'Twilight Star' Robert Pattinson a Racist?

Robert Pattinson, the heartthrob from the 'Twilight' series, has upset a few people. I admit that I am probably the only person on earth who has not seen his movie, but there might be a few others who join me after hearing his recent comments about black people.

During an interview with Details magazine, Pattinson sat down with Jenny Lumet, a black journalist, and made some comments that just didn't make any sense. The dialogue between Pattison and Lumet went as follows:

Details: Rob, did you know that every time you say actor or acting you lower your voice to a whisper?

Rob: (He's genuinely startled.) "I do?"

Details: Yes, so quietly it's like you're saying Negro.

Rob: (He laughs, lightens up.) "What if we were acting' like 'Negroes'? Then we'd be f*cked -- we couldn't hear anything. . . ."

Okay, can someone please explain to me what in the &^%$ he was talking about? Either way, I think he could have been equally confusing while using a term other than the word Negro. His handlers may want to coach him on the fact that you can't put a billion-dollar brand on your shoulders and then make careless remarks that people can interpret any way they want. Pattinson needs a lesson on public etiquette, and he needs to apologize immediately.

Similarly, Pattinson's remarks don't necessarily imply that he is a racist. At the very least, the comments do argue that he needs to be taught racial sensitivity. Many young people make silly mistakes like this one, because the adults around them have never taught them how to maintain respect for diversity. Similar to the recent racist incident at the University of California San Diego, the 'Twilight' star may have made his mistake because he's never been taught any better. Either way, Mr. Pattinson needs to be sat down and educated.