Fox News host Bill O'Reilly says his review of soul food Harlem restaurant Sylvia's is being taken out of context and was not racist. On his radio show, O'Reilly spoke of taking civil rights leader Al Sharpton to Sylvia’s and "couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia's Restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City.
This comment and others prompted a broader discussion on the persistence of prejudice in American society, circulated by Media Matters for America, a media watchdog group that has been highly critical of O'Reilly. In a snowball effect, other media organizations then picked up the comments. In a written statement, Bill Shine, Fox's vice president for programming, added, "This is nothing more than left-wing outlets stirring up false racism accusations for ratings. It's sad.”
Take a look at some of O’Reilly comments:
- “I mean, it was exactly the same, even though it's run by blacks, primarily black patronship."It was the same, and that's really what this society's all about now here in the U.S.A. There's no difference."
- "Wasn’t any kind of craziness at all" during his dinner with Sharpton: "There wasn't one person in Sylvia's who was screaming, 'M.F.-er, I want more iced tea.”
In typical O’Reilly fashion, Bill O’Reilly comments about Black America has once again come under scrutiny. When will it stop? Will I call this man racist? No. However, to be considered a so-called professional American political communicator, he sure is full of stereotypes and misconceptions of Black America.
For example, there are several stereotypes in his recent comments. For starters, why even bring up the fact that a black own restaurant is no different then any other restaurant in New York City? If I’m not mistaken restaurants are categorized by food origin, not labeled by race of owner. O’Reilly also mentioned there was no craziness. Are you implying that black establishments are known to be run chaotically? Lastly, his use of word ‘M.F.-er’. This word is linked to the stereotypical perception of lingo that's used within the Black community.
If O’Reilly continues to produce constant stereotypical remarks, the fire that fuels media watchdog groups like Media Matters for America will continue to stay lit. He can not continue to throw controversial dialog and not expect people to respond or even misinterpret his words.
It’s safe to say that O’Reilly community relations efforts are substantially damaged, especially in the Black community and there’s no real solution other then to watch what he's says.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/26/oreilly.race/index.html?iref=newssearch
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