Memo to Burke Backer: How do you know what colour my skin is?
itsallaboutgrey Says:
June 29th, 2007 8:38 AM
leave IW alone! this whole situation has been blown out of control and IW has his way of dealing with the ridiculous media outbreak. He is blaming himself.. and if that is the way he wants to cope with all of the negativity towards him.. then fine. (correct me if im wrong) But none of us were on the set, none of us have spoken to IW, and none of us truly know what is going on in that poor man's head. He deserves to be left alone. We all LOVE grey's and he was an incredible asset to the show, but ABC has made the decision to let him go, and that is not going to change. Maybe this will open another door for IW and maybe it will be good for GA. It won't be the same, nothing could ever replace Burke and his amazing character, but what is done, is done and I don't think it's going to change thanks to all of the chaos in the media. I don't know what IW could have done to change the outcome, he made a mistake, and he sought help, what else could he do to say he was truly sorry. if ABC can't forgive him after all of his effort than ABC doesn't deserve him.
I used to love this site because people were polite and logic of course with their own opinions and differences. That was before we had some new members using hateful words. People who don't listen when we explain what really happened at the GG or on the set. People who read the trash press and believe everything they read as if it was the bible. People who mention God all the time but don't have the words forgiveness and tolerance in their vocabulary. Please let us g back to the healthy and full of "good sense" discussions like we had in the past.
I have the feeling that if IW had been white this had not probably happened. I just read that your nation's slow march to racial unity is far from over. Doesn't that say enough.
Don't fool yourself the gay community is sometimes very hard and disrespectful when it comes to criticising the straight community.
Saying what I feel in English is not always very easy so I hope you can understand what I feel/mean. Like Amanda I am a white woman with a lot og gay friends and not backing a fellow black.
John Says:
June 29th, 2007 8:56 AM
I really have started to dislike IW actions lately. He got fired from a show and now he is starting to accuse others and involving more people into HIS problem. He was the one who started the fight on set, and he was the one who made that comment against TR. He can say all he wants about TR making this a really big deal, but it is a big deal. If I was TR I would have done the same thing, especially when IW denied it in the first place. If IW wants to be a good person and save that little dignity about his image he has left he should stop involving more and more people into this, and making more accusations when he was the one who began the conflict in the first place.
Naomi Says:
June 29th, 2007 9:22 AM
He's making it sound like the people of grey's are racist! when he's friggen homophobic!
itsallaboutgrey Says:
June 29th, 2007 9:50 AM
Belgian Grey: Thanks!
Gonzo Says:
June 29th, 2007 9:50 AM
Seriously!!!! IW just looks even more pathetic than ever, and is dragging his name deeper into the mud. He messed up and should deal with the consequences, not wine about it. Just move on. And as for secound chances, he had on but messed it up when he said "F" again in the golden globes.
sabrina Says:
June 29th, 2007 10:29 AM
Washington is not homophobic, far from it, and his history clearly states that. His past gay/lesbian mentors are clearly speaking out on his side.
ABC has had a clear history of racism, straight up to Walt Disney. They have had more lawsuits and in-house racism settlements than any other network out there. In the last two years, five black actors/actresses have been fired...no white actors/actresses have. They have been fired with any comment on why from ABC. Not to mention, most were fired after the show gained a minority viewership. Once they gained it, they cut the minorities out. It's a tactic networks use so they can tell their advertisers "hey you can advertise to black people here." Not to mention, most black actors/actresses play the stereotypical and false roles of their race. Preston Burke was a positive, black role model....you knew his character wouldn't last long, esp on ABC.
A lot of white people hate hearing the "race card" or don't acknowledge it because they don't see it. Just because you may not have seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You are probably the same people who think the KKK doesn't exist anymore, and they do, very strongly.
I also don't like the term "race card." It makes it seem like it's a poker game. Just a game. It's not. It is someone's career. Someone's life.
What white people don't realize is you walk through life and NEVER have a reminder that you are white unless you happen to be in a room with all minorities. Minorities walk around everyday with that reminder. Minorities are constantly compared to white people like being white is a standard people should strive for.
