Lessons that Richards Learned
Ethically, these are odd times to say the least. We are a society in a maelstrom of indulgence, entitlement, judgment and the inability to forgive. There is a target on just about everyone and it is always moving.
The latest example of this game is Matt Richards, now the ousted host of the “Jeopardy!” quiz show. Since the passing of Alex Trebek, the show has gone through a series of hosts. Richards is the latest fall-guy.
Richards is accused of making demeaning remarks about women and minorities. According to reports gleaned from services specifically looking for such things:
“Several include him making derogatory comments about his co-host and former assistant, Beth Triffon, such as disparaging her body and appearance. He also was found to have used slurs for people with mental disabilities and little people. Richards also discussed places like Haiti and the unemployment system in America in a way that was derogatory to the poor.”
Never mind that Richards has apologized again and again the remarks made eight years ago. Never mind that some of the so-called slurs were acceptable a decade ago, never mind that his apologies have fallen on the deaf ears of the self-righteous. For our society has lost its sense of fair-play.
After the firing
Richards managed to squeeze out 10 days’ worth of taping before the axe fell. Sony couldn’t retape and so they did the next best thing: eliminated all traces of the host “1984 Style.” Traditionally, the big winner gets their picture taken with the host.
The current winner, Matt Amodio has suffered through questions from Robin Roberts, LeVar Burton, David Faber, Joe Buck and the latest, Matt Richards. When Amodio’s streak ended in excess of $500,000, Richards was in the process of being given the boot. Therefore, Amodio posed alone. All evidence of Richards is cleansed.
As the new season begins, the deputy managing editor for Polygon, the video gaming conglomerate will appear as guest host. His name is Samit Sarkar.
By the way, prior to Sarkar and after Richards, Mayim Bialik former “The Big Bang Theory” super star was another fill-in host who didn’t last long. Said the website “Decider,” on August 25, 2021:
“Bialik is currently under fire herself for controversial remarks she has made in the past over topics like vaccinations, birth control, and Harvey Weinstein’s victims.”
The website was right. Bialik didn’t last.
What will give?
It should go without saying that racism, anti-Semitism, homophobic remarks, comments about women, etc. have no place in our society. However, is there a statute of limitations when it comes to being forgiven for stupidity and insensitivity?
Who decides now, that what was acceptable then, cannot be forgiven – under any circumstances now?
Ethically speaking, I believe nearly everyone should be given a second chance. As a society, are we so self-righteous, that we cannot allow redemption? And, the follow up: when will common sense permit us to say “No” to the cancel culture?
However, it does underscore something quite real, especially in regard to anyone seriously considering a career in the so-called public eye:
Get off social media sooner than later. That means podcasts, controversial website posts, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and the rest. Any posts will remain somewhere, forever.
“Doesn’t that interfere with my First Amendment rights?”
Yes, it does. As Matt Richards has learned, there is no time limit on how far back people will reach to prove a point and to judge. If you need to think twice about posting or saying something, don’t post it or say it.
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