I experienced the eerie feeling I got from reading the conclusion of Orwell’s 1984 when I read the following finish to the Grey’s Anatomy gay slur controversy:
Washington also added that he wanted to seek out help within the gay and lesbian community. “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. I know the power of words, especially those that demean. I realize that by using one filled with disrespect I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues. With one word, I’ve hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I’ve opened,” he said.
We don’t get upset over adultery, drug abuse, sometimes even wife abuse, but heaven help the man who screws up by making an intolerant remark about a protected class of human beings. This man is obviously in fear of being blackballed and is thus making an utterly abject apology. It’s either the supremely sincere apology or the cage with the rabid rat attached to your face, pal!
I don’t endorse the use of gay slurs or any other kind, but we have really, really lost perspective in this country. Calling names is hardly as bad as it gets, folks.
