An apology.

[Belmondo]

It has been brought to my attention by one of the forum members that remarks I made in another thread were anti-Semitic. That interpretation is unfortunate inasmuch as my comments were intended to be satirical and not insulting to anyone.

I have removed the offensive post and apologized to the individual who contacted me. I also wish to further express my regrets to anyone else who felt my words were insensitive.

Maybe I’ll just go away for a while. I don’t dislike anyone.


Tom

[2new]

Tom,
I am not sure what was said or how it may have been interpreted, but anyone who has followed your posts appreciates your witticisms and perspectives on photography. To commit a crime the law states that there has to have been ‘mens rea’, which is loosely interpreted as ‘a guilty mind’ or criminal intent.

You made remarks with no evil intent, and apologized for any such interpretation.

We all need to lighten up a bit, and laugh at ourselves a little more. I for one, sincerely appreciate your posts. Keep them coming. Put one individuals misunderstanding behind you, and keep enjoying life. Thanks for your time.

[msvadi]

Tom,
I remember that remark. I thought it was quite obvious that you were joking and did not mean to insult anyone.

[Nolz]

sometimes some people just need to relax...emotions arent always correctly conveyed on the net and people just shouldnt take things so seriously....they may even live longer for it!

;)

[ilya]

Tom

On behalf of my people, or at least the sephardic variety of Jew, this seems to be very much a non-issue, and we kindly thank you and think you didn't have to apologize.

Shalom and mazel tov, and long live B&H

Ilya

[daaaveman]

Tom, I'm a bit of a lurker here as a newbie to photography, but I certainly consider you wise and wonderful man. I enjoy your wit and your never-ending self-reproach (and your good humor about those bad knees). It's all in good fun here. We all say the wrong time on occasion. It happens. We move on. I would be very disappointed if you were to "go away for awhile". I'm certain that you are forgiven by others for any remark you made, now forgive yourself and let's keep up the lively and wonderful discussions that occur here.

[Tom W]

Tom - perhaps you inadvertantly offended somebody, but I know you enough from this forum to know that you don't carry harmful intent. A few words slipped out the wrong way - you apologized. That's the end of it. Now forgive yourself and continue to carry on adding enjoyment to the forum.

[defordphoto]

Well Tom, you pissed off the Jews and I pissed off New Yorkers. Both with our sharp wits. Now, between the two of us, we have officially pissed off about 3/4 of the entire planet! :D

There's no need for you to go anywhere my friend. You are definitely among friends here and your leaving for any amount of time would just not be right. Our home here would not be the same.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well,..

I just typed about 300 words trying to tackle the differences between stereotyping and hatred.. and on and on laaa deee daa..

Then I deleted the whole mess.. who cares what I think?

Anti-semitism is a exceedingly strong term. It means Hatred.

"the strong dislike or cruel and unfair treatment of Jewish people"

To be accused of hatred.. is a horrible feeling. Especially to be accused of such by someone who's background, race, etc.. you admire.

Whatever it was that Belmondo may have said,. I can pretty much guarantee that it was not so bad that he deserves to be lumped in with the likes of the **** party.

Yes,. someone deserves an apology..... :?

[ilya]

Well Tom, you pissed off the Jews and I pissed off New Yorkers. Both with our sharp wits. Now, between the two of us, we have officially pissed off about 3/4 of the entire planet! :D

There's no need for you to go anywhere my friend. You are definitely among friends here and your leaving for any amount of time would just not be right. Our home here would not be the same.

You forgot lawyers, then you'd have the planet covered :lol: :lol: :lol:

[eric1]

ok then,
the honerable CDS has spoken! i agree with Jim, lets get back to the good suff!

eric1

[CyberDyneSystems]

Ahhh,. lawyers..