I am not black, nor am I white. I grew up in an area that was 97% white. One day, my friends (who were all white) and I went off to college. When we met back after freshman year and went to a restaurant....my friend out of nowhere yelled "holly sh*t." We asked what. She (who attended a primarily minority college) looked at me and said did you know you are the ONLY minority in here and everyone in here are sneaking looks at you. I said yes, it's been that way all of my life. My friend is not racist but for once in her life she saw what it was like to be a minority.
Minorities might not be hung these days, in seperate bathrooms, or whatever, but that doesn't mean racism isn't out there. It just means racism has become more sneaky, grimy and hidden so that only minorities feel it without being able to explain it to white people who can't see or believe it.
Gonzo and the others who repeat always the same "litanie" you should read what really happened at the GG you have it all wrong. The reporter asked him the question using the f word himself and he answered no I did not call TR a faggot. You all keep forgetting about the fact that a question was asked first.
For crying out loud you are THE country who created the real F-word namely FUCK which is used in all movies and series, we know we have them over here in original version, and the result is that in all languages people used that word. That's really shocking to me.
Nikki Says:
June 29th, 2007 10:35 AM
"By the way, the article is incorrect when it says no cast member has spoken to the media since Isaiah was fired. That is simply not true. Patrick, James Pickens, Jr., Kate Walsh, Eric Dane, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have all spoken to the press and expressed sadness and disappointment."
Dear BurkeBacker, can you send me the links to these cast members speaking to the media. The only one I've heard of is Ellen and I'm curious to know what the rest of them said. Thanks!
heather Says:
June 29th, 2007 11:01 AM
you know what burke backer just because sonmeone isnt black doesnt mean they arent a monrity and isaiah is only trying to save his carreer i doubt he believes anything he is saying
i hate isaiah for real!
don't uderstand Says:
June 29th, 2007 11:08 AM
When did the word "faggot" become a curse word? You can spell out the word "f**k", but not "faggot"?
'
kdborg Says:
June 29th, 2007 11:48 AM
As Isaiah Washington has said, he used a derogatory term twice. He admits to expressing his opinion on the job and that his voice bellowed. He also indicated that he was attempting to get his way on various projects.
From ABC's standpoint, when Washington used the derogatory term at the Golden Globes, Washington could not be trusted to speak on behalf of Grey's Anatomy. Grey's Anatomy is a big hit. Big hits bring money.
From ABC's standpoint, an actor trying to push for his vision of the show that contradicts that of the writers, directors, producers and creator, creates workplace tension. Washington appeared to be more confrontational when he should have been more diplomatic.
Now Washington is claiming race had something to do with it. I'm not sure if it's the case. There is a history of actors who got booted from series for being difficult. White actress Shannen Doherty comes to mind. Which is, perhaps, not the best example since she was rumoured to be more difficult than Washington. But at the same time I don't recall Doherty making derogatory comments.
My opinion is that any person who is difficult in a work environment should be fired.
Ollyt Says:
June 29th, 2007 11:52 AM
I have the some concerns for him and the implications on his career but if he feels the need to do this now I respect that. I think Isaiah knows what he is doing for Isaiah at this point and I believe he is setting the record straight and standing up for himself because noone else will.
Isaiah Washington is not an idiot, pathetic, ridiculous, immature, whiny or any other names people on here have called him - He is defending his credibility.When Katherine Heigl was blabbing her mouth every chance she got about the issue noone asked her to let it go and shut up and she had no business to even comment about it because she was not directly involved.
I am not surprised at what he is revealing about race being the crux of the matter. I instictively knew when this all broke out that the bottomline issue was race. Prejudices still exist in our societies no matter how much we want to deny, gloss over or discountenace it. I am sure a lot of us here as women have and still experience such preconcieved prejudices in careers and life in general. Women in the workplace still get passed over, paid less and are discriminated against by their male counterparts all the time.
America is a country where African Americans were still being lynched just 40-50yrs ago, infact more recently a couple of years back here in Texas a black man was dragged to his death behind a truck. So for us to believe as a society that all those prejudices have magically disaapeared because we sing "One Love" together is being delusional.
