It’s been one week since WLAD broadcast Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s racially offensive remarks and there’s been no statement from the station in regards to the broadcasting of Schlessinger’s use of the n-word (11 times).
American Prospect’s Jamelle Bouie explains why when it comes to racism, Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s rabid use of the n-word is the least of her problems.
That said, of everything in that exchange, Dr. Laura’s use of the N-word was the least offensive — and least racist — element; quoting racial slurs isn’t cool — they’re still racial slurs, with all the historical baggage that includes — but you can imagine scenarios where quoting a racial slur is appropriate to the conversation.
In actuality, it’s the rest of her rant that drips with racial animus. To recap: Dr. Laura immediately dismisses her caller’s problems, uses a racist joke to prove her non-racism, insists that black people voted for Obama over nothing but racial solidarity (as if pre-Obama, African Americans never voted for Democrats), strongly resents the fact that “black guys” can use the N-word but she can’t, and declares that “if you’re that hypersensitive about color and don’t have a sense of humor, don’t marry outside of your race.” Dr. Laura isn’t known for her sensitivity, but this is an impressive display of raw racial resentment.
…and Olbermann jumps into the mix.
Naming Dr. Laura his “Worst Person in the World,” Olbermann criticized the following comments she made:
I really thought once we had a black president, the attempt to demonize whites hating blacks would stop, but it seems to have grown. And I don’t get it. Yes, I do. It’s all about power.
“Translation: we elected one of you president, so stop complaining there’s any racism left in this country,” Olbermann said, saying her comments amounted to, “Haven’t we done enough for you people?”
In light of Schlessinger’s remarks, and her inability to understand that her inappropriate comments went beyond her use of the n-word, WLAD should consider dropping her show and replacing it with programming that would bring some balance to the station’s all conservative line-up.
That’s where The Ed Shultz’s show comes in.
Shultz runs one of the most respected progressive radio talk shows in the country and would be an excellent replacement for Schlessinger in WLAD’s 3-6pm time slot.
PLEASE contact WLAD and (politely) voice your displeasure with the Dr. Laura and voice you support in having that program replaced with the Ed Shultz Show.
WLAD contact info:
Address: 198 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810-6662
Office Phone: 203-744-4800
General manager: Irv Goldstein, email: gm@98q.com
RELATED POST:
It is so offensive to make such a big deal over someone using the racially charged word referred to as the N word when drawing attention to the double standard that allows Americans of African decent to use the term when addressing each other. The word was not used to refer to anyone but to address the double standard. At the same time, Native Americans brought strong objections to the use of a racially charged name for a pro football team ie the washington redskins, the team from the nations capitol of all places. Redskin is not an offensive term they were told nor is the selling of dyed chicken feather headdresses that mock the use of some feathers by Native Americans for spiritual purposes or the tomahawk chop while playing hollywoods’ idea of how Native American sacred songs sound, or fake sacred paint on fans who do themselves up ridiculously. None of this is offensive Native Americans were told as well as being told not to be so sensitive. I am not a supporter of the talk show host in question but would say in her defense she was pointing to a glitch in the American psyche which is a no no in this society.
Laura Schlessinger and the talk radio industry need to be taken to task over this and all the other wrongs. It is atrocious what they are getting by with. For some reason no one will stand up against them. It only gets worse.
Why is it no journalist will do more investigating?
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.radio.talk.dr-laura/browse_thread/thread/f5449b6a7d464167#