Possible racist comment in "Legends"?

[Jedi Knight]

I was watching JL yesterday and the first part of "Legends" was on. Halfway through the episode, the old JLers and some of the new ones team up to stop various threats around the city, and GL (John Stewart) is paired up with the Streak (the old school Flash, I suppose). Anyway, while they're on their way to stop the villain, they have this little exchange of dialogue (or something close):

GL: I just want to say what an honor it is to fight by your side.
Streak: Same here. You're a credit to your people, son.
GL: Uh ... thanks.

The first time I watched it, I thought nothing of it, and this time it would've passed me by as well, except for the way GL reacted to it. I realize there's no intent to be racist anywhere in this comment (or the episode), but the old JLers are from a time when racism was more widespread, and nowadays refering to a race as "your people" or using the word "son" for someone the same age as you strikes me as potentially offensive for some people (not that I was offended, I barely noticed).

In any case, I was just wondering if anyone else noticed this and if it's perhaps in the episode simply because the old JLers are from a different time (when dialogue was quite different). I mean, GL even mentioned earlier in the episode that "We all have to play along" (recognizing that things worked differently in this world).

Or maybe I'm just imagining things.

[Nyssane]

I've never really thought anything of it, either. But, I guess it could be. Afterall, look how they treated their female member. So yeah, it's quite possible it was the time period that the line was formed for.

Or maybe I just don't have a clue on what I'm talking about.

[Funkatron]

I was watching JL yesterday and the first part of "Legends" was on. Halfway through the episode, the old JLers and some of the new ones team up to stop various threats around the city, and GL (John Stewart) is paired up with the Streak (the old school Flash, I suppose). Anyway, while they're on their way to stop the villain, they have this little exchange of dialogue (or something close):

GL: I just want to say what an honor it is to fight by your side.
Streak: Same here. You're a credit to your people, son.
GL: Uh ... thanks.

The first time I watched it, I thought nothing of it, and this time it would've passed me by as well, except for the way GL reacted to it. I realize there's no intent to be racist anywhere in this comment (or the episode), but the old JLers are from a time when racism was more widespread, and nowadays refering to a race as "your people" or using the word "son" for someone the same age as you strikes me as potentially offensive for some people (not that I was offended, I barely noticed).

In any case, I was just wondering if anyone else noticed this and if it's perhaps in the episode simply because the old JLers are from a different time (when dialogue was quite different). I mean, GL even mentioned earlier in the episode that "We all have to play along" (recognizing that things worked differently in this world).

Or maybe I'm just imagining things.

don't think it was nessisariy offensive. the JGers were at a time where blacks were being more and more respected, so he was trying, in his own way, to give GL props for putting up with it all

[Seven Marks]

Actually I remember catching that same vibe you did. I dont think it was as much racist as it was an ignorant comment. But I think its great that they put it in there. It shows they aint afraid and that they want a more mature show.

[Zechs]

I caught it the second time around. I think it was ment to be that way since the characters were from a time where racism wasn't seen as a big deal like it is today.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

I thought that was one of the greatest lines of the episode. There's racism that's intentional (like a Jim Crow law) and racism that only becomes apparent as time wears on and the prejudices that brought them about become more apparent. The Streak's comment is definitely of the latter kind -- truly intended as a compliment, even if the way it was phrased is horribly anachronistic and borderline racist.

I also thought GL's reaction was priceless, too. I'm pretty familiar with someone you respect and admire being accidentally insulting with something meant to be a compliment, and the discomfort it can cause (for me, it's usually, "You speak English really well for a Chinese guy"). The animators and Phil LaMarr nailed that pretty well.

-- Ed/Ace

[James]

I agree with Ace, I'm surprised people didn't pick up on this and it's context. It's a social comment on racism. I think it was one of the shows finer, mature moments. Lots of good quotes in this episode.

[DCU Bat]

I also liked that scene alot. I'm glad that the creators of the show are willing to explore certain issue like this.

Plus this was the 1950's! Back then the only afro American to appear on a cartoon on regular basis is the maid from Tom and Jerry

[randomguy]

I love that line. It's a nice joke, of sorts, and an interesting allusion to 50's society (along with Hawkgirl's treatment). I don't think they could have gotten away with it on KidsWB!

[Toddman]

I love that line. It's a nice joke, of sorts, and an interesting allusion to 50's society (along with Hawkgirl's treatment). I don't think they could have gotten away with it on KidsWB!

I'm not so sure. KidsWB (at least back when they were airing TNBA) was pretty lenient in terms of content. Certainly moresore than FoxKids was with BTAS.

Of course, a lot of the leniency they permitted was in terms of violence and to a lesser extent sexuality, so maybe they would have red-flagged a character spouting a racially insensitive comment. I've always thought that the violence (both in graphic blood-spilling and frank language) was more mature on KidsWB than it has been with JL on Cartoon Network so far.

But comparing what KidsWB has on today seems way lighter than what they had on a few years ago.

Toddman

[ClockStomper]

I'm surprised people didn't "get" the comment the first time, it's the best line in the first episode. I think it's a commentary by the creators on the old white men who whine about "the good old days", pointing out that those days were only good if you weren't black or gay or a woman.