With them,. for me it's so much just making fun.. or even stereotying... :roll:

With lawyers... yep,. I hate 'em :twisted: :twisted:

[Tapeman]

Tom,

I've never seen anything hatefull in any of your posts. In fact I enjoyed your wit and have been impressed by your sensitivity to others who have missed the point and meanig of your remarks.

When a lot of people participate in a forum such as this, some will find fault or be offended by remarks not intended to offend.

You are an asset to this forum. I urge you to continue to be an active member of this group and not be afraid to sprinkle in your humor along with the usefull information you have helped many of us with.

As forums go, this place the most civil, cheerfull, and informitive I know of. It will be less so without BELMONDO being BELMONDO.

Joe

[MediaMagic]

No harm no fowl. As long as the ducks and donkeys are happy we are okay.

[Ballen Photo]

Tom, I saw that post too I think, ($7000 lens at B&H?) and didn't think there was anything to take offence over in the way anything was said. Only a bit of humor there. Sometimes people (Myself included) can read more into something said than was ever meant. People missunderstanding people happens all the time, mainly because someone wants to jump the gun.
Sorry to hear that somebody took that the wrong way. :shock:
............Bruce

[IndyJeff]

I didn't see the alleged anti-semetic remark but, part of our problems in the world today are people have been conditioned to be over sensitive.

Political correctness has dragged society in general down a path of no return.

You know, I am a white, middle aged, balding semi, fat guy. Got any good white, middle aged, balding, semi fat guy jokes or wise cracks? Lets have them. My mom always taught me......

Sticks and stones may break my bones but, words can never harm me.

So unless your about to chuck a stick or a rock my way, I got no problem with it.

[CoolToolGuy]

Humor or wit can often be considered offensive when taken out of context or if the offended one wasn't 'there at the time' to get the whole picture. It is a fine line to walk. Personally, I try to walk it in the hope of injecting a little humor into the discussions. But a key word here or there will set some people off.
Tom, I appreciate your posts and hope that you continue to provide us all with knowledgable, insightful, and humorous bits of wisdom related to this thing we call a hobby.

Have Fun (else life is really dull)
Rick 8)

[RichardtheSane]

I didn't see the remark, and it would probably have gone straigt over me as anything more that light hearted wit.

Tom, your wit is an invaluable part of this forum, it is such a shame some people don't take the time to read your history of posting.

Myself, I have basically stopped posting witty remarks here because it always seems to piss someone off, maybe aI should jon back in :)

I'll bet the person who brought it to your attention will not join in here.

But DON'T go away. I tried that, not good for you :)

[IanD]

Tom,
In the time that I have know you, it is very appraent that the last person on earth who is hateful or demeaning is yourself. Hate is a very strong word and I believe that it is not in your or anyone elses vocabulary who visits and resides in this forum. Mis understandings happpen all the time but I am hopeful that everyone here realizes that there is no hate here.
Hey I just realized that you can't "go away" cause there is no place to go away to in the desert.......

[defordphoto]

I didn't see the remark, and it would probably have gone straigt over me as anything more that light hearted wit.


Actually I did see the remark, but missed the hoopla. I don't even remember what Tom said. Heck, I evidently didn't think it was even that funny because I remember nothing about it! :lol:

[Laziferous]

I didn't read the remark in question (well ok, no one is questioning it apart from one person obviously), but I'm confident there was no harm intended. As you can see from the response of the many active members here, your choice of action has only solidified your character. We know no harm was intended. You have apologized (unnecessary as it may be), and all is well.

Continue to be yourself. You're an asset to this community... not an ass. We need more assets, and less asses (no offense to IanD :wink: ).

[Belmondo]

Thanks everyone. It was probably a tempest in a teapot, but I felt a responsibility to everyone involved to air my regrets publicly. I’ve been in email contact with the person in question; although we don’t necessarily agree on everything, we’ve each expressed our opinions, made peace, and moved on.

There are learning experiences enough to go around in a situation like this, but clearly I’ve had my boundaries of bad taste redefined. Hopefully my friend will soften his position on what constitutes anti-Semitism.

