TRIGGER WARNING This post is not intended to be insensitive or disrespectful. It is meant to be a teachable moment in hopes of leveling the insensitivity currently being experienced by the Black community who is being triggered by the celebration of the career of Norman Lear. The Black community, is most impacted by the exploited story content and portrayal of Black culture. One can argue the pluses and minuses of that. But that’s not the issue being raised here. The issue is the controversy of Eric Monte, the uncompensated and uncredited creator from whom much of the material was stolen. The legacies of Norman Lear and Eric Monte are forever connected. So in praising the career legacy of Mr. Lear, one is simultaneously causing more trauma and harm to the still living Mr. Monte, who is equally deserving of respect, appreciation and sensitivity at minimum. It’s acceptable that most are acting with good intent and are not even aware of this controversy. Like most of our history, it’s been hidden. But in the words of Maya Angelou, when you know better, you do better. The ask is not that you change your mind, that’s a personal choice, but that you do your research to fully understand the facts. Know what you are actually praising and the impact it’s having to a community. For those who say the timing for this information is wrong for Mr. Lear, consider that the timing is absolutely right for Mr. Monte and every member of the Black community who is being triggered right now. No one takes joy in a life loss. We all mourn the loss of a life. That includes the “life” lost to Mr. Monte. This is a tragedy all the way around. Celebrate if you will, but this would be an appropriate time to consider a donation to the Go Fund Me linked here, stated by filmmaker Dara Tucker in 2022, to support Eric Monte. If you are unaware of the controversy, and want the education, there are helpful links in the comments or simply do your own research to learn more. Yes, this is a bold post to make, but leadership requires doing difficult and sometimes unpopular things in order to do what’s right. Sensitivity is not a privilege reserved for the privileged. In a Just society, it has to be applied to all. #fortheculture
Podcast long
Full Philadelphia Inquire interview https://youtu.be/lC8tZ4l3O1Q?si=5n2VUkcIwsQGLWpj
Stacy Casson
8mo
This was eye opening Angela Harris, MBA, MIM . The GoFundMe is still accepting donations. Life has not been kind to Mr. Monte.
Video Short https://youtu.be/zUt_nNs4i5g?si=MtoE8GDbCK5QyC0z