01/23/2007
Isaiah Washington Meets GLSEN and GLAAD
Actor Isaiah Washington, still under fire for the anti-gay slurs he made toward castmate T.R. Knight, met Monday with GLAAD president Neil Giuliano, and Kevin Jennings, founder and executive director of GLSEN.
The three reportedly discussed the possibility of an "ongoing partnership to combat prejudice and intolerance" directed at the gay and lesbian community, according to a press release issued by GLAAD.
Said Giuliano: "Isaiah understands that he is going to be judged by more than just his apology. He knows that his future actions – including the genuine first step that today's meeting represents – will demonstrate his sincerity in becoming part of the solution to anti-gay bigotry. We welcome the opportunity to work with him in the coming months to help improve the cultural climate faced by LGBT people across this country."
Jennings added, "GLSEN is thankful to ABC for arranging the meeting and hopeful that Isaiah Washington has come to a deeper understanding of the power of words, especially as we launch No Name-Calling Week in schools across the country. As a parent himself, Isaiah Washington seemed to particularly appreciate the impact these words have on young people in schools and expressed an interest in becoming an ally in GLSEN 's effort to educate young people about the negative impact of name-calling and bullying."
The two groups say they expect to meet again with Washington in the coming weeks to begin implementing their work together.
It is now ABC's turn to step up to the plate and demonstrate that they have zero tolerance for anti-gay bigotry by firing Washington.
According to Kristin Veitch from E!, the network may be considering such a step. Says Veitch: "I just received word from a highly placed source within the Touchstone/ABC family that ABC and Disney executives are currently considering the option of firing Isaiah Washington from Grey's Anatomy, effective immediately, without having him appear in any kind of farewell episode. According to this reliable source, if the network does follow through with this option, the producers are likely to run a full-screen announcement at the beginning of the first Burke-less episode that announces Isaiah Washington is no longer part of the show."
RELATED: CNN mocks The New York Times for refusing to print the F-word, host Glenn Beck calls it a "naughty name"...
Imho this whole episode has dragged out way too long. Let's hope there is some more definitive action from ABC soon.
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Isaiah Washington Fires Publicist as ABC Weighs Options [tr]
Isaiah Washington Apologizes for Anti-Gay Remarks [tr]
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Posted 9:23 AM EST by Andy in Gay Slurs, GLAAD, GLSEN, Isaiah Washington, News, T.R. Knight, Television | Permalink
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I'm so glad that our elected gay leaders are...oh wait, nevermind. How's this for an equitable arrangement: make him work with gay groups AND fire his ass. One punishment for each F drop. Seems fair enough?
Posted by: burnssuit | Jan 23, 2007 9:31:52 AM
Too little; too late. Fire him and show that unacceptable behaviour has consequences. I doubt it will happen becasue like any corporation, ABC/Disney will make an economic calculus and determine that the publicity outweighs the hostile work environment. The implict lesson: gays remain the last group that it is acceptable to denigrate.
Posted by: rudy | Jan 23, 2007 9:32:44 AM
The campaign to have him fired is a perfect example of the generation gap that exists in the gay "community".
Posted by: Mike Haddad | Jan 23, 2007 9:38:29 AM
Well, since the gay mayors have announced he met with them and are working on the problem, all is well in this situation.
Please. Damage control, damage control, damage control. When's the Diane Sawyer tour of contrition interview?
Posted by: ray | Jan 23, 2007 9:41:25 AM
Firing him for a first-time "offense" (isn't free speech --- even if derogatory -- protected by the 1st Amendment?) does not fit the "crime".
He said something he now (seems to) regret saying.
Judge him by his future actions (and speech).
Posted by: Stephen | Jan 23, 2007 9:44:28 AM
Stephen, I'm not sure this IS his first offence. TV GUIDE writer Michael Ausiello says this in his blog on the TV GUIDE website: "Meanwhile, the word from the Grey's set is that Washington's problems extend far beyond his affinity for a certain derogatory f-word. Per a source, his behavior has been so "inappropriate and offensive" for so long that producers have often been forced to intervene."
Posted by: phil | Jan 23, 2007 9:48:54 AM
WHAT is taking ABC so long to fire this guy?
Effin' wimps.
K
Posted by: kile | Jan 23, 2007 10:15:12 AM
Speaking of the coverage, did anyone see imdb and their Movie and TV News coverage?
