What have they done????  Say it ain't so!!!!  They done fired Isaiah Washington.  This was a tough decision for Shonda Rhimes, I'm sure, but now my favorite show is ruined for me. 

First of all, let me say that I do not agree with Isaiah Washington's actions that caused all of this controversy to begin with.  I would be more in support of him if his using of the f-word was a denouncement of homosexuality.  I wouldn't support him using the bad language, but I would say that those were his beliefs and that his freedom of speech should be protected. 

But by Isaiah's own admission, he doesn't have a problem with homosexuals.  He is good friends with Melissa Etheridge and her partner and their children play together.  So, what Isaiah did was basically spew a curse in anger at a co-worker.  He wasn't making a gay slur, he was cussing at T.R. Knight.  Something like if we were working together and he called me the b-word.  He wouldn't be referring to all black women but just cursing at me. 

At most jobs, cursing out a co-worker is a firable (sp?) offense.  But isn't chronic tardiness and breaking employer confidentiality also cause for termination?  This is the case with T.R. Knight.  According to reports (the same reports that have been used to indict Isaiah) T.R.'s tardiness was the spark for the confrontation.  Then T.R., against all Shonda Rhimes' pleas to keep the situation in-house, goes on national television (Ellen) giving a very biased account of what actually happened.  Did anyone besides me see that show?  T.R said that Isaiah said the f-word, but he didn't say that he actually said it to his face.  I've had co-workers call me names behind my back even the infamous "black b....", however they are still employed.

I believe what it came down to in the end was money.  Which group of viewers was ABC willing to lose?  African-Americans or Homosexuals.  From a demographic standpoint, Grey's Anatomy probably has more gay viewers than black.  Even though it has been my favorite show these past three seasons, it isn't exactly African American friendly. 

Y'all have seen my rants about the show.  Not one successful black on black relationship to speak of (although Shonda redeemed herself a little bit with the chief - but is the chief only paying attention to his estranged wife because his caucasian mistress is dead???).  And the only black woman on the show is a modern stereotype of mammy who keeps all her little white babies in line. 

But I overlook these things (as do many other black folk) because the show was entertaining.  We do that alot.  We sit idly by while we're misrepresented in Hollywood and we continue to watch and consume (on credit) all of the luxury items advertised during these shows. 

Sad, sad, sad.  I probably won't be watching Grey's Anatomy next season, because I looked forward to Burke's scenes.  Isaiah Washington was, hands down, the most talented actor on that show. He presence on the show is irreplacable.  

So every homosexual in Hollywood stood up for T.R. Knight.  Let's see if Black Hollywood will speak out for Isaiah.

Holla Back!!!