The Chill Wind Of Left Wing Censorship

For the record, I detest reality shows. I have never watched a full episode of Survivor. I watched Joe Millionaire several times, and I will watch those reality shows that are really old time variety shows like American Idol (though I only watched the first two seasons all the way through - since then, I just watch the try outs to see the really bad singers).

Additionally, I am not much of a TV protestor. I have no problem with groups exercising their powers of pursuasion on trying to get TV, especially the networks, to provide some decent family shows every now and then. But I have paid much attention to those groups. I do notice, however, that whenever they start a campaign, they are ridiculed in the LameStream Media (LSM) as knuckle dragging pro-censorship types trying to stiffle creativity. The religious are a threat to the first amendment to hear it from most LSM.

That is seldom the case, however, when the Left exercises its power to "censor" shows. When P.C. is the motivating factor rather than decensy or religious belief, well the chill wind just isn't there. The Left has successfully prevented or hindered several TV shows, including Dr. Laura's show and the TV show that was to investigate John Kerry's war record. Now, apparently, the Left has a new victim: a reality TV show.

"Welcome to the Neighborhood," an ABC reality series that pushes hot buttons of racism and anti-homosexuality, was pulled by the network before its debut.

The program had drawn criticism from groups claiming it risked fostering prejudice.

The show "fostered" prejudice? Actually, the 6 episode show ended in a PC love fest.

While it ultimately carries a valuable message about diversity and acceptance, those watching the first episodes could be left thinking discrimination is "not that big a deal," GLAAD spokesman Damon Romine said Wednesday.

"Regardless of how things turn out at the end of the last show, it's dangerous to let intolerance and bigotry go unchallenged for weeks at a time," he said, adding that GLAAD hopes a revised version might air.

But having a happy ending is not enough. Because the earlier episodes did not include an immediate rebuking of those who made "prejudiced" remarks, the show was opposed by the progressive groups.

And who were these intollerant folks the show highlighted? Did you really have to ask?

The six-episode show, which was to debut July 10, follows three families in Austin, Texas, who are given the chance to choose a new neighbor for a house on their street.
Each family initially wants someone similar to them _ white and conservative.

Ah yes. No religious black folks who don't like homosexuals. No Less-recently Immigrated Americans who dislike the Chinese. Only white conservatives in W's homestate of Texas were appropriate for this experiment.

Instead, they must choose from families that are black, Hispanic and Asian; two gay white men who've adopted a black child; a couple covered in tattoos and piercings; a couple who met at the woman's initiation as a witch; and a poor white family.

In the early episodes, one man makes a crack about the number of children piling out of the Hispanic family's car and displays of affection between the gay men provoke disgust.

The series' producers had said it was intended to promote a healthy and open debate about prejudice and people's fear of differences.

Oh, my! Disgust. A socially responsible show would have had the man face detention at Gitmo.

Well, the producers got their wish about fostering discussion. Sadly, the discussion is about what drives a network that airs Desperate Housewives to not run this show?