They use, "F*****t" about three times in a FOUR line article. Then they mention it AGAIN in another story about the GLAAD awards.
I'd say if someone is pretty excited about using 'f*****t" excessively.
http://imdb.com/news/wenn/2007-01-23/#2
http://imdb.com/news/wenn/2007-01-23/#5
Posted by: Justin... | Jan 23, 2007 10:19:08 AM
Washington is not wet behind the ears. This is an adult with enough professional experience in the business to know better. I assume the problems with Washington go much deeper than any "sensitivity training" will cure. This is bogus damage control and spin.
I'm not advocating having him fired, but there does need to be some kind of punishment.
And Stephen, free speech is protected by the constitution from government intervention. Free speech arguments have little merit in the private sector.
Finally, I'm scratching my head over why the call to fire Washington has anything to do with a "generation gap" among gays. (Mike Haddad)
I'm just ready for this to be over.
Posted by: Mark M | Jan 23, 2007 10:26:07 AM
Well, looks like GLAAD got whattheywanted, him fired, lets hope thier sense of justice swings both ways the next time something happens that is as earth shattering as this. Talk about much ado about nothing. Getting him fired from a show that the main culprits of the slur don't know about or watch, will do little to stop name calling. And, it also shows black gays, that Glaad will go after a jerky black guy, but, won't do a thing about a whote guy in black face doing racist comedy, talk about a bunch of hypocrites.
Posted by: Greg | Jan 23, 2007 11:06:48 AM
Mark, don't feed the fools. By the time I finish writing this he will probably have posted some drool about how "post gay" youngins don't care about mere words. That's not a generation gap, it's a gap between one's ears where his brain should be.
And, although Washington offended twice, not once, and three times if you count, and I think one should, the denials, and while I had been all in favor of seeing his head on a platter, I think firing him now in the light of his agreements with GLSEN/GLAAD could backfire on us. Of course, if he doesn't follow through it would be too late. There is precedence for this with Bob Hope having paid for and recorded a gay-friendly PSA after yet another fag joke on the "Tonight Show" ages ago. But few stations still carried PSAs even then, so this campaign needs to be better thought out and long-running. Luv GLSEN—Kevin Jennings is no self-appointed "gay mayor," unlike the Solomneses and Reichens, but GLSEN's creator who has done more work to help gay kids than anyone else EVER [see article yesterday about GSAs]. GLAAD, on the other hand, is likely to try to use it mostly to milk further donations to simply perpetuate their impotent existence unless Giuliano is different than his predecessor—and, so far, the evidence is NOT good.
In any case, I totally agree that Rhimes should be in the dock next.
Posted by: Leland | Jan 23, 2007 11:10:31 AM
Leave it to some old man to resort to personal attacks as a rebuttal. This has nothing to do with how I don't care about mere words. This is how a bunch of people have decided to be activists and interfere with someone else's career based on hearsay. You weren't there, you don't know what happened, and you still don't know what's happening. Sure, what he did was offensive. But I'm sure it was no less offensive than the things that spill out of any of your mouths while you're in a physical altercation with someone. And how are you to judge his apology inadequate? Have you personally spoken to him (or anyone else involved for that matter) about the events?
Posted by: Mike Haddad | Jan 23, 2007 11:23:02 AM
I'm so happy GLAAD got some face time. That's what they wanted. They really make me want to vomit.
Posted by: Matt | Jan 23, 2007 11:26:43 AM
Mike H, Youth does not excuse stupidity. Hearsay is an evidentiary rule that prohibits admissibility of a statement reported by someone other than the speaker submitted to show the truth of the matter stated. Your use of the word fails on all counts. I am not "interfering with someone's career" you moron I am stating my opinion that ABC/Disney should enforce their own rules against an employee who flagrantly violated the terms of his contract by denograting a co-worker and creating a hostile environment. Moreover, I need not be there, the incident was corroborated by many who were present and implicitly admitted to by IW in his non-apologetic "apology". Furthermore, the derogatory term was not directed at the person with whom IS had a "physical altercation" and does not justify the use of offensive language in the workplace. You honor us by labeling us 'activists' for standing up for our community, even if we unintentionally defend idiotic members like you. As for you old man jibe, I for one wear it with pride. I have earned this grey hair and was cute when it counted but never stupid as are you.
