Goodbye, Roseanne | Ep. 549

Tweet Backlash

The backlash from Roseanne's tweet was swift and severe, leading to the cancellation of her top-rated sitcom. Ben Shapiro highlights the irony of ABC's decision, noting they were aware of her controversial nature when they hired her 1. He argues that Roseanne's actions inadvertently provided ammunition for critics to generalize about Trump supporters, despite lacking evidence for such claims 1. Shapiro also points out the inconsistency in media reactions, contrasting Roseanne's immediate firing with Joy Reid's retention despite her own controversial statements 2.

Roseanne just provided a crowbar for the left to whack people with, which is really just wonderful thing to do.

--- Ben Shapiro

The discussion extends to the broader implications of Roseanne's actions on public perception and media narratives 3.

   

Media Standards

The media's handling of similar controversies reveals perceived double standards. Shapiro criticizes the media for allowing figures like Joy Reid and Al Sharpton to comment on Roseanne's actions while ignoring their own past controversies 4. He questions when it is appropriate for companies to fire public figures, suggesting that it should depend on whether their actions damage the company's product 5. Shapiro argues that the media often fails to apply consistent standards across different political and social contexts 6.

The media's double standard is evident when figures like Joy Reid, who tweeted out a bunch of other gross stuff, and Al Sharpton, who is one of the worst race baiters in the history of the United States, are allowed to comment on Roseanne.

--- Ben Shapiro

This inconsistency, he suggests, undermines the credibility of media narratives and public discourse.