Tasteless Humor

Can a tasteless “joke” from Sunday’s Oscars telecast be a reflection of what we as a nation are becoming? In my opinion, this year’s Oscars broadcast was dreadful.

Besides the demeaning remarks about women and the stereotyping of Jews, the host Seth McFarlane, while speaking about the magnificent portrayal by Daniel Day-Lewis of Abraham Lincoln, also mentioned the film portrayal several decades ago by the actor Raymond Massey. Then McFarlane went on to state, “I would argue, however, that the actor who really got inside Lincoln’s head was John Wilkes Booth.” When hearing the negative reaction from his audience, he went on to say, “Really? 150 years later and it’s still too soon?”

Yes, Mr. McFarlane. It is too soon, and as far as I am concerned 1,500 years from now will still be too soon.

For you see Mr. McFarlane, there are certain realities that should ever remain outside the sphere of a “joke.” The heinous assassination of President Abraham Lincoln is one of those realities. Also, do I need to remind you that many of us are still reeling from the tragedy of Newtown Connecticut? Further, we are in the midst of a debate on gun violence that could change the nature of our nation. And you joke about the tragic death of Abraham Lincoln?

I can only hope and pray that you do not represent a nation that is becoming far too callous.

I am three-fourths of the way towards completing my seven-fifth year of life. Is my sensitivity just a reflection of a generation gap, or is my concern something that transcends the age differential?

Please let me hear from you.

– AMS