Ok, I get it. Comedians, like the rest of us, sometimes say really dumb, stupid, silly and ignorant things. Yeah, I get it. But the comment made by Sandra Bernhard at a recent appearance was totally out of line.
It went something like this: Bernhard, in making her point about women’s rights and their rights to abortion, said Sarah Palin (who is anti-abortion) would be “gang-raped by my big Black brothers” if she ever visited the Big Apple.
Bernhard, who should have known better, definitely crossed the line – and has now been cut her from headlining an annual benefit for…here comes the good part: a women’s shelter, Rosie’s Place – a haven for women, many whom themselves have been violated in unmentionable ways.
But I have another problem with Bernhard (and yes, I’m clearly using this forum to vent): When did we as women give the ‘ok’ for other women – women like us – to be victimized? Furthermore, why would Bernhard stereotype the “big Black brothers” as the abusers (a point that I cannot possibly overlook), which only perpetuates an ugly myth?
Shame on Bernhard for seeking a laugh at the hand of extreme violence towards women – whatever the politics. On another note: Kudos to Rosie’s Place management for addressing the matter directly, upfront and personal, showing everyone where they stand on the issue. And that’s something every candidate can learn from.
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