Ethics in politics & media: Randi Rhodes’ “rant” not so unreasonable.
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
The current hot election story is that Randi Rhodes has been suspended by Air America because of the content of a comedy bit she did two weeks ago, off air:
Ms. Rhodes used vulgar language that likened Mrs. Clinton to a prostitute at an event sponsored by KKGN, the Air America affiliate in the San Francisco area, on March 22. . . .
In a statement, Charlie Kireker, the chair of Air America, said the radio network “encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our hosts.” (NY Times)
Here’s an example of how the conservative media is reporting it:
Air America radio has suspended talk show host Randi Rhodes for what has been described as an appalling rant . . . (Fox News)
The transcripts are online, but one really needs to see the video to get the feel of the event; that this was definitely schtick: (YouTube)
But there’s no big problem with what she said, nor with Air America’s reaction.
Contradictory? I don’t think so:
- This was an entertainer, doing a stand-up comedy bit in an adults-only venue. Her routine was typical and appropriate for that context.
- The content of her routine, likening some politicians to prostitutes, is political language that usually deserves a high level of deference.
- Nothing she said is any worse than what one hears in right-wing talk forums. For example, I recently switched off the David Letterman show when comedian Dennis Miller was on, and in the beginning of an energetic routine called Senator Harry Reid a “bloated pussbag” and other pejoratives. I found it unfunny and bizarre; simply insulting for the sake of insulting.
- It’s actually a real stretch to call her bit ad hominem. The prostitute analogy is pretty directly about the politician’s acts and behavior. For real ad hominem, consider the Dennis Miller quote, above. Or, alternatively, most times that pundits on either side of the political spectrum liken someone to a Nazi.
- Finally, Air America is a business, and Rhodes seems to have made this appearance as representing them. And they apparently didn’t bargain for this kind of performance, nor consider it appropriate representation.
So, me personally, I’m not so shocked as I am interested in how our society is working out these events that intersect three spheres: media, politics, and comedy.