Last night, ABC News announced the suspension of Whoopi Goldberg from ‘The View’ for two weeks following her contentious remarks about the Holocaust. The controversy arose after Goldberg’s discussion on a Tennessee School Board’s decision to ban the graphic novel “Maus,” which details Nazi death camps during World War II.
Goldberg stated, “If you’re going to do this, then let’s be truthful about it, because the Holocaust isn’t about race. It’s not about race. It’s about man’s inhumanity to man.” These comments prompted widespread backlash, as many saw them as a fundamental misunderstanding of the Holocaust’s racial aspects.
Hours after her comments, Goldberg issued an apology, acknowledging that she misspoke. She reiterated her apology the next day. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), appeared on ‘The View’ to explain why her comments were inaccurate and harmful. Greenblatt emphasized, “Hitler’s ideology, the Third Reich, was predicated on the idea that the Aryans, the Germans, were a ‘master race’ and the Jews were a subhuman race. It was a racialized anti-Semitism.”
Greenblatt further explained that while modern American views on race might differ, historically, Jews have been persecuted as a distinct race. He warned against cancel culture, advocating instead for what he termed “council culture.”
ABC News President Kim Godwin stated, “While Whoopi has apologized, I’ve asked her to take time to reflect and learn about the impact of her comments. The entire ABC News organization stands in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues, friends, family, and communities.”
Jared Rosenberg, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, and Chris Witherspoon, an entertainment journalist, joined the discussion on the suspension. Rosenberg noted, “ABC’s decision reflects a broader societal trend of demanding consequences even after apologies are made. While accountability is important, it’s also crucial to allow space for growth and education.”
Rosenberg criticized the immediacy of Goldberg’s appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ following her initial apology, suggesting it may have exacerbated the situation. “Whoopi’s projection of American conceptions of race onto European history is problematic,” Rosenberg said. “Failing to understand this can obscure the unique nature of anti-Semitism and its contemporary manifestations.”
Witherspoon highlighted the educational potential of ‘The View,’ stating, “The show was originally a platform for lively debate and learning. Suspending Whoopi removes an opportunity for public education and dialogue. Whoopi’s presence on the show allows for teachable moments, both for her and the audience.”
Witherspoon also pointed out that Goldberg, who joined ‘The View’ in 2007, has been part of the show’s evolution from entertainment to a more news-oriented format. “Goldberg is a comedian, not a journalist. What she said was not funny, but she should be allowed to learn and grow from this experience while continuing to contribute to the show.”
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about race, anti-Semitism, and the role of media in educating the public. As the discourse continues, many hope that it will lead to a deeper understanding and a more nuanced discussion of these critical issues.
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