Many decades ago, the controversy surrounding Huckleberry Finn increased its sales and became a best seller. Why do we ban books that were written in the time they were depicted? Critics say the character “Jim” is poorly portrayed as a black person. Others says the whites have more negative characteristics than the black characters. Yes, the “N” word is written over 200 times. In college, I used to hear blacks calling blacks the “N” word.
Curious George and Dr. Seuss are on the chopping block as well. Negative stereotypes or characteristics? Maybe Chinese people without slanted eyes could be added. Chopsticks are part of the Asian culture and seeing them might spark some interest from readers. There are differences between groups of people and differences within each group. A heavy metal concert could have short-haired people. But, it also should most certainly have people with long hair and denim and leather jackets with patches of bands on them.
Professionals are leaving jobs, because what they said was deemed insensitive. Depends on what they said. College kids are being slammed for what they said on social media while in high school. Sometimes those words were taken out of context. Some social justice warriors are internet bullies.
Decades ago, before society became overly sensitive, young kids and young adults might’ve used a derogatory word if someone pissed them off. Not because they were racist, but to get under their skin. It’s what it was.
Regarding Rob Okun’s My Turn on Feb. 19, 2021 [‘Letter to Justice Clarence Thomas”]: Mr. Okun believes those accused of sexual harassment need to prove their innocence. Guilty till proven innocent. Allegations in the absence of evidence are truth.
Mr. Okun wants Clarence Thomas removed from the bench wearing a scarlet letter. You want him disgraced and destroyed. The allegations against Clarence Thomas are just that — he said she said. You claim his history of sexually harassing women is well documented. Um, no it’s not. His accusers told nobody. That doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Maybe some of it happened. Maybe none of it happened. Proof is necessary, or an admission of guilt.
The confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanagh both had sexual harassment allegations. Those allegations only came to light during the confirmations. Democrats attacked the character of both. Justin Amash opposed Kavanagh due to his views on the 4th amendment. Kavanagh was also involved in the passage of the unconstitutional Patriot Act.
Bill Clinton was impeached for his actions, but not removed from office. He also lied. The media shamed Monica Lewinsky, not Clinton. Billy boy had other questionable situations as well. Remember Paula Jones? Gennifer Flowers? According to the late Linda Tripp, Kathleen Wiley can be added to the list.
If we based convictions on the spoken word and not evidence the Duke lacrosse players would’ve been guilty. The stripper who claimed rape, confessed she had lied. Her hospital report didn’t show any indications of rape.
The South African government tried to frame Oscar Pistorius. He panicked in a situation causing him to do something he truly regrets and wishes he could’ve done differently.
Michael Vick was criticized in the media. Mind you, I’m not condoning what he did. But dogfighting wasn’t policed where he grew up. When he went pro, they put down dogs who couldn’t fight. However, some horses who are no longer able to race are sold to be slaughtered. A bit of a hypocrisy.
Anyone following the allegations against hockey player Artemi Panarin? Russia doesn’t like to be criticized.
You know what really happened? Woman who were abused by their husbands, killed their abusers out of fear of being killed. They’re called the Framingham 8. A hypocritical despicable system. That’s just one reason women are getting their firearm license.
Some of us are less forgiving than others. Shamming others is second nature. Trial by social media and the fingers start pointing. Chickens have a pecking order. Wolves on the hunt for their next kill. Do bullies in schools still hide behind their phones to insult and trash their classmates?
Dave Boudreau is a resident of Athol.