Dr. Laura’s Punishment for Racism? She Gets another Job
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is the esteemed radio host who made the wise decision to use the n-word on the air so many times that it would put a gangster rapper to shame. Sure, she had an explanation for using the word so many times, but she also had a dictionary full of words she could have used instead. As a consequence for her infamous tirade, Schlessinger is going to receive the most daunting punishment known to man: She is being sent over to Sirius/XM Satellite in order to take a new job. Yes, that really taught her a lesson.
The "venerable" Dr. Laura, the woman who has no problem insulting the black community at every possible turn, has now been given a multi-year gig on XM Satellite Radio. Terms were not disclosed, but she was able to land the gig faster than you could say, "I don’t care what black people think." The treatment of Dr. Laura presents a very telling lesson for those of us who are attempting to understand the nature of white privilege. According to the rules of a post-racial society, the expression of hatred toward people of color not only goes without punishment, it is actually rewarded.
Let’s be clear: If Dr. Laura were a black person spewing insults of this nature toward whites, she would find herself in the unemployment line, along with millions of other capable black people. This kind of double standard explains why black unemployment is nearly double that of white Americans, and why the National Association of Black Journalists is forced to constantly fight for the crumbs that people like Dr. Laura leave behind.
Of course this move is part of the good old white boys system of white supremacy. This woman,
and others in her category, need to severely be punished for her insulting comments. This
same situation reminds me of Don Imus who made a racist remark about black women some time
ago. Apparently Schessingler is part of some sort of good ole white boy’s network, in terms,
of her getting another job. Until people can realize that there is such a thing as a “black
America” within “white America” within the United States of America, people like this white
woman and others in her a category will always feel that they can get away with stupendous in-
sults or racial slurs against people of color. The funny thing about this whole thing is that
black slaves helped to build this United States of America. Remember, we will always have
different classes of black people just like any other ethnic group. Rational, educated, and
revolutionary minded black folk will always stand up to this type of cowardly crap. We have
a black man who is sitting the office of the President of the United States. Apparently, this
is still not enough for some irrational thinking white folk as well as black ones, or any other. If Don Imus was fired from his job for making his derogatory insults about nappy head-
ed black women, why should this woman be praised for her erratic behavior? Of course she
needs to be punished without a doubt. I realized how Mr. Nat Turner, the slave revolter, felt during his day when he decided to take revenge on the white slavemasters and their families.
Let’s get real! This is a new day and a new time. It means a whole lot to have a black man
sitting in the white House, especially in the United States of America. Cowardly black folk
will never bow down to this type of irrational crap. Remember, black folk had a heart and
a brain during the transatlantic slavery era. The only problem was that they did not have
any type of rights simply because they were not classified as human beings. WAKE UP EVERY-
BODY!
Don’t shed a tear for Dr. Laura’s move to outer space radio because it was predictable. She can say anything she wants about whoever she wants now without shock or awe. Dr. Laura has the attention of the Black Community waiting for her to continue her “N-Word Rant.” She also has her natural market waiting to hear her say something more controversial in the new media. If you must cry, cry for the Brothers unable to get on regular radio. What’s the magic word we can use to get airtime?