| Author |
Message |
    
Libralind2
Veteran Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 506
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 06:11 pm: | 
|
JASMYNE CANNICK: Why Isaiah Washington Should Keep His Job
January 23, 2007
*After a petition calling for “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Isaiah Washington to be fired for his use of the f-word was launched and was reportedly having an affect on the powers that be at ABC, I decided to launch a similar petition but with the aim of keeping Washington on the show.
Within minutes of launching the petition and posting the link on my website, I received dozens of emails inquiring why I, a Black lesbian, would want to support someone who used the f-word.
Make no mistake about it; to me, the f-word is just as detrimental and derogatory as the n-word.
Moreover, this isn’t about saving Isaiah’s job because he is a Black man.
While it’s no secret that I advocate on behalf of Blacks, wrong is wrong and what Isaiah said at the Golden Globes was unfortunate.
However, I cannot overlook the way in which this all went down.
The gay community is not one big happy family. For far too long, gay has been synonymous with white and power.
The issue of Isaiah Washington is not solely a gay issue, it’s also a Black issue. But you’d never know that looking from the recent media reports calling for Washington to be fired. That’s because the gay mafia has taken it upon themselves to single handedly position themselves as the experts on what Isaiah’s fate should be.
Now I am not implying that the gay mafia is all of white gay America.
Nevertheless, the gay mafia is the gay power structure that quite frankly, is the voice and face of the gay community and is the reason why people, including Black America thinks that all gays are white. Similar to politics, where the Speaker of the House, speaks for everyone, even if people disagree, the gay mafia has done a huge disservice to the gay community by putting the message out there that all gays are calling for Isaiah Washington to be fired, when indeed they are not.
The hypocrisy comes into play with the silence of the gay mafia on one of their own, Charles Knipp’s, whose character Shirley Q. Liquor portrays Black women as being on welfare, living in the projects, illiterate, shoplifting sexually promiscuous mothers who don’t know who their children’s fathers are, alcoholics, and drug addicts, all of which sends a clear message to Black America, including Black gays, that they are all too ok with his use of blackface and stereotypes. Add lest we forget their silence regarding last year’s horrific hate-crime that claimed the life of 29-year-old Michael Sandy in New York, and it’s clear to me that there’s some hypocrisy and media whoring going here.
Before making any rush decision, the gay mafia should have checked with the Black gay leadership to see where they were on this issue. Who knows, if they did, they might have found that Black gays didn’t support Washington being fired but perhaps would have offered another solution. On the other hand, they might have both agreed that calling for him to be fired was the most appropriate road to take. Sadly, we’ll never know, because as usual, the gay mafia has taken a hold of this issue as their own ignoring everything and everyone else that doesn’t fall into line with their position.
Diversity in the gay community is a joke. It’s only an issue when funding is at stake or there is a need to show that certain gay organizations employ minorities. Other than that, diversity flies out the door and the Agenda, as it is commonly referred to, is largely the brainchild of the gay mafia, which at the end of the day really doesn’t include minority voices.
Calling for Isaiah Washington to be fired without first conferring with Black gays and choosing to work together on this issue was a huge mistake. This issue directly affects Black gays as well, because they are also a part of the larger Black community and the outcome of this issue and how Black America perceives it will factor into whether there is Black support in 2007 on other “gay” issues. Any groundwork that’s been made in African American communities by Black gays on gay issues is in jeopardy of being lost if this issue is seen as a case of the white gays attacking a Black man while doing nothing to criticize its own racism.
And so, at the end of the day, I feel that if Charles Knipp can escape the wrath of the gay mafia, why should Isaiah Washington be held to a different standard? If all things are equal and no one racial or homophobic slur is worse than the other, what makes Knipp’s portrayal of Black women any less egregious?
So by supporting Isaiah Washington I am not saying I am ok with his use of the f-word, but I am sending a message that the gay mafia doesn’t speak for the entire gay community on this issue and since they refuse to acknowledge their own hypocrisy with Charles Knipp, why should Isaiah Washington lose his job?
If you get and understand what I am saying, please sign this petition and send a clear message to the powers that be, that hypocrisy, racism, and classism will not go unnoticed or challenged in the gay community.
http://www.petitiononline.com/weluviw/petition.html
Jasmyne Cannick is a social commentator and activist who is known for addressing the issues others can't or simply won't. Chosen as one of ESSENCE Magazine's 25 Women Shaping the World, at 29, Jasmyne is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and writes a popular daily blog at jasmynecannick.com and myspace.com/jasmynecannick. She resides in Los Angeles.
|
Libralind2
Veteran Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 507
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 06:12 pm: |
|
Life & Style EXCLUSIVE: Isaiah Washington Enters Treatment Facility!
Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has entered a residential treatment facility in an effort to quell the controversy surrounding his anti-gay remarks — and save his job, Life & Style has learned exclusively.
According to an insider, Isaiah, who issued an apology for his statements on Jan. 18, agreed to undergo a psychological assessment after talks with ABC executives.
