Essay 464

A MultiCultClassics Monologue dogged by controversy…

• Accusations of racism have been turning up within the Los Angeles Fire Department, highlighted by the story of a Black firefighter who was served pasta mixed with dog food by his peers. According to an audit, 87 percent of the department’s Black firefighters either witnessed or experienced discrimination at work. “We do have a problem,” Chief William Bamattre said. “The fire service in general has been very resistant to change, and while I do think we’ve made progress in some areas, I don’t dispute the findings; they are valid.” Better watch out for the firehouse chili.

• The Washington Post reported The Washington Post is firing 80 staffers — about 9 percent of its workforce. Wonder which reporter had to investigate that story.

• Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich continues to spark racial controversy. The past weeks have seen problems surrounding resignations and arguments in his anti-discrimination panel (see Essay 460). Now reports show that last month the governor signed a proclamation honoring a Nation of Islam group advocating Black separatism. Maybe he should change his name to Blackojevich.

• About 100,000 mostly Hispanic folks marched in Chicago on Friday to support immigrants’ rights. Governor Blagojevich spoke to the masses in Spanish, saying his parents are immigrants and he understands their issues. He was probably recruiting new members for his anti-discrimination panel.

• New York Knicks executive Isiah Thomas continues to battle a lawsuit from a former employee who insists Thomas sexually harassed her — including calling her a “Black bitch” and “ho” and later saying he was in love with her. Thomas charges the woman is simply a disgruntled ex-staffer who couldn’t stand the changes made under his leadership. Given the team’s current 17-43 record, it’s safe to say there must be a lot of disgruntled staffers not digging the new directions.