Posted by: rudy | Jan 23, 2007 11:42:09 AM
>>It is now ABC's turn to step up to the plate and demonstrate that they have zero tolerance for anti-gay bigotry by firing Washington.
Huh? So the guy issues an apology and agrees to work with GLAAD and GLSEN and is taking the appropriate steps to atone for his acknowledged misdeeds...and the appropriate response to that is to fire him?
This is starting to feel like a witchhunt to me.
Posted by: LightningLad | Jan 23, 2007 11:51:19 AM
If I personally made such a derogatory statement to one of my co-workers (let alone got physical with one of them), I would be gone TODAY. If you're opposed to firing the man, can you honestly say that you would retain your job if you initiated a physical altercation with one co-worker and referred to another as a "faggot?" The man may be on television, but he's an adult in the workplace. There's no excuse for that kind of juvenile behavior, especially when you represent the company you work for. He should know better.
Posted by: burnssuit | Jan 23, 2007 12:14:23 PM
I'm more dismayed at the CNN network permitting their hosts to ridicule this incident by diminishing the legitimacy of the use of faggot in this (or any) deragatory tirade. From what I have read and understand, Isaiah Washington is a hot head with a history of verbal and physical abuse towards his colleagues. I highly doubt at this stage in his life any sensitivity training will make any difference, and it seems a logical conclusion to assume Isaiah is now simply complacent in a panicked effort to keep him job. If ABC does want to make a social, political and just statement, they would stand behind their convictions and hand him his pink slip. Otherwise, not firing Isaiah Washington may send a message to the public that it's ok to continually and the gay community. R E S P E C T, that's all I ask.
Posted by: Cory | Jan 23, 2007 12:19:29 PM
>>If I personally made such a derogatory statement to one of my co-workers (let alone got physical with one of them), I would be gone TODAY.
Different companies have different policies in terms of how they deal with harassment and troublesome behavior. Some HR departments may require an employee to take sensitivity training classes or diversity awareness classes after they've engaged in such behavior.
ABC should do whatever is in line with their corporate policies - although those policies may also allow for them to take steps short of firing someone.
I just think there is bloodthirstiness for Washington's head even after he has clearly apologized and taken steps to meet with gay and lesbian groups.
Does anyone remember when Jesse Jackson was caught on tape referring to Jews as "Hymies" and to New York City as "Hymietown"? He apologized for that and acknowledged he said it out of ignorance and met with Jewish groups and people moved on. He's still considered an icon of the liberal left.
Posted by: LightningLad | Jan 23, 2007 12:21:16 PM
FAGGOT FAGGOT FAGGOT...NOW THE PEOPLE WHO NEED PUBLICITY OR LIVES CAN FIRE ME....
Posted by: alan brickman | Jan 23, 2007 12:21:40 PM
Light... he was forced to apologize. He denied the original altercation even took place on Access Hollywood with Nancy O'dell and Billy Bush. ( i could not I would not BS).
Where Billy had his head so far up Isaiah's ass he should join him in counseling.
Posted by: m | Jan 23, 2007 12:23:11 PM
The Declaration of Independance was signed in 1776, about 230 years ago. You're absolutely right, Andy; this has stretched out far too long.
Posted by: timothy | Jan 23, 2007 12:25:40 PM
Online petition for ABC to fire Washington.
Posted by: Bill | Jan 23, 2007 1:21:30 PM
Days later, trees wasted, oxygen spent...
...and I'm reminded of the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me"
Simply put he's and an asshole...yet another bad name.
Posted by: mark | Jan 23, 2007 1:38:30 PM
Here is the problem I have with this whole brouhaha:
This thing is bubbling over on the SPECULATION that IW is a homophobe. I see the word faggot being used by the gay press (the new Qr magazine has an interview with an artist that calls HIMSELF a faggot!), gay bloggers (Perez Hilton) and the gay "community" at large all the time. Its the same argument as when Black folks get mad over a white person calling a person nigger. The WORD is inflammatory, but until the Black "community" stops using it, just how mad can they get at the white person? It's hypocritical. And I have never seen Towleroad address this gay hypocrisy. And not many of you have addressed it either. So how can WE burn Isaiah at the stake, when WE can't/won't get rid of the word ourselves?!
If he had made a statement that he thought all gays were faggots or he hated gays, then I could see the lynch mob mentality.
But the original incident was a private argument on a closed set between three adults. Words were exchanged in anger. Haven't you ever said anything in anger that you did not mean?! Was he talking about the whole gay population? If I had to reason it out, I would say no. He was just a pissed-off idiot saying hurtful things. I'm sure NOBODY here has EVER been in that position before. None of us were there and yet we are acting like we were. I believe that the WORD is a personal affront to gays, NOT Isaiah Washington. He uttered the word and needs to know that it is not right. Shonda should have taken the inititaive to make IW apologize to TR and Patrick, at which time TR could have told him how offensive that word is and what he wanted Shonda to do about it. The second time IW said it, he made a general statement and did not direct it at anybody. It still did not prove homophobia, jsut want a big mouth ignoramus he is. Speaking of which, nobody seems to have asked TR what HE wants to do about. And the word was directed at HIM!!! On Ellen, he seemed hurt and at a loss for words, but he did not seem to be out for IW's head. So if the victim isn't screaming for blood, why are we? Could it possibly be that since he was there, he has a better perspective and knows what the appropriate reaction should be? He can't be that stunned.
I, for one, am sick of this story. It has been given way too much attention and "mouth foam" by Towleroad and both the gay and straight media. There are just too many issues that are more important and deserve more time than this nonsense.
Posted by: soulbrotha | Jan 23, 2007 1:39:06 PM
"I, for one, am sick of this story. It has been given way too much attention and "mouth foam" by Towleroad and both the gay and straight media. There are just too many issues that are more important and deserve more time than this nonsense."
"WHAM!" Whack that nail on the head and drive it (this point home)! Thank you, SOULBROTHA.
Posted by: Stephen | Jan 23, 2007 1:58:29 PM
What an absolute farce.
First of all 'Soulbrotha', I could not disagree with you more. One: it was NOT in front of 3 adults, it was in front of practically the entire cast and crew, and resulted in a man being "outed" to the press on someone else's terms and timetable, and that, no matter how silly anyone may think T.R. Knight remaining professionally closeted may be, is absolutely unfair and inexcusable.
And furthermore, if the tables were turned, and someone had directed the 'N word' at Washington, the entire world would implode and T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey would be strung up by their dicks on a live broadcast on CNN.
And now, we have word that Washington is meeting with supposed "gay leaders", and this is regarded as a the first step toward "healing." BULLSHIT. This is nothing but calculated PR from a guy who CLEARLY has no conscience about what he did, given his flippant treatment of the topic at the Golden Globes.
ABC: fire the asshole and move on with life. Absolutely ridiculous.
Posted by: John | Jan 23, 2007 2:49:40 PM
Soul - It's not the word that is the issue, but the CONTEXT and emotion behind being used. In regards to the minority groups using such inflammatory terms amongst themselves, my understanding has always been that the persecuted groups are not using such terms negatively and spitefully towards one another. In this situation, yes, I agree that it has gone on long enough. However, it continues on not because of Andy Towle or the media, but because Mr. Washington himself has made this more of an issue by refusing to acknowledge his actions, denying they ever took place and by continuing to behave in a despicable manner. More importantly is society's hypocrisy in frowning upon other derogatory words unless they are directed at the homosexual community. Sticks and stones will suredly break my bones, and sadly the word faggot is almost certainly used by perpetrators of hate crimes along with those sticks and stones. I'm sorry, but other civil rights movements did not progress through inaction and apathy, but rather acted and reacted until finally, society heard them and respected their cries.
Posted by: Cory | Jan 23, 2007 3:06:06 PM
I'd agree with you, Soul, if his apology and the attempt to address bigotry against gays happened in October.
As you point out, he used the word in the midst of an argument. It doesn't mean he's a complete homophobe. Unlike the Michael Richards and Mel Gibson-type meltdowns, he didn't say he hates gays or wants them lynched or anything extreme. But it was in the workplace. And calling someone "your little faggot" certainly indicates where he thinks gays are on the totem pole.
He got his second chance. No one was calling for his termination with the force that they do now back in October. The assumption was that he and ABC took what happened seriously, and that steps were taken to make sure it wouldn't happen again. And then he blew it at the Golden Globes.
