Ignorance is one thing, but most people don’t have the effrontery to consistently raise issues of which they know so little. Was I surprised that a 65-year-old White man might not be familiar with the Black National Anthem? I guess no more surprised than when former President Trump referred to Frederick Douglass (one of the most famous Americans in history – deceased since 1895) as if he was still alive. Not since he laughingly hurled the n-word live on his show (for which he later apologized) had I felt that type of visceral contempt. “Now maybe we should get rid of our national anthem, but I think we should have one national anthem.” My husband and I were stunned. “I saw last night on the football game Alicia Keys sang ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ which now I hear is called the Black National Anthem,” he began.
He leaned in to read out a few “examples” listed on his note cards. Little did I know that the very next day, I’d watch Maher give a masterclass on the dangers of wading into sensitive racial discussions ill-equipped.ĭuring Maher’s discussion he expressed outrage that society seems to be reverting back to segregation in a sense. I’d just finished writing an article explaining why successful discussions about racism require racial literacy and racial humility (which build racial stamina). Even with that grounding I was unexpectedly outraged during the Septemshow.
Regrettably, I’ve come to expect serious, substantive topics like anti-Black racism in America to be irresponsibly mangled and butchered by uninformed, insensitive (typically White) guests-ostensibly as a form of entertainment. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc for HBO Films) FilmMagic, Inc for HBO FilmsĪ regular viewer of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, I’m quite familiar with his relentless, tired obsession with wokeness, “cancel culture” and liberal overreach. Bill Maher of Real Time with Bill Maher during HBO Winter 2007 TCA Press Tour in Los Angeles.
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