You can’t unring a bell. I don’t care how many times you say you’re sorry, I misspoke, it was a poor choice of words- people say what they mean. It’s only the consequences and reaction to what they’ve said that makes them sorry.
From Anthony Weiner to Rush Limbaugh to Roland Martin people- and by people; I mean politicians and broadcasting professionals have been tweeting with no edit button and talking with their feet stuffed in their mouths. We’ve heard that Whitney Houston was a “crack ho”; Georgetown student Fluke was a slut; Weiner tweeted his package and a federal judge circulated an email about President Obama.
The latest apology comes from actor Robert DeNiro who attended a fundraiser for President Obama and headlined by Michelle Obama. Apparently DeNiro’s joke about potential first ladies Calista Gingrich, Ann Romney and Karen Santorum “Now do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?” wasn’t funny to one of the husbands. The first shot of faux rage came from Newt Gingrich insisting that President Obama should apologize. Puleeze.
Robert DeNiro offered this – “My remarks, although spoken with satirical jest, were not meant to offend or embarrass anyone –especially the First Lady.” Oh, Robert.
First thing you hear from the offenders is “I’m sorry.” No you’re not. You’re sorry that its a controversy but you meant what you said and if it sounded sexist, elitist, racist or homophobic- own it, because you meant it.
Unfortunately, you’re going to have to own the consequences too.