I read that Dr. Laura plans to end radio show at end of year this morning, while I am thrilled that her show is ending, I am disgusted as to why.
Dr. Laura has been spewing her righteous venom on the air since 1974, syndicating her own show in 1994. She is an ultra-conservative social commentator that abuses her callers unless they fall into her right-wing, holier-than thou line of thinking.
I used to share an office with a woman who loved Dr. Laura, every day I had to listen to her show. Being a single, working, mother, Dr. Laura infuriated me. I remember sitting in that office day after day wanting to lodge a pencil straight into my brain just to block out her hateful voice.
On August 10, 2010, Dr. Laura felt the need to say the n-word 11 times to a black woman caller who was seeking advice regarding her inter-racial marriage.
11 times! Is she doing an album with 'Lil Wayne?
The caller was looking for help to stop her husband's friends from making racial slurs about her in their home. Instead of offering anything useful, Dr. Laura insisted the woman was being hypersensitive, then used the n-word repeatedly to prove a "philosophical point".
Sadly, Dr. Laura and I don't share a mother, because my mom would have knocked the teeth out of her mouth for using that word only once.
Dr. Laura stated that black comedians and actors say that word all the time on HBO, which gave her the right to say it.
That's like saying "they are all doing cocaine, so I should have a snort too". Isn't that the kind of moronic thinking that she blasts people for? Are we really going to accept "they're doing it" as an excuse to propagate hatred? I wouldn't let my three year old get away with this argument.
Furthermore, she said that use of that word does not constitute racism. I wonder if her attitude would change if similar comments were made towards the Jewish community instead of the black community.
How can the n-word not constitute racism? It's origin is racist. Used in literature as early as 1619 by wealthy white men to describe African slaves. It's intended meaning is to describe someone lesser than the speaker. The n-word, just like any other slur, racial or otherwise, is cruel, hurtful and unnecessary.
Dr. Laura has decided to end her radio show to protect her First Amendment Rights stating "I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry..."
When you say derogatory, bigoted things, people will get angry. If these are the feelings of your "heart", then please don't let the door hit your racist ass on the way out.
To be fair, Dr. Laura did apologize after the incident, although it was tempered with justifications and excuses.
I suppose I should be happy. Dr. Laura's reign of insensitivity and righteousness will soon be over. Unfortunately, controversy sells and soon another outspoken personality will take her place. Hopefully, it will be someone who uses controversy to promote valuable ideas that bring our world together, rather than tearing it down.
Love, love, love your post and thank you for saying what so many people wont! I too am glad to see Dr. Laura go for most of the same reasons. Maybe she will go get herself some help.
ReplyDeleteI hope she does. I am in complete favor of controversy and discussion, just not when it promotes hatred. There should be no place in this world for that kind of attitude.
ReplyDeleteI felt bad for the woman on the phone. Could you imagine what she felt, being told that she was wrong for how she felt?!
ReplyDeleteI like your Lil Wayne comment. ;)
Stopping by from SITS
Thank you, I always love to see SITS faces here.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I think about how she must have felt, I am outraged. It's heartbreaking to think that she called for help and advice only to be hurt and insulted.
OMG I JUST READ ABOUT THIS ON YAHOO AND THANKS A MILLION FOR POSTING ON THIS!! Being a black female myself I have said this word a few times and in my cultural background its still very wrong to say but acceptable to use by "us"...or that's what most of my people would say. We usually say the -a ending and not the -er anyway because the -er is more hate driven and -a takes the edge off. But even with that rule I still feel kinda weird if anyone non-african american says it...it just gives me chills for some reason. I can't explain it but it does!
ReplyDeleteAnd for her to tell that woman not to be so sensitive...I COULD KICK HER TEETH OUT!!
I myself have NEVER used any other racial slurs PERIOD! NOT EVEN AT HOME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY...NOT EVEN ALONE because I practice what I preach and would hate to offend anyone! I don't care if they say it to death...i've never repeat out of respect!
I cringe anytime I hear the n word. You're right, it does have more of a "bite" when people who aren't black use it.
ReplyDeleteI was raised to believe that skin is only a decoration, and I prefer my world to be decorated with all the colors. I'm with you Falen, respect must be shown.
I can't believe that woman thought she could get away with something like that. My mother taught me at a very early age not to say that word, or any other racial slurs. I'm glad she's going off the air, she sounds like a monster.
ReplyDeleteI love that, skin is only a decoration! I am so glad I found your blog via Falen's blog! I have never used the N word and would never allow that or any other slur to be used in my house. Not to toot my own horn but the one thing I prided myself on the most as a mom is raising three great kids who dont see color, religion, sexual orientation, etc, they see people! Great conversation.
ReplyDeleteSaretta, we could have had the same mom... She thinks she's in the right, which is the saddest part of all...
ReplyDeleteSenoraG, Thank you. Teaching and promoting tolerance is something to be very proud of as a mom, toot away lady!