http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_dr_laura_apology LOS ANGELES – Talk radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger has issued an apology for saying the N-word several times in an on-air conversation with a caller that she said was "hypersensitive" to racism. Schlessinger said on her website Wednesday that she was wrong in using the word for what she called an attempt to make a philosophical point. "I articulated the N-word all the way out — more than one time," Schlessinger said in comments from the opening of her radio show that she posted on her site. "And that was wrong. I'll say it again — that was wrong." She said she "realized I had made a horrible mistake, and was so upset, I could not finish the show." Schlessinger said she pulled herself off the air at the end of the hour. During the exchange on Tuesday's show, Schlessinger said the woman who called herself Jade was too sensitive for complaining that her husband's friends made racist comments about her in their home. When the woman asked if the N-word was offensive, Dr. Laura said "black guys say it all the time," then went on to repeat it several times. Schlessinger did not direct the epithet at the woman, but said she used it to suggest how often she hears it, and that it should not automatically be cause for offense. When the caller objected, Schlessinger replied: "Oh, then I guess you don't watch HBO or listen to any black comedians." Schlessinger also said that if the caller did not have a sense of humor about race, she shouldn't have entered into an interracial marriage.
I don't know... anyone who has been to college, or even high school for that matter, knows that lots of controversial topics can be discussed and aired-out in the open, for the enrichment of anyone in attendance. is a professor supposed to 'not' fully articulate the word 'nigger,' in a philosophical atmosphere with his/her students? In that context, I really do not see a problem with it. I think this was what the doctor was trying to do, in the sense she was sparking intellectual debate.
I agree with you to an extent about the hypersensitivity that surrounds the usage of the word. Context matters, and the notion that a person who isn't Black can't say the word under any circumstance is absurd. Honestly, I was willing to give Dr. Laura a pass until a ran across the full transcript and audio of the call: http://mediamatters.org/blog/201008120045 Fuck "Dr." Laura and the horse she rode in on. I can't believe that anyone is stupid enough to call her for advice about anything.
even if it's not directed at anyone, and just used for debate? that's just not the environment I was subjected to. I was brought up with the understanding that it was okay, and recommended, to discuss anything under the sun, for the improvement of our own minds and our sphere of influence. That's the reason why I wrote what I did. I didn't read the full transcript tho...maybe it'll be worthwhile..but I still stand by my statements in other settings.
I have never cared for her. My ex used to force me to listen to her. I think she is condenscending and rude on her show. She plays off her being Jewish and knowing all. One more reason not to like her now.
here is the radio rant in 2 parts. at least I hope it is. I dont have head phones to listen to it but I heard the whole thing on CNN and they got it from media matters. http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201008120037 http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201008120038 I will give my take later
I totally understand the idea of context, but I think Rev Al Sharpton hit the nail on the head yesterday when he said that the manner in which she was using it suggested at least animation on her part. It was really despicable in my opinion. From the transcripts, it suggests she was trying to say that the double standards should not exist which I agree with, but she certainly didn't articulate herself well at all. And the fact that she used the word at least 8 times proves Al's point ....
And if instead, her caller had said she was concerned because her husband let his friends call her Bitch and Whore, would Dr Laura have mentioned comediennes like Kathy Griffin who use those words frequently? Would Dr Laura have been tut tutting a lack of humor, and double standards? No. She would have seen that differently. Those words would have seen more hurtful to her. Because she herself is a bitch whore.
People of all races say the n-word in private conversations everyday.:smt102 And besides, I was over that conversation 10 years ago.
Exactly. Sarah Silverman makes jokes about jews and I'm pretty sure has used the K word, so is it okay for me to go on the air and call jews the k word? No. Also, I hate this false logic that if black people stopped using the N word that the word would somehow vanish. As if non black people are forced to use the word because black people use it. I seriously doubt that if we got all black people together and stopped using the word that the neo nazi's and other bigots would follow suit.
must be nice to live with your head stuck in the sand, right? not you, but the people who're under the impression that if they took the word out of our vocabulary, it would cease to exist. Even if it did, you still have other words which black people allow to get under their skin. you cant win
Dr.Laura said the N-Word 11 times. After speaking to Jade Dr.Laura said those words again and said "nice sucky time Jade." She should be drummed off the air. Sure she apologized but,her self control of the situation has gone off the rails. I know as I type this the likes of Limbaugh,Hannity,Levin,Savage and others are defending in their own way. Also,on Fox News Crazy Beck would defend her as well. What are those men have in common? They are all White males.