Media reports say Alec Baldwin does have a terrible temper but he is still being toasted by hollywood as well as a host of others - Johnny Depp,Charlie Sheen, Hugh Grant (In April 2007, Grant was arrested after he allegedly chased, kicked, and threw a can of baked beans at photographer Ian Whittaker and cursed the photographer's children with cancer.Charges were dropped on June 2.)
If all those mentioned above have the priviledge that the excesses of their personal lives being overlooked becuase of their great acting talents then Isaiah Washington should be afforded the same luxury.
I agree with Amanda, Sabrina, BurkesBacker and Belgian Grey - if you have not experienced something you have no right to begrudge someone who has had to deal with it all their life.
Bruce Willis really knows what he was talking about when he said "Isaiah's Firing was excessive and he did not punch PD" - he knows hollywood; the main issue at stake and double standard and hyprocrisy that runs rife everywhere.
Isaiah is a phenomenally talented actor and I am waiting for the day when America/Hollywood will stop this "Salem Witch hunt" on him and recognise his superb talent; giving him the credit he deserves for his exceptional work so far especially on Grey's Anatomy
Ned Says:
June 29th, 2007 12:00 PM
I Think IW is Right in one way because ABC is'nt giving comments and we'd thrust them more than a person that might hate the network at this point but I personally think if Dr. Berk won't come back they (Grey's Anatomy) will loss a huge amount of veiwers, they might not see it at the beggining (Duh people wanna know if he'll be back or not or how the show'll be without him) But around the 6 episoed they'll see changes. If racism is'nt the cause of him being fired might aswell tell us because the slang word IW used is bad but as he said he might have had no idea how it would affect him and thought that it was just a word that maybe in his CHILDHOOD he always heard it being used and he got adopted to it as maybe another meaning he thught it meant. But I come to this speculasion that If the other co-actors ar'nt taking why would they if ABC really did something bad at firing him and risk their job.ABC speak up and state the facts!
Grey's Fan Says:
June 29th, 2007 12:30 PM
O.K., didn't IW get fired because he made a homophobic slur which could be construed as racism and now he is claiming he was fired because of his race???? His firing isn't about his race it is about him making a racial remark - HELLO!!!! I agree with Cat, he is a lunatic. Just from his comments alone regarding not talking like he just came from the plantation - couldn't that be construed as a racial comment in itself!!!! I'm sure if someone other than a black person made that comment Jesse Jackson would be ringing their doorbell!!!! This jerk is just full of pathetic comments and the bottom line is he is not taking accountability for his own actions. Did he not think before the Golden Globes incident when he spouted off on national TV - what did he think that after that mess ABC would give him a hug and renew his contract????? This guy is not living in reality! I agree with ABC for not releasing a reply because such stupid remarks really don't dignify a reply. IW is an idiot and doesn't know when to shut his trap - whether you are black or white is irrelevant - he is obviously a person with issues who needs to go back to counseling. What is he going to spout off at next - a spaceship came and took him to another planet. Move over Anne Heche - there is another lunatic on the block!!!!!
Sabrina Says:
June 29th, 2007 12:51 PM
Grey's Fan, being gay is NOT a race. Thus, it is not a racist remark. Washington did not call Knight a faggot. He called Dempsey one, out of anger, not as a slur. A black person commenting on plantation workers and speech is not a racist comment, especially from a BLACK person. He has clearly taken accountability. He admitted to saying the word, but not in the context you and others are so convinced he has used it in.
He did not call someone a faggot twice. The second time he used it in an explanation. That's like a little child saying "daddy said sh*t...that's a bad word." The child clearly was not saying the bad word in a bad context but rather as an explanation.
If you are going to call someone an idiot, you should look at what you write before doing so.
JEN Says:
June 29th, 2007 12:55 PM
All I have to say about Isiah is that he is bunch of bull and he knows it! Isiah did not get fired because of racism. Excuse me, there are bunch of other different races on that show and they didn' t get fire because of their race. He got fired for calling TR a REALLY bad name. Who cares if TR is gay and even if he isn't, still who cares. TR is SO ADORABLE and SWEET! That I just want to give him a BIG HUGE hug! Please, Isiah do us all a favor and GROW the f*ck up and also start showing more respect,too. Respect goes both aways and also what goes around comes around...so you got what you deserve!
