Does everything deserve an apology? Helen Thomas is but the latest public figure with foot-in-mouth disease and has already apologized. Whatever. What I want to address here is the broader issue of public gaffes and apologies in general.
Just in recent years, we've seen Don Imus, Michael Richards, Joe Biden, Mel Gibson, the Reverends Wright and Anderson, the Dixie Chicks, Rand Paul...and more...make statements that have illicited outraged calls for apologies; most of these guys did end up apologizing. But, why? I'd fareal love to see more folks grow cajones and stand by what they say without backtracking due to public pressure and delivering hollow apologies. Does anybody really buy those apologies in the first place? Perhaps a dim witted few?
I'd also like to see a pair grown by those who claim personal injury by what anybody says. Lawd Maude. Perhaps a sheltered childhood prevented them from learning the simple truth: Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words don't mean a thing. Put another way? Grow the hell up!
The media thrives on and therefore cultivates this nonsense. The public seems to expect sensationalism in what passes today for news. I'm reminded of what I posted on my Facebook status today...Popularity is the solidifying of the lowest common denominator.
Just in recent years, we've seen Don Imus, Michael Richards, Joe Biden, Mel Gibson, the Reverends Wright and Anderson, the Dixie Chicks, Rand Paul...and more...make statements that have illicited outraged calls for apologies; most of these guys did end up apologizing. But, why? I'd fareal love to see more folks grow cajones and stand by what they say without backtracking due to public pressure and delivering hollow apologies. Does anybody really buy those apologies in the first place? Perhaps a dim witted few?
I'd also like to see a pair grown by those who claim personal injury by what anybody says. Lawd Maude. Perhaps a sheltered childhood prevented them from learning the simple truth: Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words don't mean a thing. Put another way? Grow the hell up!
The media thrives on and therefore cultivates this nonsense. The public seems to expect sensationalism in what passes today for news. I'm reminded of what I posted on my Facebook status today...Popularity is the solidifying of the lowest common denominator.