Essay 1368

Raining on Parades with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The New York Times reported on controversy surrounding traditional Sunday parading in New Orleans. While parade organizers insist the events help heal the community from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, police argue the crowds can spark violence. As a result, law officials have beefed up security, ultimately charging hefty fees to parade organizers. Talk about raining on someone’s parade. Click on the essay title above to read the full story.

• Michael Richards appeared with the Rev. Jesse Jackson on a Sunday radio program. Richards claimed he had never used such racist language before. “That’s why I’m shattered by it. The way this came through me was like a freight train. After it was over, when I went to look for [the alleged hecklers], they had gone. And I’ve tried to meet them, to talk to them, to get some healing,” said Richards, insisting his words were fueled by anger versus racism. Regarding the incident, Jackson remarked, “We must not return hate with hate. We want to assess the impact of what he said, and what Mel Gibson said. … The Richards incident is like the Katrina crisis that lifted the face off of poverty in America and opened up old wounds for new examination and debate. His meltdown is historically rooted in a disturbing trend.” Additionally, Richards’ new publicist Howard Rubenstein reported his client is seeking professional help. Which also continues the disturbing trend of Hollywood bigots needing to have their heads examined (see Mel Gibson).

• Despite national Black Friday sales reports indicating a 6 percent rise over last year’s figures across the board, Wal-Mart showed disappointing results for the early holiday shopping season. In fact, the mega-retailer expects to record a 0.1 percent decline in sales versus last year’s figures. It should be interesting to see if new advertising agency Draft FCB can restore the smiley faces to Wal-Mart officials.