Jen Says:
June 29th, 2007 12:56 PM
Also, another thing...LEAVE TR ALONE! He did NOTHING to you!
GAlover Says:
June 29th, 2007 2:06 PM
Hey-what happened to forgiveness? I don't understand why everyone can't see that IW is sorry for what he did and has tried to show his regret for what happened. I think that GA is a great show and without Dr. Burke back-it definitely will bring the show down! I strongly believe that if TR can get sympathy for being gay-IW might as well use his race to get sympathy! I am totally for IW-mainly because the show definitely needs his amazing talent and character to make the show a success!
Bill Says:
June 29th, 2007 2:16 PM
I enjoyed Mr. Washington's portrayal of Dr. Burke.
Since I am unacquainted with all of the individuals involved, I cannot make statements of fact (like many posters have), just my personal beliefs.
Belief 1: Mr. Washington twice showed poor judgment by using a slur (once in his workplace, which would see many "regular" workers disciplined or fired), and the second time on TV.
Belief 2: Mr. Washington's employer did not fire him. Mr. Washington's contract term had expired, and his employer declined to offer him another contract.
Belief 3: Mr. Washington appears to have lost a great gig, and is casting about for others upon whom to blame his circumstances. If he wants to know whom to blame, he might want to examine his mirror when he shaves. It's amazing that a grown man could blame a coworker (Mr. Knight) for some bizarre Machiavellian scheme rather than just say "I screwed up. It was a great gig. I regret it."
caesar Says:
June 29th, 2007 2:21 PM
It's funny to me how IW fans, in their desperate attempt to prove TR achieved his "objectives," think that the whole controversy had something to do with George suddenly getting more screen time and becoming, as one poster put it, "a big heterosexual magnet." How do they even make such a bizarre connection?
And Belgian_grey: Please don't be so quick to judge America. Yes, America has persistent racial, as well as other social problems, but so does EVERY other country in the world. Show me one country in the world where people of different color, race, religion etc live in perfect harmony. Even in Belgium, where I assume you hail from, there's a continuing tension between the native population and the muslim immigrants. Yes, America has a lot of faults, but I think it's safe to say a qualified, educated and motivated immigrant, regardless of his/her race, has a much higher chance of succeeding here than Belgium or any european country.
jessy Says:
June 29th, 2007 2:45 PM
i think that it was sad that abc let washington go. he said something that was harmful and he apologized for it and did commercials for GLAAD. i think that the show may suffer from his absence on the show. i was really looking forward to his and christina's wedding. they had such good chemistry on the show!! but bc he has a big mouth they have to replace him!! :(
Kitty Says:
June 29th, 2007 2:49 PM
as far as im concerned... i think that it was a stupid idea to fire i.w from the show, i strongly believe that the show will never be the same. but as for i.w sayng what he said... it wasnt the best thing to say, but as you all know that word has been thrown around so much that it has become a part of the slang language for "suck" "womps" or "ridiculous" as for the word "fag" in some slang it means "cigaratte" hell its the name of a meatball for Christ sake!!! it could mean tons of things he might have ben talking about firewood. he could have just implied weakness or he might have complained about someone overdressing or even carring a bit to much about their apearance. all im saing is that if the conversation was between i.w and patric.. noone has the right to say anything seing that they didnt hear the whole conversation. asfar as the racial card goes... its pathetic to even pay that card. its over played! if i were to play any card it would be the good ol dictionary card! it always works best!then if all else faild spend some money on the offended.
Emily Says:
June 29th, 2007 3:03 PM
White privilege is so blinding!
Look at this way: Knight and Washington are in similar situations now. In a room full of people, Knight and Washington will feel the same pressure; some people in the room will feel uncomfortable by the fact that Washington is Black, and others will feel uncomfortable that Knight is gay. Both Knight and Washington will choose to be careful how they express themselves, and they will (and probably have their entire lives) try to avoid "stepping on toes." They both are who they are, and it's sickening that either would have to feel uncomfortable about one simple part of who they are. Now, who is at more fault?
