Sharpton Controversy

May 10, 2007 at 5:54 PM
4 comments

The debate from the New York Public Library between Christopher Hitchens and Al Sharpton that I covered before has ignited some controversy. Sharpton (apparently) made biogoted remarks towards Mormonism. Personally, when I first listened to the debate and heard this statement, I found it to be in bad taste and a moot point but I'm not sure if this is biogotry or not (I'd love to hear your thoughts on if it is). At any rate, I think it's all very telling of the status of the religion debate in this country (that is that it's not very good). Hitchens appeared on Lou Dobbs' CNN program to discuss what happened at the debate.

Lou Dobbs w/ Hitchens on Al Sharpton's Bigoted Remark

What I find most outrageous about this whole thing is that there was so much more to discuss besides that one (fairly insignificant) remark. That this petty BS takes precedent over the actually issues makes me nearly sick.

I also must say that I'm becoming more and more impressed with Lou Dobbs, he seems like a thoughtful guy.

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the statement doesn't seem bigoted to me - it obviously shows the belief among many Christians that their belief in god is the only "true" belief (or the only true way of believing - it is pretty much a regular religious practice to attack other people's religions - but like Christopher Hitchens says, religion is bigoted - (i hate this word - i mean, say it a few times, it's really awkward - it sounds ugly) - people make statements like this all the time about other religions - religion, is by nature, is bigoted - i am in agreement, however, that with all the other issues they could be talking about, the issue of who "really" believes in god is so unimportant and a ridiculous waste of time

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It's rude. Just like everyone these days, no one seems to practice understanding or tolerance or open-mindedness. It's all old news.

And after saying that I don't mind stating that I'm from Massachusetts and governor Romney is the most cruel, selfish rat that ever ran for office. You want to discuss religious bigotry, if that's what we're calling it? He wants to wiretap Mosques. Guilty until presumed innocent, which will be never if you're Muslim.

[this is good]

I'm going to agree with your point on Lou Dobbs. No wonder his show has some of the highest ratings for a news-related program in his time slot.

That is *EXACTLY* the problem! Nobody wants to hear actual ideas or conversations! News is about what the people want to hear, not what people should hear. We are a culture of soundbites, and the more provocative the soundbite, the better it sells.

Forget what people are actually saying. Forget tyring to look through people's misspeaking and blunders to the heart of their points. Forget substance. No one cares enough, no one will take the time to listen and soak it in. I'm not sure how much of it is our culture not wanting substance and how much of it is the media assuming we dont' want it. Perhaps it's a mixture, and endless cycle even.

News is a business, a consumer product even, just like everything else in this world.

Sharpton Controversy

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