The problem here is his conduct at the Golden Globes indicates he didn't take what happened in October seriously. He lied about what he said (or quibbled) and he made a joke of the incident. He didn't conduct himself professionally. He forced his producer and castmates into an awkward position of having to explain what happened. The lie is an especially big deal. I really get the sense that he thought he was such hot shit that he could lie about not saying faggot, joke about wanting to be gay because 'those little faggots' couldn't fuck with him. He was cocky as hell when he should have been serious and apologetic. No one else was joking about it.
It's sad that the things he's doing now--the comprehensive apology and addressing anti-gay bigotry with gay groups--didn't happen in October. It just shows that ABC didn't take the initial incident seriously back then. That's a shame. He could have made a real difference if he had admitted to his error then, issued the comprehensive apology, and been the guy trying to make amends then. Instead, he was cocky and thought he could lie and joke his way out of it. That can't be comforting for his colleagues.
So now he gets another chance? It's not up to me, but if he were, he would be getting his walking papers. He had his chance. He blew it. And he really showed who he is when he lied and joked about what happened. That's the real him. The guy going around to gay groups now is just an actor putting it on to save his job. If he really understood the gravity of what he said, he wouldn't have acted the way he did at the Golden Globes.
ABC knows they can get away with the apology and his new act. They probably don't want to have to deal with all the protests that would come from firing him. So they're hoping this will do. Most people are charitable, and so most will go along with it. I can understand that. I don't watch the show and, at the end of the day, it's so not a big deal. But I know that if they were to do the right thing, they would fire him.
Posted by: SGR | Jan 23, 2007 4:06:56 PM
I don't think we can have it both ways. He's worthless as an "ally" if he gets fired. Might as well use him for what we can.
Posted by: Shane | Jan 23, 2007 4:32:21 PM
The fact that we are still talkiing about this a week after it happened shows that he struck a chord that many feel strongly about. After six years of the GOP using gay rights as a weapon I for one have had enough. It is clear to many of us that he is only sorry because if he didn't say he was he'd be fired.
To those who are tired of the debate, go to other posts or web sites. I for one will not stop until they fire him. I am a fan of the show, but will not watch it until he is gone.
Posted by: patrick nyc | Jan 23, 2007 4:35:53 PM
GLAAD must be excited to get some face time with a "reall live actor" THIS organization has once again failed and succeeds only in garnering money from guilt ridden studios and sad sacks who want to go to their star fuckfests....WHAT IN GODS NAME DO THESE PEOPLE DO (besides give out lame ass awards)
Posted by: MCnNYC | Jan 23, 2007 6:11:15 PM
I have to disagree with this firing thing... Even though I'm appalled at his behavior, I still believe in his right to say these things. Even if they're VERY offensive.
I think that ABC should instead make him do a years worth of PSA's speaking about his problem with the issue and how to correct them along with an episode of Grey's Anatomy (or many) that demonstrate the issue clearly with him at the center of the story.
instead of just lashing out, Let's have an EDUCATIONAL MOMENT.
Thanks, Mikey
Posted by: Mikey | Jan 23, 2007 6:24:51 PM
Mikey, have to disagree with you on this point. He's under contract. There's a code of conduct that he agreed to follow. Sure, he has the right to say offensive things, but his employer then can fire him for breaking rules he agreed to follow.
You know what would be a truly educational moment? A headlines across the country high profile moment? Getting fired from a popular TV show for calling a co-worker a faggot.
Sure, there will be a backlash, but the message would be loud and clear: "faggot" is term that will get you fired. Just like a racial slur.
It would be more effective than a bunch of PSAs that are ignored by the public at large, and a bunch of meetings with gay groups where he preaches to the converted.
I'm sure the high-profile canning of public figures like the sportscaster who made what was considered a racist comment in the 80s made it really clear that corporations weren't kidding around when it came to racist talk. I'm sure the decision was unpopular in lots of quarters. But ultimately, it forced people to understand that there will be serious consequences for racist talk.
That needs to happen here. There should be serious consequences for anti gay slurs. But it hasn't, which, to me, is a shame.
I know it sounds bloodthirsty and uncharitable. But if no one is ever going to get tough on anti-gay slurs the way they got tough on racist slurs, homophobes will think that there's a lesser standard for what can said against gays. I wish ABC had the guts to do the right thing and fire him.
Posted by: SGR | Jan 23, 2007 7:57:43 PM
SGR, Thank you for summarizing what many of us think--note: think, not feel--about this homophobic slur and what should be the consequences and who should enforce its contractual work rules. The lesson should be that derogatory slurs (yes, a redundancy for emphasis) are not permitted in the workplace. Freedom of speech is inapposite. The First Amendment applies to governmental action not personal behavior. How long are we willing to tolerate gays being the last group that it is permissable to denigrate and harrass? I agree with you. No more, damn it, no more. You will not be permitted to slur my family and suffer no real consequences.
Posted by: rudy | Jan 23, 2007 8:21:14 PM
At least y'all have stopped crying n*gger. Good God. Well, he's not gonna get fired. Period. Maybe he'll actually be of use though...I doubt it. He oughta donate a million dollars to...the Trevor Project!
Posted by: FanGirlHater | Jan 23, 2007 8:25:49 PM
Just curious. The use of the word Faggot can be seen as offensive. I for one would like to know the whole context of the story but let's say. Ok we fire him for using a derogatory term. What the guy from the real world kicked out from the show when he used the term Nigger. I don't remember hearing Jesse Jackson demanding that the show fire the guy. Did ABC fire Rosie for her obvious racist bigoted remark towards Asians, her "apology" that she finally gave was ridicules. What was her punishment. She feigned ignorance, she didn't know that would be seen as offensive. But since Rosie is a "gay icon" she gets a free pass.
The part of this whole story that bothers me is the obvious racial double standard. The Gay community, white, black, asian, hispanic, etc have to deal with this. If Mcdreamy or whatever his name is in real life called the guy a faggot, I don't believe that there would be such an outcry for him to be fired.
I could be wrong but I feel this way. This underling problems between the racist is part of the reason why we can never be a united fight. We're still fighting this 1950's Race game and it's getting old and we all, whites and blacks ahve to get past this and open up a Real dilogue about our prejudices, and bigotry.
Posted by: db | Jan 23, 2007 10:08:04 PM
@ John
Ok, so it happened in front of the cast and crew. So what? THEY should have been the ones to resolve it. And TR Knight was not "outed" by Washington. Since when does calling someone a faggot "out" them? If that's the case then I guess anybody who has been bullied or cussed at is gay! He was "outed" by the person who leaked the story, the media who ran with the story and the gossip hounds who love to "out" folks for a juicy story. The press never named who he was talking about, but yet the immediate speculation was TR Knight. Why? If he was so closeted how could people single him out? He came out officially because the public spotlight was now fixed directly on him. None of this would have happened if the story was not leaked and they were allowed to deal with it privately and without interference. But everybody demanded immediate action(!!) on something that they did not personally witness. And yes, Patrick Dempsey would have been strung up if he did the same thing with the word nigger. But NOT if it had remained a private matter. And just because it was leaked TO the public, does not MAKE it a public matter. And let's face it, Isaiah ain't Oprah Winfrey! Who really gives a rat's ass WHAT he says? As Glinda would say, "Be gone, you have no power here!" That is unless we give it to you. And boy did we!
Write a letter to ABC, boycott the show, do what makes your conscience clear. Nobody is trying to take that right away from you. And hopefully you will get this worked up about more important issues that will actually AFFECT your life. This nonsense will have no affect for several reasons, the main one being that gay men/media still call each other/themselves faggot! The hypocricy is laughable and Hollywood is in on the joke! His firing is NOT going to stop fights breaking out and slurs being used on the studio set. No one is going to stop in the middle of a fight to choose the "right" insult: "Why you f...! oh wait I can't say that word. Isaiah got fired for that. Now let me see, what word can I call you?" Somebody from Fox TV said that they use those words on the set everyday! Do you really think they are going to stop because Isaiah got fired? Puh-leeze.
All it will do is inspire actors to add protective clauses to their contracts that will state "whatever happens in the studio, STAYS in the
studio".
@Cory
If it is a matter of context and emotion, then whose job is it to determine the context and emotion in which the word was used? Surely not people who are getting the news third (4th? 5th? 20th?)hand through the media? No one will ever agree. Black people use nigger in both positive and negative contexts. And I have heard gay men say "I can't stand that faggot!" or "read" each other using that word. Why should anybody get a pass on any stick or stone? How can we can we possibly point a finger with a straight face?
@Patrick
I too believe that there has to be a turning point, a la Rosa Parks. But Ms. Parks sat down because the discrimination was directed at HER and she fought her own battle and inspired a movement. What's happening here is in reverse. We are trying to adopt TR Knight's battle as our own. Has he even publicly thanked the gay community for the support/outrage/burning torches? I haven't heard that he has. And if he hasn't, I wonder why?