Also, what about Ann Coulter? She has used the "F" word on national television at least once, but because she is an upper-class, white woman, how much grief does she get? People laughed when she said it, and she didn't do it out of anger. Ann Coulter probably suffers from an actual case of homophobia, but Washington gets fired because he's not a rich white woman?
June 29th, 2007 8:07 AM
Memo to Burke Backer: How do you know what colour my skin is?
June 29th, 2007 8:38 AM
leave IW alone! this whole situation has been blown out of control and IW has his way of dealing with the ridiculous media outbreak. He is blaming himself.. and if that is the way he wants to cope with all of the negativity towards him.. then fine. (correct me if im wrong) But none of us were on the set, none of us have spoken to IW, and none of us truly know what is going on in that poor man's head. He deserves to be left alone. We all LOVE grey's and he was an incredible asset to the show, but ABC has made the decision to let him go, and that is not going to change. Maybe this will open another door for IW and maybe it will be good for GA. It won't be the same, nothing could ever replace Burke and his amazing character, but what is done, is done and I don't think it's going to change thanks to all of the chaos in the media. I don't know what IW could have done to change the outcome, he made a mistake, and he sought help, what else could he do to say he was truly sorry. if ABC can't forgive him after all of his effort than ABC doesn't deserve him.
June 29th, 2007 8:40 AM
I used to love this site because people were polite and logic of course with their own opinions and differences. That was before we had some new members using hateful words. People who don't listen when we explain what really happened at the GG or on the set. People who read the trash press and believe everything they read as if it was the bible. People who mention God all the time but don't have the words forgiveness and tolerance in their vocabulary. Please let us g back to the healthy and full of "good sense" discussions like we had in the past.
I have the feeling that if IW had been white this had not probably happened. I just read that your nation's slow march to racial unity is far from over. Doesn't that say enough.
Don't fool yourself the gay community is sometimes very hard and disrespectful when it comes to criticising the straight community.
Saying what I feel in English is not always very easy so I hope you can understand what I feel/mean. Like Amanda I am a white woman with a lot og gay friends and not backing a fellow black.
June 29th, 2007 8:56 AM
I really have started to dislike IW actions lately. He got fired from a show and now he is starting to accuse others and involving more people into HIS problem. He was the one who started the fight on set, and he was the one who made that comment against TR. He can say all he wants about TR making this a really big deal, but it is a big deal. If I was TR I would have done the same thing, especially when IW denied it in the first place. If IW wants to be a good person and save that little dignity about his image he has left he should stop involving more and more people into this, and making more accusations when he was the one who began the conflict in the first place.
June 29th, 2007 9:22 AM
He's making it sound like the people of grey's are racist! when he's friggen homophobic!
June 29th, 2007 9:50 AM
Belgian Grey: Thanks!
June 29th, 2007 9:50 AM
Seriously!!!! IW just looks even more pathetic than ever, and is dragging his name deeper into the mud. He messed up and should deal with the consequences, not wine about it. Just move on. And as for secound chances, he had on but messed it up when he said "F" again in the golden globes.
June 29th, 2007 10:29 AM
Washington is not homophobic, far from it, and his history clearly states that. His past gay/lesbian mentors are clearly speaking out on his side.
ABC has had a clear history of racism, straight up to Walt Disney. They have had more lawsuits and in-house racism settlements than any other network out there. In the last two years, five black actors/actresses have been fired...no white actors/actresses have. They have been fired with any comment on why from ABC. Not to mention, most were fired after the show gained a minority viewership. Once they gained it, they cut the minorities out. It's a tactic networks use so they can tell their advertisers "hey you can advertise to black people here." Not to mention, most black actors/actresses play the stereotypical and false roles of their race. Preston Burke was a positive, black role model....you knew his character wouldn't last long, esp on ABC.
A lot of white people hate hearing the "race card" or don't acknowledge it because they don't see it. Just because you may not have seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You are probably the same people who think the KKK doesn't exist anymore, and they do, very strongly.
I also don't like the term "race card." It makes it seem like it's a poker game. Just a game. It's not. It is someone's career. Someone's life.
What white people don't realize is you walk through life and NEVER have a reminder that you are white unless you happen to be in a room with all minorities. Minorities walk around everyday with that reminder. Minorities are constantly compared to white people like being white is a standard people should strive for.
