A spiteful remark by Linda
Ronstadt in a
July 15, 2004, feature in the San Diego Union-Tribune further
illustrates that Christian-bashing may be the last acceptable form of
bigotry in this country. Ms. Ronstadt told the paper,
"It's a real conflict for me when I go to a concert and find
out somebody in the audience is a Republican or fundamental
Christian. It can cloud my enjoyment. I'd rather not
know." (emphasis added)
Outside of the
conservative media, Ronstadt's remark has received scant
attention.
Still don't get it?
Replace the word "Christian" with "Muslim," "Jew," or "Hindu." ... For
example, imagine if Ronstadt had said, "It's a real conflict for me when
I go to a concert and find out somebody in the audience is a Republican
or devout Muslim. It can cloud my enjoyment. I'd rather
not know." Unlikely? Yes. But the American media, and the entire
public, for that matter, would be rightfully outraged. Demands for a
"full apology" from Ronstadt and that she enroll in "sensitivity training"
would soon follow. Her already waning career would be through.
But bashing Christians is
still very permissible.