A lot of readers had strong opinions about whether “Grey’s Anatomy” star Isaiah Washington should stay or go after repeatedly uttering a homophobic slur. RedEye columnist Kyra Kyles wrote Friday that he should get his walking papers. (You can read her column on redeyechicago.com if you missed it.) Here’s what you thought.
No excuses
When are we as a society going to stop excusing prejudice as some sort of illness or an unfortunate bi-product of a chemical addiction? Prejudice is the outward expression of hatred and ignorance, nothing more, and while we can’t always choose our neighbors and relatives, there should be zero tolerance for bigots in the workplace. That’s why ABC should have sent Isaiah Washington packing after the first incident!
George O’Neill, 40, Rogers Park
Too-harsh punishment
I might be one of the few who feel Isaiah Washington should NOT be fired for his comments. Not because I agree with or condone his actions, but because the punishment does not fit the crime.
It reminds me a very similar situation. Back in 1984, Jesse Jackson referred to Jewish people as “hymies” and New York as “Hymietown.”
Mr. Jackson did not lose his job. Considering Mr. Jackson is a member of the clergy and a civil-rights advocate, one would think his situation to be more severe, given of his position in the community.
Mr. Washington has apologized for his comments, both to T.R. Knight and to GLAAD. He is also seeking professional help to avoid this problem. Something, as far as we all know, Mr. Jackson has yet to do.
Jeff Dickson, Jefferson Park
Too quick to judge
Mr. Washington deserves another chance. He apologized and he’s going to counseling. We as a people are so quick to judge others. We act as if we have never made a mistake. That we are without sin. If Mr. Knight accepts Mr. Washington’s apology, who are we to continue to aggravate the situation? Such condemnation from a country so full insensitivity and arrogance.
Nona Greenup, West Pullman
He’s done enough
Isaiah Thomas should continue to star as Burke on “Grey’s Anatomy.” He brings a lot of flavor to the show. I think he has done and is doing what he needs to do to show repentance and remorse for his inappropriate/negative comments.
Karen Gill, South Side
Third strike, he’s out
I’m pleased you’re bringing this question to light. If this truly is Washington’s third strike then maybe he should go regardless of ratings.
I’m pretty thick-skinned, but deliberate ignorance has to be called on and dealt with. There can no longer be a double standard with regards to hate.
Tom Wall, Chicago
Stopped watching `Grey’s’
I believe that Mr. Washington got his second chance the first time he uttered the words on the set. I believe that if anyone said the “n-word” to Mr. Washington, they would have been fired immediately and there would have been a much larger controversy. I think that this is a double standard.
I believe that if one wants to be treated equally and respected by everyone, one should treat others equally and respect them as well.
I for one have stopped watching “Grey’s Anatomy,” and as much as I miss seeing Patrick Dempsey every week, I will not be watching until something better is done about this situation.
From what I am seeing, I guess I will just have to rent “Can’t buy me love” if I want to see Mr. Dempsey on the television screen again.
Kristen Del Medico, 19, Elmwood Park
Too fine
He’s definitely “eye candy.” I don’t think I would enjoy the show as much without him.
Vernessa Turner, 43, Lansing