I am not black, nor am I white. I grew up in an area that was 97% white. One day, my friends (who were all white) and I went off to college. When we met back after freshman year and went to a restaurant....my friend out of nowhere yelled "holly sh*t." We asked what. She (who attended a primarily minority college) looked at me and said did you know you are the ONLY minority in here and everyone in here are sneaking looks at you. I said yes, it's been that way all of my life. My friend is not racist but for once in her life she saw what it was like to be a minority.
Minorities might not be hung these days, in seperate bathrooms, or whatever, but that doesn't mean racism isn't out there. It just means racism has become more sneaky, grimy and hidden so that only minorities feel it without being able to explain it to white people who can't see or believe it.
June 29th, 2007 10:35 AM
Gonzo and the others who repeat always the same "litanie" you should read what really happened at the GG you have it all wrong. The reporter asked him the question using the f word himself and he answered no I did not call TR a faggot. You all keep forgetting about the fact that a question was asked first.
For crying out loud you are THE country who created the real F-word namely FUCK which is used in all movies and series, we know we have them over here in original version, and the result is that in all languages people used that word. That's really shocking to me.
June 29th, 2007 10:35 AM
"By the way, the article is incorrect when it says no cast member has spoken to the media since Isaiah was fired. That is simply not true. Patrick, James Pickens, Jr., Kate Walsh, Eric Dane, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have all spoken to the press and expressed sadness and disappointment."
Dear BurkeBacker, can you send me the links to these cast members speaking to the media. The only one I've heard of is Ellen and I'm curious to know what the rest of them said. Thanks!
June 29th, 2007 11:01 AM
you know what burke backer just because sonmeone isnt black doesnt mean they arent a monrity and isaiah is only trying to save his carreer i doubt he believes anything he is saying
i hate isaiah for real!
June 29th, 2007 11:08 AM
When did the word "faggot" become a curse word? You can spell out the word "f**k", but not "faggot"?
'
June 29th, 2007 11:48 AM
As Isaiah Washington has said, he used a derogatory term twice. He admits to expressing his opinion on the job and that his voice bellowed. He also indicated that he was attempting to get his way on various projects.
From ABC's standpoint, when Washington used the derogatory term at the Golden Globes, Washington could not be trusted to speak on behalf of Grey's Anatomy. Grey's Anatomy is a big hit. Big hits bring money.
From ABC's standpoint, an actor trying to push for his vision of the show that contradicts that of the writers, directors, producers and creator, creates workplace tension. Washington appeared to be more confrontational when he should have been more diplomatic.
Now Washington is claiming race had something to do with it. I'm not sure if it's the case. There is a history of actors who got booted from series for being difficult. White actress Shannen Doherty comes to mind. Which is, perhaps, not the best example since she was rumoured to be more difficult than Washington. But at the same time I don't recall Doherty making derogatory comments.
My opinion is that any person who is difficult in a work environment should be fired.
June 29th, 2007 11:52 AM
I have the some concerns for him and the implications on his career but if he feels the need to do this now I respect that. I think Isaiah knows what he is doing for Isaiah at this point and I believe he is setting the record straight and standing up for himself because noone else will.
Isaiah Washington is not an idiot, pathetic, ridiculous, immature, whiny or any other names people on here have called him - He is defending his credibility.When Katherine Heigl was blabbing her mouth every chance she got about the issue noone asked her to let it go and shut up and she had no business to even comment about it because she was not directly involved.
I am not surprised at what he is revealing about race being the crux of the matter. I instictively knew when this all broke out that the bottomline issue was race. Prejudices still exist in our societies no matter how much we want to deny, gloss over or discountenace it. I am sure a lot of us here as women have and still experience such preconcieved prejudices in careers and life in general. Women in the workplace still get passed over, paid less and are discriminated against by their male counterparts all the time.
America is a country where African Americans were still being lynched just 40-50yrs ago, infact more recently a couple of years back here in Texas a black man was dragged to his death behind a truck. So for us to believe as a society that all those prejudices have magically disaapeared because we sing "One Love" together is being delusional.
