Was 'The View' Walk Off Appropriate?
Whoopi and Joy Walk Off 'The View'
What Caused "The View" Walk Off?
During a contentious and noisy discussion, the last straw came when O'Reilly said, "Muslims killed us on 9-11." Opposing views brought cheers from the audience, but the loudest applause came when the two co-hosts angrily left the set. Barbara Walters immediately took control of the situation and told the audience, "I just want to say something to all of you. You have just seen what should not happen. We should be able to have discussions without washing our hands and screaming and walking off stage. I love my colleagues, but it should not have happened."
Walters then addressed O'Reilly's inflammatory comment by saying, "Now let me just say to you in a calmer voice. It was extremists. You cannot take a whole religion and demean them." O'Reilly later gave a pseudo apology, saying "if anyone felt that I was demeaning all Muslims, I apologize." This prompted Behar and Goldberg to return to the set.
Barbara Walter's Dog House
As a renowned journalist, Walters holds a special position. She is equally poised whether interviewing celebrities or controversial icons, such as Fidel Castro. "The View" co-hosts are, for the most part, entertainers.
Walters is not a regular member of "The View" panel and the show adopts a different tone when she is there. She often seems annoyed when the panelists take jokes too far or loudly speak over one another. Using a calm, firm voice, Walters usually interjects with additional facts and makes statements to balance the discussion.
This incident appeared to upset Walters more than previous skirmishes. Her heavy public admonishment was uncharacteristic and it will be interesting to see where "The View" goes from here. Friday's episode was taped, but the co-hosts are set to discuss this hot topic on Monday.
Were Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar Sending A Message?
For me, this was not about conflicting beliefs or political affiliations. O'Reilly's extreme statements perpetuate stereotypes across the world. Blaming Muslims for 9-11 is not simply a matter of politically incorrectness or hurt feelings, as O'Reilly claims. It is ignorant, hurtful and dangerous.
By leaving, the co-hosts sent a clear message that his comments were intolerable. Doing so will help keep anyone from misconstruing the situation to feed a hateful personal agenda. Whether or not that was their intention remains to be seen. Perhaps Monday's episode of "The View" will bring a clear explanation.
Sources:
"Monday: Co-Hosts React to Bill O'Reilly Interview Live", ABC.Go.com
Published by Drew Taylor - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment
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5 Comments
Post a CommentThanks for the comments. I agree it was unprofessional and it is sad that so-called discussions turn into yelling matches.
Good coverage,
Not very professional on the part of Whoopi and Joy, that's for sure. Will be interesting to see what happens on Monday! :)
Good analysis.
Frankly I felt that that entire "episode" was much ado about nothing! Bill O'Reilly was an invited guest commentator to the View. He was stating his opinion. Now whether or not, it is popular with the co-hosts of the program or not. It was his statement, his view, so to speak. They have the right to voice THEIR opinion whether or not they agree or disagree. What took place as Barbara Walters so aptly stated..."should not have happened". I certainly do not put alot of credence into what the women of the view have to say.....none of them are role models or frankly have any background or experience that lends to making intelligent statements on a variety of topics. It is clearly....just that....THEIR VIEW. So ladies...get over yourselves. All of you knew beforehand that a sometimes contraversial guest, like Bill O'Reilly can drudge up feelings, sentiments, anger, etc. But as hosts, you need to be alittle more tolerent....Whoopi, and Joy. HE IS THE GUEST....Like it or not!