"Our Prejudices, Ourselves" . . . by Harvey Fierstein (a "gay, fat American") . . .

[OneBlueSky]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/opinion/13fierstein.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

AMERICA is watching Don Imus’s self-immolation in a state of shock and awe. And I’m watching America with wry amusement.

Since I’m a second-class citizen — a gay man — my seats for the ballgame of American discourse are way back in the bleachers. I don’t have to wait long for a shock jock or stand-up comedian to slip up with hateful epithets aimed at me and mine. Hate speak against homosexuals is as commonplace as spam. It’s daily traffic for those who profess themselves to be regular Joes, men of God, public servants who live off my tax dollars, as well as any number of celebrities.

(snip)

What surprises me, I guess, is how choosy the anti-P.C. crowd is about which hate speech it will not tolerate. Sure, there were voices of protest when the TV actor Isaiah Washington called a gay colleague a “faggot.” But corporate America didn’t pull its advertising from “Grey’s Anatomy,” as it did with Mr. Imus, did it? And when Ann Coulter likewise tagged a presidential candidate last month, she paid no real price.

(snip)

I urge you to look around, or better yet, listen around and become aware of the prejudice in everyday life. We are so surrounded by expressions of intolerance that I am in shock and awe that anyone noticed all these recent high-profile instances. Still, I’m gladdened because our no longer being deaf to them may signal their eventual eradication.

The real point is that you cannot harbor malice toward others and then cry foul when someone displays intolerance against you. Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged. Rise up in righteousness when you witness the words and deeds of hate, but only if you are willing to rise up against them all, including your own. Otherwise suffer the slings and arrows of disrespect silently.

- more . . .

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/opinion/13fierstein.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

[bliss_eternal]

1. Yay Harvey...!

:applause:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

2. Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged.

Nutshelled perfectly Harvey. Bravo. :applause:

:kick:

[salin]

3. great essay. "Prejudiced toerated is intolerance encouraged."

even when they are your own.

[xchrom]

4. lol -- gotta love harvey! recommend.

[MuseRider]

5. Love Harvey!

I have always loved him. Well said and thank you for posting this. K&R

[blondeatlast]

6. Excellent. K&R. nt

[Annces]

7. Yep

Most people get up in arms only about insults that affect them personally. And this reinforces everyone staying in their own group.

[wicket]

8. Love love LOVE Harvey!

K & R

[terrya]

9. Brilliant! Thank you, Harvey!

Kicked and recommened for something that needed to be said.

[Missy Vixen]

10. Harvey speaks the truth

I am a middle aged, fat woman. My experiences are minor compared to what Harvey Fierstein and other gay people go through on a daily basis. At the same time, I'll get up there with him in the cheap seats, and keep speaking out.

As long as one of us is oppressed, we all are.
Julie

[Clark2008]

11. I love his voice.

I'd like to hear him read this instead of reading it myself.

[Maven]

13. Have you seen these?

Fierstein used to do monologues (called "Out Takes") at the end of In The Life (the GLBT TV newsmagazine). I think he did them until '04. But they're all still very relevant and certainly very powerful.

Fierstein on the Mass. Marriage Decision and appearing as Mrs. Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqqD-PDJTWY

Fierstein on heterosexuals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAv_DxP7lJM

Fierstein on gay pride:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_OQeA3GiRw

Fierstein on GLBT rights ("Where is our anger?"):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nh2C8q8jnM

[bliss_eternal]

12. Kicking...

:kick: