According to reports on the Grand Rapids Press website and on WZZM 13, conservative political commentator Ann Coulter has cancelled her scheduled appearance at the Kent County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner. While Coulter has drawn attention nationally for recent racist comments towards Arabs, the Kent County Republican Party’s co-chair, Karl Hascall, defended Coulter’s comments:
Ann Coulter is an entertainer who does political commentary. She uses extreme statements to get her point across. I wouldn’t go around calling Arabs ragheads, but in certain contexts, such as comedy, that’s accepted.
With the cancellation of Coulter’s speech it is important to remember that Hascall’s statement essentially defends racism and is no more acceptable than those who previously defended blackface minstrel entertainment or use other pejoratives to describe people of other races. Hascall’s comments are particular troubling given the ongoing and pervasive racism towards Arabs in the media and US culture.
Related posts:
- Racist Quotes by Ann Coulter Draw Attention in Advance of Speech in Grand Rapids
- Kent County GOP Cancels Utah Governor’s Appearance over his Support for Civil Unions
- Ann Coulter Speaks in Kalamazoo in Advance of Grand Rapids Appearance
- Sen. Brownback visits Kent County GOP
- Debbie Schlussel: Michigan’s Own Ann Coulter?