The married 43-year-old father of three was spotted entering the facility at 9 a.m. today (Jan. 24).
And in a statement released today, Isaiah, confirms this saying, “With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and I remain committed to transforming my negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally.”
Isaiah, who plays Dr. Preston Burke on the show, became embroiled in controversy for making a homophobic remark about Grey’s castmate T.R. Knight during an on-set argument last fall. (T.R., 33, publicly announced that he is gay after the incident.) The controversy reignited after the Jan. 15 Golden Globe Awards, at which Isaiah denied ever making the comment — but used the anti-gay slur in his denial.
“ABC has told him he must enter a program to examine why he would say such hateful words,” the insider says.
Meanwhile, during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Jan. 17, T.R. confirmed what Isaiah had said last fall — and expressed surprise at his co-star’s attempted denial.
Isaiah issued his apology the next day, saying, “I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help.”
Isaiah’s cast mates have been vocal about the controversy. “I feel really sad,” Kate Walsh has said. “I just trust that our show will deal with it in the way it sees fit.”
Katherine Heigl called the situation “tense,” adding, “I think it’ll work out and I’m hopeful that it’s handled properly.”
Reps for Isaiah and ABC were not immediately available for comment
Click here: http://lifeandstylemag.hollywood.com/2007/01/life_style_exclusive_isaiah_wa.php
|
Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 3204
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 06:24 pm: |
|
I don't know what the world is coming to when every time a celebrity faces some controversy they need to check themselves into rehab to resolve the problem (or to wait until it goes away). This is the chickenshit way to deal with your problems.
|
Libralind2
Veteran Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 508
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 06:35 pm: |
|
That is exactly what I was thinking.
LiLi |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 338
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 06:42 pm: |
|
I can't stand people who compare being Black to being gay.
There exists only a minute percentage of Blacks who have a choice in letting others know that they're Black, knowing that their Blackness will be seen as a liability.
However, every single gay/lesbian always has a choice in whether to make their sexual preference known; especially in situations where doing so will work against them and/or jeopardize their safety. The vast majority of Blacks do not enjoy such built-in protection.
The nerve of them to compare being called "nig-ger" to being called "fag." |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 6941
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 06:53 pm: |
|
What kind of a re-hab facility treats people who call gays "fags"?? Fagaholics Anonymous? And don't all hereorsexual man use this term? I'm surprised nobody made a big stink about the black gay guy on "The Apprentice" being fired because he caused his team to lose when the marketing phase he was assigned to in the promotion of a men's clothing line was geared too much toward gay men. He argued that the gay market should be catered to just as much as the straight one, but Donald Trump and his daughter, both openly scowling, proceeded to give him the boot. snicker |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 6942
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 07:00 pm: |
|
Yep, you're right, Urban-Scribe. Black people can't change their color like they change their clothes or hide their blackness in the closet. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 1616
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 09:05 pm: |
|
"However, every single gay/lesbian always has a choice in whether to make their sexual preference known; especially in situations where doing so will work against them and/or jeopardize their safety. The vast majority of Blacks do not enjoy such built-in protection."
Well stated US. My sentiments echo yours. I'm not homophobic and I too resent the argument of comparing the issues of gay people to those of blacks. I sympathize with them but but black people as a group, cannot hide nor lie about what they are. I don't think anyone should have to hide the fact that they are gay, but they do have that option. The majority of black people don't.
|
Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 3207
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 09:35 pm: |
|
I don't think I'm homophobic, I just think there's too many gay people. And for the wrong reasons. I've said this before - just because you're attracted to someone of the same sex, doesn't mean you need to act on it, and even if you act on it doesn't mean you need to make a 180° lifestyle change. And gay men just piss me off because they are way too promiscuous, among other things.
And Chris, the defender of the homos, will be along any minute to have something to say to me about all of that.
It bothers me too when gayness is compared to being Black. That's something that white people tend to do. Maybe gays have a choice and maybe they don't as to their mental state, but they do have a choice of being sexually active, and they could be descreet if they wanted, we're just Black and have no choice about it.
The Apprentice gay guy was not fired for being gay or for contributing to losing the challenge. He was fired for running his mouth. The Donald had already made up his mind to fire the team leader when MrPinkie came back in and went on and on and on running his mouth. He talked The Donald into firing his dumb ass. He got what he deserved.
|
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 6945
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 10:33 pm: |
|
Well, in the course of running off his mouth, the gay guy on "The Apprentice" kept insisting that his catering to the gay market was not what caused the team to lose, and Trump decided it did, even saying that he would never wear anything that looked like what the gay guy designed. However, the self-important black lawyer who was fired the week before certainly talked himself into being fired. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 8098
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 01:27 am: |
|
Gay White foks are no different from any other White foks with respect to their relationship with Blacks and other minorities. They expect to rule.
And what's going on here is LARGELY a product of the malevolent power we've allowed to be imbued within the n-word. Our sanctioning - either overtly or tacitly - the firing and the wholesale castigation of White foks for saying untoward things about Blacks ENABLES (White) gays to the wage a very similar form of Political Correctness against those who say f*ggot in vain.
