by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: December 08, 2009

Yes, he's a racist, and there's a recording to prove it. Chapman was exposed, not just for using a virulent racial slur to describe an innocent young woman who happened to be dating his son, but for ranting extensively about his racist attitudes toward an interacial relationship at any time.

The incident occured in  2007 and his television show was temporarily suspended and re runs were pulled off the air. After somewhat of an apology, he was reinstated and his show is active today.  At the time, Chapman was desperately trying to dance around the use of the "N" word in order to keep his lucrative reality television franchise with A&E network, and, like most hardcore racists, was quite aware that his career and future could be at stake.

The definition of a racist is not one which relies upon one use of a racial slur, it speaks to an individual's whole set of values, norms, behavior and conduct. Chapman's behavior when he thought that he would not be exposed publically indicates that he expresses racist attitudes, policies, beliefs and fears freely and openly in his private life. As with most bullies, racists abhor and fear confrontation and will back down in the face of overwhelming superior power.

A&E, however, has a sizeable audience of Chapman's fellow racists who adamantly demanded that his show be reinstated, while Black leaders were demanding a more severe action. As a result, thanks to A&E, Chapman suffered no real consequences for his racism. Thus market share and profit won out over ethics and morality with that network, which continues to broadcast shows that are not exactly art or entertainment, but which appeal to a certain American demographic that has no trouble with an overt racist who would not tolerate his son dating a Black woman or girl.

As a bizarre and racist as he is, Chapman represents some American's twisted ideal of a hero who brings criminals back into the justice system, while being a former criminal, and opportunist, himself. He is, however, a white, male, bleached blond former criminal, indicating that a double standard exists in the ethics of programming executives at A&E network.

A former criminal, himself, Chapman represents, not a true hero, but an over dramatic and socially inept opportunist who exhibits the lowest and most disgraceful aspect of American life: the virulent and cowardly secret racist who is cheered on by a problematic audience. There is no doubt that he must continue to harbor racist attitudes, values, norms and beliefs, but thanks to A&E, he is now a popular hero to racists in prison and around the world.

His show "Dog, The Bounty Hunter" started it's sixth season on Dec 2, 2009.

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