I saw an interview of some friends of Isaiah who were trying to brush it off, to move forward... they compared it to the Richard “N” word incident.
Whether “N” or “F” or any other word that hurts people, this should be taken very seriously. We are a society that is too flip and do not realize how easy it is to hear things these days and to comminicate information. This is the day and age of “everyone is watching.” Scary, yes, but with that in mind, we all need to re-acess and grow up. I am sure that Mr. Washington is a nice person, a family man, a polite person possibly. But what he isn't is aware that a word like “f##got is no longer a word that you can toss around freely. I mean, I remember in my youth, it was a word, unfortunately was used a lot. I heard it a lot. I was not brave enough to put a stop to it. It was a word that to this day has caused me a lot of damage. People have no idea how offensive it is. I don't even like queer, but that has been turned from a negative into a positive within the gay community.
As T.R. said on “Ellen,” the “F” word IS an awesome word. It is awesome in it's power to send out a message of hate. It is one of many strong slurs.
On a plus side, an incident like this is a great way to show the world an example of what this word can do. Whether race, handicap, sexual orientation, weight, religion... there are words out there to put down each of us.
Let them exist peripherally, and let's keep them THERE to remind us of our differences and allow us to choose NOT to use them. That is an even stronger choice believe it or not.
Grey's Anatomy star begins counseling
Isaiah Washington.Photograph by : AP file
Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has entered a residential treatment facility after making anti-gay remarks about cast mate T.R. Knight.In a statement issued Wednesday, the 43-year-old father of three said he has begun counseling.
"I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and I remain committed to transforming my negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally."
Washington, who plays Dr. Preston Burke, was widely criticized last year for referring to Knight as a “faggot” during an altercation with Patrick Dempsey on the Grey’s set. Knight, 33, subsequently came out of the closet and went public with his relationship with Ontario native Luke MacFarlane, who stars on Brothers and Sisters.
But Washington re-ignited the furor backstage at the Golden Globes on Jan. 15 when he denied using the gay slur – by using it again.On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Knight confirmed that Washington had used the derogatory word last fall and said he was surprised by the denial.
Washington later apologized and admitted “there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul.”
The actor was reportedly seen entering a rehabilitation facility early Wednesday morning.
Grey’s Anatomy executive producer Shonda Rhimes applauded Washington’s decision to seek help. In a statement, she said everyone wants to "address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing.
"Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference."© canada.com 2007