Media reports say Alec Baldwin does have a terrible temper but he is still being toasted by hollywood as well as a host of others - Johnny Depp,Charlie Sheen, Hugh Grant (In April 2007, Grant was arrested after he allegedly chased, kicked, and threw a can of baked beans at photographer Ian Whittaker and cursed the photographer's children with cancer.Charges were dropped on June 2.)
If all those mentioned above have the priviledge that the excesses of their personal lives being overlooked becuase of their great acting talents then Isaiah Washington should be afforded the same luxury.
I agree with Amanda, Sabrina, BurkesBacker and Belgian Grey - if you have not experienced something you have no right to begrudge someone who has had to deal with it all their life.
Bruce Willis really knows what he was talking about when he said "Isaiah's Firing was excessive and he did not punch PD" - he knows hollywood; the main issue at stake and double standard and hyprocrisy that runs rife everywhere.
Isaiah is a phenomenally talented actor and I am waiting for the day when America/Hollywood will stop this "Salem Witch hunt" on him and recognise his superb talent; giving him the credit he deserves for his exceptional work so far especially on Grey's Anatomy
June 29th, 2007 12:00 PM
I Think IW is Right in one way because ABC is'nt giving comments and we'd thrust them more than a person that might hate the network at this point but I personally think if Dr. Berk won't come back they (Grey's Anatomy) will loss a huge amount of veiwers, they might not see it at the beggining (Duh people wanna know if he'll be back or not or how the show'll be without him) But around the 6 episoed they'll see changes. If racism is'nt the cause of him being fired might aswell tell us because the slang word IW used is bad but as he said he might have had no idea how it would affect him and thought that it was just a word that maybe in his CHILDHOOD he always heard it being used and he got adopted to it as maybe another meaning he thught it meant. But I come to this speculasion that If the other co-actors ar'nt taking why would they if ABC really did something bad at firing him and risk their job.ABC speak up and state the facts!
June 29th, 2007 12:30 PM
O.K., didn't IW get fired because he made a homophobic slur which could be construed as racism and now he is claiming he was fired because of his race???? His firing isn't about his race it is about him making a racial remark - HELLO!!!! I agree with Cat, he is a lunatic. Just from his comments alone regarding not talking like he just came from the plantation - couldn't that be construed as a racial comment in itself!!!! I'm sure if someone other than a black person made that comment Jesse Jackson would be ringing their doorbell!!!! This jerk is just full of pathetic comments and the bottom line is he is not taking accountability for his own actions. Did he not think before the Golden Globes incident when he spouted off on national TV - what did he think that after that mess ABC would give him a hug and renew his contract????? This guy is not living in reality! I agree with ABC for not releasing a reply because such stupid remarks really don't dignify a reply. IW is an idiot and doesn't know when to shut his trap - whether you are black or white is irrelevant - he is obviously a person with issues who needs to go back to counseling. What is he going to spout off at next - a spaceship came and took him to another planet. Move over Anne Heche - there is another lunatic on the block!!!!!
June 29th, 2007 12:51 PM
Grey's Fan, being gay is NOT a race. Thus, it is not a racist remark. Washington did not call Knight a faggot. He called Dempsey one, out of anger, not as a slur. A black person commenting on plantation workers and speech is not a racist comment, especially from a BLACK person. He has clearly taken accountability. He admitted to saying the word, but not in the context you and others are so convinced he has used it in.
He did not call someone a faggot twice. The second time he used it in an explanation. That's like a little child saying "daddy said sh*t...that's a bad word." The child clearly was not saying the bad word in a bad context but rather as an explanation.
If you are going to call someone an idiot, you should look at what you write before doing so.
June 29th, 2007 12:55 PM
All I have to say about Isiah is that he is bunch of bull and he knows it! Isiah did not get fired because of racism. Excuse me, there are bunch of other different races on that show and they didn' t get fire because of their race. He got fired for calling TR a REALLY bad name. Who cares if TR is gay and even if he isn't, still who cares. TR is SO ADORABLE and SWEET! That I just want to give him a BIG HUGE hug! Please, Isiah do us all a favor and GROW the f*ck up and also start showing more respect,too. Respect goes both aways and also what goes around comes around...so you got what you deserve!