I expect that hings will be back to normal any minute now. I spent all night pouting, and woke up refreshed, recharged, and ready to go at it once again.

Again, thanks.

[Tom W]

Thanks everyone. It was probably a tempest in a teapot, but I felt a responsibility to everyone involved to air my regrets publicly. I’ve been in email contact with the person in question; although we don’t necessarily agree on everything, we’ve each expressed our opinions, made peace, and moved on.

There are learning experiences enough to go around in a situation like this, but clearly I’ve had my boundaries of bad taste redefined. Hopefully my friend will soften his position on what constitutes anti-Semitism.

I expect that hings will be back to normal any minute now. I spent all night pouting, and woke up refreshed, recharged, and ready to go at it once again.

Again, thanks.

Your pennance is not complete until you send me a 400 mm Lense. ;)

[Pekka]

I expect that hings will be back to normal any minute now. I spent all night pouting, and woke up refreshed, recharged, and ready to go at it once again.

Great! :P :P :P

[Belmondo]

Your pennance is not complete until you send me a 400 mm Lense. ;)

A 400mm what?

[CoolToolGuy]

Your pennance is not complete until you send me a 400 mm Lense. ;)

A 400mm what?

I'll settle for a month with the MKII and a promise that you'll still be on the forum :roll:

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[Tom W]

Your pennance is not complete until you send me a 400 mm Lense. ;)

A 400mm what?

Well, if you can't send a lense, I'll settle for a Lens instead. :oops:

[Belmondo]

Well, if you can't send a lense, I'll settle for a Lens instead. :oops:

I'm sorry, Tom, but your message is still garbled. :wink:

[Tom W]

Well, if you can't send a lense, I'll settle for a Lens instead. :oops:

I'm sorry, Tom, but your message is still garbled. :wink:

OK, a picture is worth a thousand garbled words. Send me one of these:

http://www.usa.canon.com/eflenses/images/lenses/ef_400_56/ef400mmf_56.jpg

It would make me very happy. You want me to be happy, don't you? :D

[Belmondo]

OK, a picture is worth a thousand garbled words. Send me one of these:

Oh, that. I'm using it to hold up a corner of my coffee table right now, but if I ever get a new coffee table, it's yours.

[Tom W]

OK, a picture is worth a thousand garbled words. Send me one of these:

Oh, that. I'm using it to hold up a corner of my coffee table right now, but if I ever get a new coffee table, it's yours.

I'll send you a coffee table - and a cup of coffee!

[Belmondo]

I'll send you a coffee table - and a cup of coffee!

This could work. Let's fine-tune this agreement with a little cash, and we're all set. (don't forget the zeroes) :wink:

[Tom W]

I'll send you a coffee table - and a cup of coffee!

This could work. Let's fine-tune this agreement with a little cash, and we're all set. (don't forget the zeroes) :wink:


"Little" is a relative term. I suppose that "Coffee table" is as well. I've seen some pretty 'rough' ones. ;)

[IanD]

I got to get in on this one as a 400 prime is on my must have list.
1 coffee table and 10 pounds of Tim Horton's finest blend. Match Tim Hortons coffee cups. (case of 500 cardboard type)
and now for the cash with a lot of 0's.....What's cash :?: :?:

[Tom W]

OK, how about a coffee table, a cup of coffee, and an unnamed 3rd party white lens, presumably named after a fine city in Arizona. It doesn't get better than that. :D

[Belmondo]

Oops, I almost forgot; it's Palm Sunday.

I have to take my wife to the casino. We'll continue this discussion later. BTW, Tom, I know the city of which you speak. I drove through it just a week ago, and wasn't impressed, even if it is the namesake of a line of lenses. I'd just as soon drive through a town called Quantaray.

