Early last month, syndicated radio host Laura Schlessinger caused a stir by saying the word "nigger" several times on her radio program. At the time, I wrote that what she said, while trite, was not racist. Nevertheless, a hail of criticism in the immediate wake of the incident caused Schlessinger to apologize and resign, saying she desires "to be able to say what's on my mind and … without somebody getting angry, some special interest group deciding this is the time to silence a voice of dissent and attack affiliates, attack sponsors. I'm sort of done with that."
A month later, Schlessinger is ostensibly back on the offensive. Here's a message sent to my personal e-mail just hours ago. A Dr. Laura staffer who spoke on condition of anonymity has confirmed that the tirade, which addresses Quran burning and "murderous tyranny," came directly from Schlessinger herself, and may be used in part on her radio program today.
Whether it's a script or not, Schlessinger's decision to send something like this — "WHO IS THE GRINCH WHO STOLE BIRTHDAY?" — directly to people who have written about her seems interesting, to put it lightly.
Full transcript below, in its original format:
Dr laura program open for Wednesday September 9, 2010
Thank you! Those of you who listen regularly to this program know I am
BIG on tolerance. For example, I tell callers who are bemoaning a
parent or other relative's ANNOYING behavior…to play "Stepford" human
being and just smile and be nice. If however that relative is EVIL -
now THAT is NOT to be tolerated. But being annoyed or likewise
offended by stupid comments, quirky behavior, irritating demands, odd
habits is a waste of time and emotion. Everybody has their quirks.
And when you live in a country like the United States of America - a
salad of cultures and personalities with the freedom of self
expression - there's always going to be something to be surprised or
offended by.
Unfortunately, America, it seems, is evolving into a "NOT OFFENDED
ZONE." If anyone feels their feathers ruffled…well…many seem to think
that the world should stop spinning on its access out of respect for
their momentary discomfort. This would be just silly and funny….if it
were not a growing danger.
Next Example: There is a blog called "love affair with gossip" and it
is written by someone who calls herself "buggy Girl." Let me tell you
what she wrote: "Last night my family and I went to the Olive Garden
for my birthday dinner. Anywho, it came time for them to bring the
cake out and sing Happy Birthday. The server informed us that the
Olive Garden staff could no longer participate in the ritual of
singing Happy Birthday because some patrons had complained that
singing by the staff was disturbing to their meals."
How long does it take to sing Happy Birthday..?…I just timed it: 6
or 7 seconds. Let me understand this…some grouchy people don't like
to hear 6 or 7 seconds of cheer for somebody else and the CHEER HAS TO
STOP. WHO IS THE GRINCH WHO STOLE BIRTHDAY? Also…take a vote: will
most people stop going to a restaurant BECAUSE Happy Birthday is
sung….OR…BECAUSE it is NOT?
Yes…I understand these are stupid calls…but they are also dangerous
ones that unfortunately promise the tyranny of those who PROCLAIM
being OFFENDED.
Cord Jefferson is a staff writer at The Root. Follow him on Twitter.
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