By now, I’m sure you’ve heard the ABC sitcom Roseanne was canceled following a racist Tweet Roseanne Barr posted. I won’t repeat it here. If you missed it, even though the tweet itself has been deleted, there are plenty of stories about it that you can find out what it said.
I’m glad the show was canceled.
Don’t get me wrong. I know that put other people (cast and crew alike) out of work. I also believe that would make for a toxic work environment. When someone above you — a manager, boss, or the star of a show — endorses such racism, bigotry, and hate, the continuation of that person’s employment is tacit acceptance/encouragement of their viewpoint.
ABC definitely did right by canceling the show.
Not only that, I think it’s past time for people — possibly especially writers and other people with any kind of platform (that means EVERYONE with a Facebook account or other social media) — take a stand and speak out against the current culture of racism, bigotry, misogyny, ableism, sexism, genderism, etc.
This is my stand.
I am legally blind. I have been on the receiving end of ableism more times than I care to count. I fully understand those who require the use of a wheelchair experience it more than I do.
In the past, I have accepted it as “the way things are” and kept on keeping on. That is not to say it didn’t hurt, though.
You know the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”?
That’s a huge lie.
Words matter. They can hurt or (help) heal. It’s way past time we realize the power words have.
For anyone experiencing hate, racism, bigotry, or any other form of hate, I am an ally. I am taking a stand.
This has to stop.
I’m willing to do my part. Are you?
