To paraphrase Linda Ellerbee's nightly closing, "and so it goes." on her old television program, "and so it grows", seems so right to describe the continuing fall out from Imus' vulgar statement. The New York Times has printed an interesting opinion article in the Op-Ed Contributor section. It was written by actor and playright Harvey Fierstein (whom I love). Mr. Fierstein mentions Imus and other big names recently in the bright light of bigotry, TV actor Isaiah Washington and consertive commentator Ann Coulter http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/03/04/coulter.edwards/index.html are just two, as he talks about "Our Prejudices, Ourselves". Here is the link, I am not sure if eveyone will be able to upload it. It may require a subscription.
Fierstein ends by stating, " I urge you to look around, or better yet, listen around and become aware of the prejudice in everyday life. We are so surrounded by expressions of intolerance that I am in shock and awe that anyone noticed all these recent high-profile instances. Still, I’m gladdened because our no longer being deaf to them may signal their eventual eradication.
The real point is that you cannot harbor malice toward others and then cry foul when someone displays intolerance against you. Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged. Rise up in righteousness when you witness the words and deeds of hate, but only if you are willing to rise up against them all, including your own. Otherwise suffer the slings and arrows of disrespect silently."
I don't think the case against prejudice can be said better than that.
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