By Leona Salazar
You may recall the early Charles Atlas advertisements. The typical scenario presented a skinny young man (usually accompanied by a female companion) being threatened by a bully. The bully pushes down the “97-pound weakling” and the girlfriend joins in the derision. This embarrassment makes the young man go home and order the Atlas book on bodybuilding. Thereafter, the newly muscled hero returns to the place of his original victimization, seeks out the bully, and fights back. He is rewarded by the swift return of his girlfriend and the admiration of onlookers.
Political correctness has now become that bully, except no one is fighting back! PC is everywhere: on tv, in magazines, in movies, and in just about every aspect of our lives. I’ve no respect whatsoever for the wimps that cringe in fear because of it.
Its latest victims are the networks, namely, CBS and NBC. As an example, both have declined to air an ad from a conservative group, the National Republican Trust Pac, protesting the building of a 13-story mosque near the site of the World Trade Center attacks. NBC refused to run the ad because it’s “unclear as to whether the reference [to ‘they’ are] to terrorists or to the Islamic religious organization that is sponsoring the building of the mosque. Consequently, the ad is not acceptable under our guidelines for broadcast.” Check it out for yourself.
Yet, the New York Times, had no problem running MoveOn.org’s full-page advertisement sliming 4-star Gen. David Petraeus, who has honorably and bravely served this country over three decades, when in 2007 he was appointed by President George W. Bush to head the surge in Iraq. MoveOn.org received a discount of $102,000 from the NY Times on the standard political advocacy rate that is advertised at $167,157. (Note: MoveOn.org had to remove its defamatory ad from its website when President Obama recently appointed Gen. Petraeus to take charge of the war on terror in Afghanistan. (How dishonest is that?)
Is it any wonder why it’s called the “Lame Stream Media?”
Not surprisingly, the mosque project has amassed both opposition and support. In May, after a four-hour public debate, members of the Community Board 1 voted 29-1 in support of the building of the mosque. Nine members abstained, arguing that they wanted to table the issue and vote at a later date. More political correctness? It will be decided in August whether the existing building should be granted landmark status which may or may not prevent the mosque from being built.
Of all the places in Manhattan, why build the mosque on a sacred burial ground? Terrorists – who were Muslims – flew planes into the World Trade Center and killed thousands of people. I wonder how many Americans, today, even know about the likelihood that a mosque is going to be built a stone’s throw away from the site of this horrific tragedy. How many will come to NYC to visit Ground Zero and be shocked to see a mosque shadowing the site of 9/11? I can only imagine. Yet, the networks won’t run an ad informing the American people of the opposition that continues to grow against this most insensitive project.
Could anyone imagine a Shinto shrine built near Pearl Harbor in the 1940s? Of course you can’t because people weren’t cringing at the thought of offending the Japanese. That’s my problem with political correctness. As the term is used today, its purpose is to minimize social and institutional offense. In this instance, it’s politically incorrect to offend the Muslim community yet, I’m guessing, the vast majority of Americans, if they actually knew about this, would be horribly offended. Again, its ok for a so-called artist to offend Christians by photographing a crucifix submerged in a glass of the “artist’s” urine, but it’s politically incorrect to offend Muslims by drawing a cartoon of Mohammed.
Imam Feisel Abdul Rauf, the head of the Cordoba Institute, which is in charge of the project, insists the site will help “bridge the great divide” between Muslims and the rest of America.
What I’d like to know is, if the Imam believes there is a gap, how exactly does he propose to bridge it? I want to know how the jihadists who flew the planes into the WTC are going to be depicted. Heroes? Martyrs? Misguided? Or will they be depicted for what they really are: Murderers? Will they be called jihadists? Terrorists? Will they be denounced by the entire Muslim community?
The imam said, “we have condemned the terror of 9/11” and “we have worked to ensure that our mosques are not recruiting grounds for terrorists.” Hmmm. I’m not so sure about that. This is the same guy who was interviewed by Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes on September 30, 2001, and when asked about the 9/11 attacks, said, “I wouldn’t say that the United States deserved what happened, but the United States policies were an accessory to the crime that happened.” Sounds like a great starting point to “bridge the divide.”
What’s even more interesting is the $$$. I’d like to know who’s funding this project. NY Representative Peter King asked gubernatorial candidate, Rick Lazio, to request an investigation by the NY State Attorney General. Apparently, the Imam refuses to disclose where the money is coming from except to say that funds will be raised in the U.S. as well as from Arab and Islamic countries. I’d like to know if the money is coming from “Arab and Islamic countries” which sponsor terrorism. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is not in favor of such an inquiry. I wonder why? Let’s see where the money trail leads.
So, my last question is why are so many politicians like NYC Mayor Bloomberg, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Councilman Robert Jackson, Councilwoman Margaret Chin, State Sen. Daniel Squadron and City Comptroller, John Liu, behind this project? I can’t find Sen. Charles Schumer’s position on the mosque but he’s very busy right now dealing with the advertising of caffeine-infused, flavored malt beverages which are apparently becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. I kid you not.
If I was a conspiratorial nut, I’d say there was money to be made by a lot of folks. But since, I’m not, I’ll say they’re all a bunch of wimps cowering to political correctness.
And then there’s Tom Ognibene, a former City Council member now running for Lt. Governor, who would get my vote if I was still a New Yorker, who said, “What we’re not going to tolerate is the religion that caused the death of those Americans at Ground Zero building a mosque with $100 million of blood money from around the world that hasn’t even been investigated.” Now, that’s my kind of politician.
