I don't agree with the cancellation of #Roseanne . Why? I don't believe racism was in her heart or mind when she made the comment. It was one of a series of jokes focused on her targets' intellect & world view, and she didn't stop to think about the term's use as a slur.
(1) If I thought Roseanne had intentionally lashed out with a racist remark, I would be on the bandwagon with #ABC 's decision. But I do not, and I'm doubtful that ABC leadership actually thinks that she is a racist.
(2) ABC seized the opportunity to crucify her and end the show because they were safe in doing so. They wanted the show off the air, notwithstanding its high ratings, because it ran counter to #MSM 's messaging.
(3) I'm not trying to make excuses for racism. But where terminating this show had a devastating impact not only to its star but a huge cast and crew, wouldn't some sort of deliberation be warranted that lasted more than 30 seconds?
(4) She was given no opportunity to clarify. And more damning is ABC's failure to consider other possibilities, e.g., suspending Roseanne or even rescripting the show going forward.
(5) Instead, the network immediately screamed "Witch!" then supported a narrative that not only was Roseanne a racist, but that represented the Trump base, a familiar refrain.
(6) The swift rush to judgment and ensuing death penalty should alarm us. Why? Take politics out of the mix. Do you think the show would have been cancelled if she had not been a vocal Trump supporter?
(7) If Roseanne resurfaces and says that she had, in fact, intended the connotation, then I agree with the show's cancellation. But nothing will convince me that the network's motives were pure in their speed-of-light decision-making process.
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