Posted by: soulbrotha | Jan 24, 2007 1:20:36 AM
@Patrick
Sorry I have a correction on the 4th sentence. What I meant to say was:
"We are trying to fight TR Knight's battle for him."
Posted by: soulbrotha | Jan 24, 2007 1:29:47 AM
If Isaiah Washington were a real man, he'd acknowledge his *repeated* bigoted behavior and -resign- from the show himself. And, if he had some class, he'd do it like today.
Until he does that, he's no man.
A real man owns up to his mistakes and metes out his own justice; He doesn't make others do it for him.
Isaiah needs to learn to be a adult man.
rob@egoz.org
Posted by: rob adams | Jan 24, 2007 6:15:04 AM
Someone said...
"And hopefully you will get this worked up about more important issues that will actually AFFECT your life. This nonsense will have no affect for several reasons..."
Public people (especially those seen by Millions) create trends... They lower/raise the bar of acceptable conduct.
Rebuke them when they lower it.
To neglect to do so is idiocy at worst, and at best milk-toast timidity. We're a strong community, with literally tons of cash; We need to rebuke and cower-down anyone who disrespects and debases the gay community -- in whatever media they spew their filth.
Get with the program and defend your community in the public arena; This is a culture-war, after all.
rob@egoz.org
Posted by: rob adams | Jan 24, 2007 6:20:38 AM
You miss the bigger picture if you think this story is not our business and that it should have remained in the studio. This is a workplace issue. Gays and gay groups and anyone with an interest in the consequences of using anti-gay slurs at work are naturally interested because what happens sends a message to the nation: this is what happens to you when you use anti-gay slurs at work.
It was because of several high profile firings of sportscasters and others for using racist terms on air and behind the scenes that finally got Americans to understand that employers were not kidding around when they said you will have your ass kicked out the door if you use racist terms.
The same needs to be done for anti-gay slurs. Some of you may need to divorce your feelings from this being a black actor and other unrelated issues and look at it for what it was: he used an anti-gay slur. He was given a second chance. At the Golden Globes he lied about what he said and then joked about it. He clearly didn't understand that his first fuck up was serious. And there's something disgustingly cocky in his attitude that he could get one over on the gay colleague that he slurred by lying and saying he did not call him a faggot. He therefore put that gay colleague and others on the show in the awkward position of having to set the record straight and deal with the slur all over again. He lied and joked in a pathetic attempt to downplay the first incident. He should not have done that. It's unprofessional for all the obvious reasons. And how would you like to be the gay guy he called faggot, who had to then out himself, to have to then face him knowing he told news crews that he did not call him a faggot? What he did was so dumb and so obviously fireable that it's mindboggling he still has a job.
He's a loud mouth who got a second chance and, true to form, fucked it up yet again. Any rational person looking at this dispassionately would see his employment should be terminated.
The only way Americans are ever going to get the message that using anti-gay slurs at work is wrong is if the actual penalty (and the time to reach that penalty) is the same as when it's a racist slur.
And we black gay folk really need to stop making excuses for people who use anti-gay slurs just because they're black. That's really pathetic. It's tempting, I know, but you've got to let it go. There won't ever be progress on gay issues if you're going to find reasons to discount very legitimate gripes against someone because they're black and because you think the people making a case against that person has a racist agenda.
Posted by: SGR | Jan 24, 2007 10:01:47 AM
Amen SGR, you are The Man.
Posted by: rudy | Jan 24, 2007 10:20:48 AM
SGR,
"And we black gay folk really need to stop making excuses for people who use anti-gay slurs just because they're black. That's really pathetic. It's tempting, I know, but you've got to let it go. There won't ever be progress on gay issues if you're going to find reasons to discount very legitimate gripes against someone because they're black and because you think the people making a case against that person has a racist agenda."
If that was directed at me , I truly fucking resent that! Not once did I defend his actions in any way, shape or form. Nor did I EVER defend him because of his RACE!! I am not that shallow. If you had read my post, I was criticizing our response to his actions. So get it straight SGR! I don't want to call you out your name, but you make it very difficult!
Posted by: soulbrotha | Jan 24, 2007 2:27:02 PM