So, why won’t the networks run the anti-mosque ad? Political correctness?
I don’t get it, and, if you do, God bless you.
I am sitting at my computer this morning drinking coffee that is advertised as “free trade” whatever that means.
By the end of this day I will be bombarded with political AND environmental correctness.
From the dish detergent I use (too many phosphates) to the car I drive (green house gas emissions), even the food I feed my dog (buy this brand and help homeless animals), there is a political, social or environmental cause attached.
Corporations today pander to the general public in this regard.
Each trying to out do the other explaining why their product(s) are safer for the environment or how many millions of dollars they are giving back to their communities or “buy this product” to help “this cause”.
I can remember the “good old” days of just drinking my coffee, washing the dishes and my clothes and driving my car to the store to buy something and not have to think about it.
I can identify with Chiefs comments though and am glad I live in the present day and age where discrimination (although it still does exsist) is not what it used to be years ago.
My then 4 year old mother and her parents (my grandparents) were unable to purchase a home in Denver in the early 40′s because they were Jews. My grandfather was a mechanical engineer who at the time took on the war time design/building of military equipment and was transferred to Colorado.
Unable to purchase a home, they were able to rent a small apartment for a short period until the landlord literally forced them out on the street upon discovering their heritage.
They ended up living and working back home in the Philadelphia area.
The sad fact in all of this is that regardless of our race, religious beliefs, political or enviromental views, we have become a country where everyone is afraid to say anything about or disagree with anyone for fear of being labeled “Anti________” fill in the blank.
Until folks stand up and are not afraid to speak their mind, it will only continue to get worse.
Wonder how Imam Rauf would respond to the article reachable via this google:
“pakalert how 9/11 was done”
The mayor — would that he showed some sensitivity and compassion for NYC motorists. His PVB had a city marshal grab my car and take it to a car pound — grimmer in appearance, I think, than Gitmo — with my dog inside. As PVB continues to play gotcha with my car, it will soon be grabbed again — this time, I shall not have the funds to redeem. Maybe I should seek the Imam’s intervention?
Your point about the money trail is an important one. Wherever the funding is coming from for the mosque will explain a lot.
To expect the New York Times and some TV networks, speakers for the liberal media, to take any other position is naive. Anytime there is a choice to be made between (1) fairness and reason and (2) bend-over-backward support of a left wing position, the liberal elite can be depended upon to espouse the anti-American side of the question.
Which side can the liberal media be depended upon to support: Israel or terrorists? Jane Fonda or South Korea? Economic redistributon or capitalism? Martyrs or murderers? Prayer in school or secularism? Veiled faces or laws forbidding them? Racial equality or racial favoritism? Military trials for terrorists or civil trials? Arizona’s effort to protect America or unlimited illegal immigration? Abortion or “choice”? Death sentences or unlimited appeals? Cartoonists or Muslims? and on and on and on.
I don’t automatically support what might be the expected conservative position on these and other questions; my point is that while I look at a question objectively and make a decision based on the issue’s merits, the lifties never do. At the Times, liberal bias will always trump fairness.
Your well thought out and well researched article makes a clear point …. but one the politically correct crowd will by-pass. And kudos to Tom Ognibene for stating the truth so succinctly.
Do either of the networks have an ad policy which would have been violated by the ad? If so, to what other ads would it apply. I think it was cowardly not to accept the ad but the simple solution is to not watch the networks. On the other hand, if the mosque complies with all laws, I do not think the application based on the use or the religion. I do not think it should be treated differently than any other religion or religious use. If a protestant or catholic church could not be built at the site and would not be granted a conditional use permit, the mosque should not be allowed either. If a protestant or catholic church would be allowed, the mosque should be allowed. I do not want the government deciding what is an acceptable religious view.
Ron.
Thanks, Ron, for your thoughts. While you raise a very good point regarding the ownership of the property and the right of the owner to build so long as it complies with building codes, use permits, etc., my concern was the appropriateness of building a mosque so close to the site of the 9/11 attacks and why there were so few NYC politicians willing to say, “yeah, it’s legal but it’s not right.” Your comment does bring up another good point though…was the property bought before or after the 9/11 attacks? Something else to think about.
[...] Political Correctness: The 21st Century Bully [...]
Because I am a minority, I take advantage of being politically incorrect. I grew up in the late 40′s when my parents could not buy a home in certain areas of Los Angeles and real discrimination existed. I am thankful that those days are history and I can poke fun at peoples’ fears with being politically correct.The truth is not everyone is going to like you and you will be offended by some people, but is current political correctness the answer? No, be brave and voice your opinions.
Good article Leona. Look what happens to people who speak their mind or what they feel is the right thing to do. Everyone is afraid to say or do anything anymore. How did this happen?
Thanks, Bruce. I have no idea how all this happened. I know if you’re against gay marriage, you’re a homophobe; if you’re against any of Obama’s policies, you’re a racist; if you’ve got an opinion about illegal immigration, you’re a xenophobe. I guess calling someone a name is an easy way to shut someone down in order to avoid having a reasonable discussion.
The double standards of our major news outlets are amazing to me. Is it political correctness or does this ad just not fit their politics? I know we are way past expecting that the MSM be impartial. I just wish that they would read some of Bernie’s books and follow some of hisadvise on how to get back to some semblance of impartiality.