Jemele Hill was suspended by ESPN when she remarked in a column that rooting for the Boston Celtics was like cheering for Hitler (or some inappropriate Nazi reference of the sort). So, it followed that when Lou Holtz referred to Hitler and how his leadership skillz relate to Rich Rodriguez, he would be equally punished.Turns out, um, not so much. You would think that Hill would be pretty upset at the obvious (right?) double standard that took place at the WWL over the past few months, but according to her all-flash blog, well, she's "okay" with it.
My initial answer is a story, or rather, a moment. A couple years ago, I was visiting the Poynter Institute (one of the foremost journalism think tanks in the country) and I sat in on a session taught by one of my favorite columnists and people, the Washington Post's Sally Jenkins.Okay, so I wouldn't say she's "happy" about the whole business, but she's at least willing to keep her mouth shut and move on.
A student asked her if she ever got upset when other writers were rewarded -- particuarly those writers who weren't as good. And Sally said -- and I'm paraphrasing here -- that she always prided herself on keeping her eyes on her own career. I never forgot that.
That's my answer. That's how I feel.
Of course, that kind of maybe probably has to do with the fact that making a stink out of this whole business won't do wonders for her employment status at this point, and moving on makes the most sense. On the other hand, both of them referenced Hitler. Both of them made the a stupid public mistake; only the medium is different. So, personally, I fail to see why Lou is going to be on the moving picture screen again this Saturday.
Via AA
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-22-2008 @ 12:35AM
Chris said...
Isn't there a big difference though? One comment was made on live television with no chance for Holtz to edit himself. Hill's was made in print and she was able to review her column as well is have an editor review it. How is that not a huge difference?
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10-22-2008 @ 1:04AM
Collin said...
Also, Hill compared people to those who supported the Nazis. Holtz was basically making the reference that you don't have to be a great person to be a great leader. It's better that they look at the context then just punish for a Hitler reference.
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10-22-2008 @ 8:43AM
john.epax said...
also, maybe it is because she is a young black woman and Lou is a "kindly old grandfather" figure with a lot more clout at the worldwide.
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10-22-2008 @ 12:04PM
Matt said...
When did it become a crime to reference Hitler? He was one of the most influential figures in history. A person should not have to apologize for merely mentioning the name. Neither should have been reprimanded if they made valid points. (Without a point, it would just be name-calling. They should then be reprimanded for bad journalism)
Hitler is dead now. He won't be hurting anyone anymore.
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