logic. If I were you I wouldn't worry about this bullshit. Intent is everything.
Kim Dabney
2022-07-01 03:54:22 +0000 UTC🤣🤣🤣🤣 a full bow…. That’s too much. You are sweet and respectful… and funny :)
Victoria
2022-06-30 22:06:26 +0000 UTCWe all know you were on Rogan, and therefore are an alt right nazi misinformation spreader. This surprises no one.
Paul Wernke
2022-06-30 14:14:12 +0000 UTCHi aj your ok that's not racist at all In my opinion your just trying to make people feel more welcome which is a plus in my book 👍
Daniel McGrath
2022-06-29 05:27:54 +0000 UTCRacism comes from fear and ignorance. Attempting to recognise a person's ethnicity is, in my view, an attempt to show respect. If/when we get it wrong, the racism comes from the person's reaction. To be offended by a person trying to recognise where one comes from is racist. Asians are difficult to differentiate due to their evolutionary location and ethnic heritage, white people are difficult to differentiate due to their evolutionary heritage, etc. But there is one thing every human on this planet has in common, and that is that we don't understand eachother. Any attempt to correct that lack of understanding is a step forward.
Stella.R
2022-06-29 01:36:18 +0000 UTCI agree with David, I have travelled to 63 countries and ONLY in America might it be an issue to approach someone of foreign decent with their language.
Steven Spencer
2022-06-28 17:37:09 +0000 UTC
