“Ho-Pas?”: More reaction…
FishbowlNY notes the “Ho-Pas?” faux-pas, chastizes MSNBC, and thinks this isn’t the first time Countdown has strayed into this territory…
Considering its “Nappy ‘Hos” history, MSNBC should’ve learned a lesson or two about off-handed, misogynistic remarks. Still, no one should be surprised — Olbermann and Countdown have done this kind of thing before. One example, as we reported way back in October, involved a pre-penitentiary Paris Hilton. At that time, it wasn’t the “A Slut and Battery” that drew our attention — it was what he said:
It’s ok, though, because he’s an icon of the ultra-libs. They’re allowed to say anything they want about anyone with little to no repercussions.
Comment by bigred — July 19, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
You know the one factor that is even more important than WHO makes the offensive remark? It is WHO THEY MAKE THE REMARK ABOUT. ‘Ho is not deemed offensive unless it is directed towards African Americans. It’s that simple.
Comment by california dreamin — July 19, 2007 @ 10:25 pm
Guess what? I know lots of latinos & hispanics that find the term especially offensive! You really must be dreamin’ to think that Mrs. Vitter doesn’t mind being called a ho.
Comment by erljr — July 19, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
erljr, I believe CD just meant that’s how it this seems to be perceived in this case. We all know that the screen caption against Mrs. Vitter was outrageous, and I think we women are all grieving with her for all she’s going through. But the fact that MSNBC allowed this to happen, and that NOW and the MSM have been silent on this offense gives the impression that it’s allright for a white woman to be called a “ho”. Obviously, that is so wrong, but we white women apparently have no one to come to our defense, apparently.
That’s what I believe, and I think that’s what CD meant.
Comment by Missy — July 19, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
In regards to what California Dreamin said, I think he was referring to the court of public opinion in regard to the level of offense in the usage, which is accurate. It wasn’t the “ho” part that got Imus in such trouble, but the racial slur that preceded it. That being said, MSNBC would be well advised to practice what it has preached and avoid using such a slur, no matter what the context….I suppose they are playing to a younger audience, but they will take a lot of heat as they are one of the three major cable news networks, not Comedy Central.
Comment by FishOil — July 20, 2007 @ 5:17 am
CD hit the nail on the head. As long as you are not referring to a black woman the term is acceptable, apparently. Where is Rev. Sharpton and his entourage now? Why are they not protesting in the streets. Why isn’t Oprah holding her special “Town Hall” meetings to get to the bottom of it? Why is no one called for head to roll? A “ho” is a “ho” and shouldn’t be more acceptable because someone is referring to an upperclass white woman whose husband is a Senator/Congressman.
Comment by jerziegrl — July 20, 2007 @ 7:38 am
Where are the feminists and women’s rights groups on this one? Oh, right, Olbermann is a God to the liberals and if choked a woman to death live on air it would still be okay just so long as he threw in one of “Special Comments” bashing Bush/the GOP/etc.
Comment by Alison — July 20, 2007 @ 8:09 am
Where’s AL Sharpton on this?? I thought he didn’t want the ‘ho’ word used
Comment by Chet — July 20, 2007 @ 9:22 am
The “Imus Debacle” had nothing to do with race or offensive language but everything to do with politics as “Hilary’s Lap Dogs” went on the attack.
“..The real guiding hand over Imus’ downfall, however, belonged neither to Sharpton nor Jackson, but to Hillary Rodham Clinton. This is not widely understood, because Mrs. Clinton’s pristine fingerprints were kept off her victim by the intercession of a velvet glove called Media Matters for America…”
Source: http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=29050
Bad Karma, Sharpton’s Mormon comments, Roker’s epilepsy joke, Olberman’s “Ho-Pas”, CONTINUES…
Comment by channelXRFR — July 20, 2007 @ 10:43 am
Yeah you would think after they fired Imus MSNBC would never ever use the word Ho again. Hypocrites!
Comment by Noelle — July 20, 2007 @ 11:22 am
but they will take a lot of heat as they are one of the three major cable news networks, not Comedy Central.
great point, as their is at least supposed to be a differentiation between the two. There likely won’t be any fallout as Keith worshipers likely laughed and nobody else was watching.
For someone who constantly calls into question the decency of others, maybe he should spend 14 hours a day looking in the mirror instead of 13.
Comment by Buck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
Look who the NAJB are giving an award to this is after they came out in a statement that stated they wanted Imus to Stay Gone, it was covered on BET the network that brings you “Hot Ghetto Mess” I am at a loss for adjectives. But given the Hos being thrown around this seems appropriate.
http://www.nabj.org/newsroom/news_releases/2007/story/53137p-82019c.html
Comment by Ree — July 20, 2007 @ 8:05 pm