June 29th, 2007 12:56 PM
Also, another thing...LEAVE TR ALONE! He did NOTHING to you!
June 29th, 2007 2:06 PM
Hey-what happened to forgiveness? I don't understand why everyone can't see that IW is sorry for what he did and has tried to show his regret for what happened. I think that GA is a great show and without Dr. Burke back-it definitely will bring the show down! I strongly believe that if TR can get sympathy for being gay-IW might as well use his race to get sympathy! I am totally for IW-mainly because the show definitely needs his amazing talent and character to make the show a success!
June 29th, 2007 2:16 PM
I enjoyed Mr. Washington's portrayal of Dr. Burke.
Since I am unacquainted with all of the individuals involved, I cannot make statements of fact (like many posters have), just my personal beliefs.
Belief 1: Mr. Washington twice showed poor judgment by using a slur (once in his workplace, which would see many "regular" workers disciplined or fired), and the second time on TV.
Belief 2: Mr. Washington's employer did not fire him. Mr. Washington's contract term had expired, and his employer declined to offer him another contract.
Belief 3: Mr. Washington appears to have lost a great gig, and is casting about for others upon whom to blame his circumstances. If he wants to know whom to blame, he might want to examine his mirror when he shaves. It's amazing that a grown man could blame a coworker (Mr. Knight) for some bizarre Machiavellian scheme rather than just say "I screwed up. It was a great gig. I regret it."
June 29th, 2007 2:21 PM
It's funny to me how IW fans, in their desperate attempt to prove TR achieved his "objectives," think that the whole controversy had something to do with George suddenly getting more screen time and becoming, as one poster put it, "a big heterosexual magnet." How do they even make such a bizarre connection?
And Belgian_grey: Please don't be so quick to judge America. Yes, America has persistent racial, as well as other social problems, but so does EVERY other country in the world. Show me one country in the world where people of different color, race, religion etc live in perfect harmony. Even in Belgium, where I assume you hail from, there's a continuing tension between the native population and the muslim immigrants. Yes, America has a lot of faults, but I think it's safe to say a qualified, educated and motivated immigrant, regardless of his/her race, has a much higher chance of succeeding here than Belgium or any european country.
June 29th, 2007 2:45 PM
i think that it was sad that abc let washington go. he said something that was harmful and he apologized for it and did commercials for GLAAD. i think that the show may suffer from his absence on the show. i was really looking forward to his and christina's wedding. they had such good chemistry on the show!! but bc he has a big mouth they have to replace him!! :(
June 29th, 2007 2:49 PM
as far as im concerned... i think that it was a stupid idea to fire i.w from the show, i strongly believe that the show will never be the same. but as for i.w sayng what he said... it wasnt the best thing to say, but as you all know that word has been thrown around so much that it has become a part of the slang language for "suck" "womps" or "ridiculous" as for the word "fag" in some slang it means "cigaratte" hell its the name of a meatball for Christ sake!!! it could mean tons of things he might have ben talking about firewood. he could have just implied weakness or he might have complained about someone overdressing or even carring a bit to much about their apearance. all im saing is that if the conversation was between i.w and patric.. noone has the right to say anything seing that they didnt hear the whole conversation. asfar as the racial card goes... its pathetic to even pay that card. its over played! if i were to play any card it would be the good ol dictionary card! it always works best!then if all else faild spend some money on the offended.
June 29th, 2007 3:03 PM
White privilege is so blinding!
Look at this way: Knight and Washington are in similar situations now. In a room full of people, Knight and Washington will feel the same pressure; some people in the room will feel uncomfortable by the fact that Washington is Black, and others will feel uncomfortable that Knight is gay. Both Knight and Washington will choose to be careful how they express themselves, and they will (and probably have their entire lives) try to avoid "stepping on toes." They both are who they are, and it's sickening that either would have to feel uncomfortable about one simple part of who they are. Now, who is at more fault?
Also, what about Ann Coulter? She has used the "F" word on national television at least once, but because she is an upper-class, white woman, how much grief does she get? People laughed when she said it, and she didn't do it out of anger. Ann Coulter probably suffers from an actual case of homophobia, but Washington gets fired because he's not a rich white woman?