Now. OF COURSE there's a WORLD of difference between the n-word and the f-word. But you think White gays CARE about such? Or course...NOT. For as long as it helps them, they'll argue the fallacious juxtaposition of the repression of Blacks and that of Queers.
I hope Isaiah really likes money and make good use of it. Because for as long as he's on Grey's he'll be really EARNING his dough. And MOST of that effort will NOT be related to what weekly appears on TV.
PS: Is Isaiah Washington the very FIRST high profile person to call someone a f*ggot in Hollywood? That, btw, is a rhetorical question. |
Tonya
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 4179
Registered: 07-2006
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 01:50 pm: |
|
Maybe they are mad because he’s married to the type of woman that they apparently... ...loathe
..uh-oh!
|
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 3464
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 02:30 pm: |
|
Mzuri:
The Gay people don't need me to defend them. There are plenty of them down in Texas. Big, tough, cowboy hat and boot wearing white men who will kick down your door and drag you behind their pick up trucks (with the Confederate flags and the rifles in the back--oh yeah)
Probably yer mayor, or police chief or yer boss.
But first they will put it to ya and make ya scream Oh daddy daddy daddy!
When the time comes, think of me and be strong. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 8117
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 03:46 pm: |
|
Tonya,
Awww, hell. The Isaiah's DOOMED!!!!
Hahahahaha!!! |
Tonya
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 4188
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 04:00 pm: |
|
...you know it, bruh....lololololol!!! |
China_b
First Time Poster
Username: China_b
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2006
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007 - 01:25 am: |
|
On 1/21/07 "Is Phag the new N-Word" was posted and I stated that it's slowly rising to that rarified air called the "N-Wordesphere" and Chrishayden stated:
No, it is not.
You can say it all you want any place that Gay people do not have big influence--such as in Hollywood.
First of all, there's many undercover Gay people in Hollywood that do have influence. Secondly, to say that people talk about other people behind their backs is merely stating the obvious. I'm quite sure there's plenty of White People who still say the "N-Word" on a regular basis in places where no Blacks are present. The fact that Mr. Washington is seeking help, just like Mr. Richards (i.e., Kramer) did, says it all.
Black Folks are the main reason political correctness came to be, and we better get used to playing the game ourselves. |
China_b
Newbie Poster
Username: China_b
Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2006
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007 - 01:40 am: |
|
Would Mr. Washington have to resort to such ridiculous measures if he had called Mr. Knight as: 'Sweetie Pie' or 'Sugar Britches' ?
Would there have been any outrage if Mr. Knight had called Mr. Washington: 'Negro' or 'Colored' ?
In the times of political correctness, there are terms you cannot blurt out in the work place, period!!! |
China_b
Newbie Poster
Username: China_b
Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007 - 01:56 am: |
|
Abm
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 01:27 am:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gay White foks are no different from any other White foks with respect to their relationship with Blacks and other minorities. They expect to rule.
And what's going on here is LARGELY a product of the malevolent power we've allowed to be imbued within the n-word. Our sanctioning - either overtly or tacitly - the firing and the wholesale castigation of White foks for saying untoward things about Blacks ENABLES (White) gays to the wage a very similar form of Political Correctness against those who say f*ggot in vain.
Now. OF COURSE there's a WORLD of difference between the n-word and the f-word. But you think White gays CARE about such? Or course...NOT. For as long as it helps them, they'll argue the fallacious juxtaposition of the repression of Blacks and that of Queers.
I hope Isaiah really likes money and make good use of it. Because for as long as he's on Grey's he'll be really EARNING his dough. And MOST of that effort will NOT be related to what weekly appears on TV.
Abm, I completely agree with you. You sound you've also read "White Men Can't Hump."
But to be honest, I'd bet that many Black Homosexuals would also like to see Brother Isaiah get canned, so I'm not sure if this is a Black/White issue. I think many White Folks are sitting back and enjoying the whole episode, just like they did when the Mexican government sanctioned the 'Sambo' postage stamps a few years ago. This is basically the "Let's make the Slaves chicken-fight" for entertainment attitude. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 8123
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007 - 01:20 pm: |
|
China_b,
I don't know whether Black gays/lesbians think Isaiah should be fired. But to those homosexuals who DO think he should be canned, I'd ask: "Should Isaiah have been fired for calling a Black co-star a N*GGER?" |
China_b
Newbie Poster
Username: China_b
Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2006
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007 - 10:49 pm: |
|
Abm,
That's the double-edge that most black americans have created through our usage of the N-Word. I'm sure that if Isaiah's job was on the line he'd state that he said 'N*gga', not 'N*gger'. The ascent and the value placed upon this ridiculous 'hip-hop' fad has given us a free pass to use the N-Word in public. The bottom line is, ain't no Brotha gonna lose his job for calling another Brotha a "N*gger", and I doubt that T.R. Knight would get in any hot water if he called Rosie O'Donnell a 'dyke.' |
|
Email This Page