In The Wiz, Dorothy and friends were greeted by an unusual sight when they entered the gates of Oz. A giant stage was adorned with a huge, brightly colored grand piano. Quincy Jones, who was attired in a tuxedo of the same bright color, was playing it. Dozens of beautiful and colorfully dressed chorus girls promenaded around the stage.
Suddenly, a loud voice booms from a hidden speaker to announce that it’s time for the color to change. Just as quickly, the identical scene switches to a different color. The dancers continue their promenade, but in the opposite direction.
So what? Well, it’s been a little over two weeks since William Bennett’s unconscionable remarks hit the airwaves. After the initial, lukewarm outcry, interest has waned. We’ve been captured by a “new color” and moved on to something else.
We are doomed if we continue to ignore blatant racist remarks. “Inappropriate” does not begin to describe the venom spewed from this man’s mouth. Shame on us, all of us, if we look away, change colors and sashay along to the next thing.
Thomasina F. Hassler
Submitted via email