A new winning statement from America’s favorite Fox News pundit, Bill O’Reilly!
Apparently, O’Reilly spoke on his 19 September The Radio Factor broadcast that he met Al Sharpton for dinner at Sylvia’s, the famous soul food establishment in Harlem. It seems he had an eye-opening experience of some sort, because he stated:
“I couldn’t get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia’s restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean, it was exactly the same, even though it’s run by blacks, primarily black patronship.”
He continued to praise them for their “civility” throughout the program. When engaged in a discussion about the effects of rap culture, he noted, “There wasn’t one person in Sylvia’s who was screaming, ‘M-Fer, I want more iced tea.’” He then continued on, comparing Sylvia’s atmosphere to that of an Italian restaurant in an all-white suburb, with no “craziness.” (Yes, he said “craziness”).
Clearly, O’Reilly experienced a great deal of culture shock, by the way he kept bringing it up every time he could. It almost sounds like he had a life-changing experience.
However, don’t go thinking he’s changed all that much. His understanding of black culture?
“I think black Americans are starting to think more and more for themselves. They’re getting away from the Sharptons and the [Rev. Jesse] Jacksons and the people trying to lead them into a race-based culture. They’re just trying to figure it out. ‘Look, I can make it. If I work hard and get educated, I can make it.”
My very favorite part of that statement was my recognition that he went to the oh-so-”civilized” Sylvia’s with one of the “Sharptons” (in fact, The Sharpton!) I’m not sure how he explains how someone who is so reoccupied by race could enjoy such an environment.
There’s more on http://mediamatters.org, including a recounting of O’Reilly’s past comments on race and ethnicity, and a more complete transcript of his comments from the broadcast (with the video).
M-Fer, I want more iced tea evolved understanding of racial politics by Bill O’Reilly!
