Yesterday morning while checking some emails on my laptop, I happened to catch a topic of conversation during the opening dialogue on the morning talk show, The View. It immediately made me stop, look, and listen.
The conversation was directed to a statement, which the lately controversial, Miley Cyrus, made in an interview with Hunger TV, in which she commented on the concern that some music execs had for her new professional direction. She felt as though they couldn’t possibly know what they were talking about.
“With magazines, with movies, it’s always weird when things are targeted for young people yet they’re driven by people that are like 40 years too old. It can’t be like this 70-year-old Jewish man that doesn’t leave his desk all day, telling me what the clubs want to hear.”
I tend to consider myself a pretty understanding and open human being when it comes to topics such as religion and politics; there is good reason why these subjects tend to be forbidden on a first (and second) date. I often believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt, and teaching tolerance and understanding rather than feeling anger and seeking retribution. So despite the fact that I identify as a Jewish woman, I wanted to believe that Cyrus meant no ill will by her comment and to assume that she spoke ignorantly, rather than maliciously.
However, my annoyance quickly turned to disgust when co-host Jenny McCarthy piped in to give her two cents on the controversial declaration. Rather than condemning the statement made by Cyrus, McCarthy merely laughed and added that she would want to listen to what Jewish people told her because they were the ones making the money.
Thankfully, co-host, Barbara Walters, the 84-year old television veteran and The View creator, whose parents were both Jewish, quickly stepped up to put an end to what could easily have been considered an anti-Semitic remark. She pointed out the compassion needed when speaking on such a national platform, and the lack of understanding that one may have unless they have had a certain specific human-experience.
When Walters explained to McCarthy that her comment sounded anti-Semitic, McCarthy appeared to remain unapologetic when she laughed and said, “I know.” Walters, who seemed appalled by this, told McCarthy that she hoped that she didn’t “know.”
While I whole-heartedly believe in our first amendment right, I find it disheartening that many now appear to lack compassion before they open their mouths to speak. The perpetuation of stereotypes only harms our society. It will certainly be interesting to see if McCarthy’s (or Cyrus’) statement makes any headlines or ruffles any feathers.
Interestingly enough, McCarthy’s remarks came on the same day upon which Radar Online published a story claiming that a View production source revealed that McCarthy’s job might be in jeopardy because “her big mouth is making viewers tune out.” The source continued, claiming that if Barbara wants her off of the show that she will buy her out before the end of her contract. “Right now they’re just trying to adjust Jenny’s performance on the show so that she comes off as more appealing, but that’s an uphill battle.”
Only time will tell if McCarthy’s manner and opinions will cost her a seat behind ‘The View’s’ desk. After all, she has every right to say what she wants but unless she changes her attitude, I have every right not to listen.