The following is what she said, quote for quote. The image I added.
“I speak for all the executive producers here at ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ when I say that Isaiah Washington’s use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference.
We’ve been working within the ‘Grey’s’ family as well as with ABC and Touchstone Television to address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing. We applaud and encourage Isaiah’s realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues.
We appreciate the support the fans have always given our show, particularly during this stressful time. Creatively, we continue to strive to make the best television we can with the hope that our show reflects the talent, hard work and professionalism of our cast and crew. ”
My reply? Chickenshit.
The first paragraph is great. She addresses the concern that any offensive word like that hurts. The second … okay. She’s tip-toeing around how firing Isiah might have caused a bigger problem. Fine. But … ‘We applaud’? First she snickered/giggled when Isiah spoke out at the Golden Globes (there’s a video that’ll show you that), and now she applauds?
There’s a really big double standard going on here.
I accept it’s a no-win situation. If they fire Isiah, Teddy comes off to be a troublemaker, and people might pin this on him. They already are, to an extent. If they keep him, everyone’s unhappy. Of course, they’re unhappy now, and I don’t see how to make it better easily.
Gay rights groups (GLAAD and GLSEN) told him that while it’s fine to want to be judged by his actions, not his words, that “those actions have to show a real commitment, not be a one-shot thing.” Good! This is a start.
And to clarify, I don’t want his head on a pike. I want him to be treated just like I would have been for calling someone a nigger or a mick or a dumb pole.
Fairness and equality. Is that to much to ask for?