Tom

[Canuck]

Well Tom, you pissed off the Jews and I pissed off New Yorkers. Both with our sharp wits. Now, between the two of us, we have officially pissed off about 3/4 of the entire planet! :D

There's no need for you to go anywhere my friend. You are definitely among friends here and your leaving for any amount of time would just not be right. Our home here would not be the same.

Jim,
This Canuck wasn't offended by what you said about the southern Canada (New York) counterparts. Believe me, I have probably pissed off people on this forum. I'd almost bet $$$ on it!

Tom,
What you said was obviously taken out of context, much like my flaming was and remember that? I'd like to send to you what you told me. Sure I vanished for a few days in some ways. Well I retreated to another section of this forum. That said, I have a similar problem as my humour is very dry. It works extrememly well with the British people that I know really well. I don't know whay Americans can't be as laid back as the British people I know over here. My sense of humour will more than likely come back to bite me in the arse when I return to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. That has my goat (read: That is irritating me) right now.

Ian,
You always have time for Tim Hortons, eh??

[chris.bailey]

Thanks everyone. It was probably a tempest in a teapot, but I felt a responsibility to everyone involved to air my regrets publicly. I’ve been in email contact with the person in question; although we don’t necessarily agree on everything, we’ve each expressed our opinions, made peace, and moved on.

There are learning experiences enough to go around in a situation like this, but clearly I’ve had my boundaries of bad taste redefined. Hopefully my friend will soften his position on what constitutes anti-Semitism.

I expect that hings will be back to normal any minute now. I spent all night pouting, and woke up refreshed, recharged, and ready to go at it once again.

Again, thanks.

Tom

On a forum such as this it is easy to write something that is humerous to one and mildly offensive to others. In any event you have apologised for any offence caused and moved on. Shame all of the worlds ills cant be solved with an exchange of emails :?

Chris

[Belmondo]

On a forum such as this it is easy to write something that is humerous to one and mildly offensive to others. In any event you have apologised for any offence caused and moved on. Shame all of the worlds ills cant be solved with an exchange of emails :?

Chris

Chris:
Thanks for your comments.

I am presently 60-odd years old. The world today is very different than the one I grew up in, and the rules have changed. I like to think I've adapted to the new order, but occasionally I revert to old values. I hope that when it happens, I’m able to catch myself and reverse course, but being a product of my environment---the world of the 1940’s and 50’s---I will have lapses when I’m not paying attention.

In many respects, things are better than they used to be. In general, society has made great strides in de-institutionalizing many of the injustices that have heretofore been inflicted on minorities, religious groups, women, gays, and numerous other groups who were not powerful enough to avoid being on the receiving end of less-than-equal treatment. For people like me, however, it isn’t always clear as to why it’s not proper to tell a woman at work that she looks particularly attractive on a given day, or why it’s offensive to refer to a black man as ‘colored’. I was raised believing that people appreciated compliments on their appearance, and ‘colored’ was the polite way of addressing black people. ‘Black’ was considered derisive.

Also, I was raised in a world where Jewish comedians built entire careers out of poking fun at their own people. I can’t say with certainly how this influenced me throughout my life because I never really thought much about it; it was always there. It has, however, created the impression that such humor when offered without malice is allowable; this perception is apparently erroneous.

Some insight into this phenomenon is possibly explained to a small extent in this short review of a book called ‘The Haunted Smile’. http://www.popmatters.com/books/reviews/h/haunted-smile.html

I fear we are at risk of swinging too far the other way. I’m much closer to the end of my life than the beginning, so long-range societal evolution is of little direct concern to me. On the other hand, I’m not sure the ideal world is one in which people are forbidden from acknowledging and celebrating those things that make them unique, be it their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. I do occasionally fret over where this is all headed.

Anyway, my lesson may or may not be learned. There is appropriateness to that saying about old dogs and new trick. Still, it is important to me that I not offend anyone for any reason, but least of all those things for which they’ve had no choice in life. That would certainly include race and religion. I will be working very hard to insure that never happens again.

Tom