We’ve done it. We built a society in which blurred lines between right and wrong are the norm. On the one hand, people in the spotlight are held to a higher level of scrutiny. But on the other, I’m not sure what any of them has done to earn the public’s respect for their product endorsements and opinions. Meanwhile, some get fired for bad behavior while others get mere finger wags.
One could argue that Kathy Griffin got what she deserved when she was fired (and, as a result, lost multiple bookings) after posing for a photoshoot with an image of a decapitated Donald Trump. The public outcry spoke for itself. In this case, shock and horror seemed consistent, from both advertisers and the public on all sides of the political spectrum.
But let’s compare the justice in Griffin’s case to others. NBC “Today” show host, Billy Bush, for instance, was fired for laughing at Trump’s “grab her by the pussy” comment. But Trump was elected President despite it.
Chrissy Teigen gets publicly chastised as a “bad mom” for not bringing her 10-day old baby with her on a date with husband, John Legend. But the president’s 11-year-old follows crass comediennes on Twitter and no one waves the “Bad Parent” flag.
And then there’s Bill Maher. If Billy Bush can’t laugh at the “P” word, how does Maher get away with an “Oops, sorry!” for using the “N” word?
Why do we tolerate double standards? Why can’t we streamline our reactions to – and the consequences of – horrendous behavior?
It’s simple: You’re Offensive. You’re Fired.
We live in a free republic with democratic elections that allow citizens to choose their leadership. Arguably, that system isn’t fool-proof. But at least we know whom to blame – either the leaders themselves or the people who elected them (or didn’t vote at all).
Unfortunately, however, regulating public opinion isn’t so simple. We don’t know who elects and protects the “freedoms” of the anonymous-but-morally-superior group of censors who help shape the same public opinion that enables double standards. We also don’t know which – or how many – competing standards this committee of censors pledges allegiance to before allowing the double standards.
I’d like to sit on that committee – even for a day. I might not last much longer than that anyway, given that my sense of humor rests somewhere around that of a pubescent boy’s. But were the committee to consult me, I would remind “them” to lighten up and to remind people to keep letting their wallets do their talking. Don’t like what an actor said publicly? Don’t spend $15 on his next movie. Tired of Bill Maher? Turn off the TV and let his sponsors know.
Accept the apology or don’t. Your call. But, keep it consistent. If you laughed at the Obama effigies, but want Kathy Griffin tarred and feathered, you don’t speak for me. So, don’t try.
