Debra Messing and Eric McCormack: Will They Face the Same Scrutiny as Roseanne Barr Did?
The recent controversy surrounding Debra Messing and Eric McCormack, particularly regarding their social media activities, has stirred significant discussions. Many are drawing parallels to the scandal that engulfed Roseanne Barr several years ago. This comparison raises questions about whether Hollywood celebrities will face similar scrutiny and repercussions for their online actions.
The Fringee Perspective
The fringe right often distorts the truth and equates different situations to create false equivalencies, as evidenced by their reactions to Debra Messing’s controversial social media posts. They tend to accuse her of making a grave mistake by 'liking' a post that emphasized the belief that black supporters of Trump are mentally ill. This act is seen as a form of endorsement and provoke public backlash.
It is important to note that Messing and McCormack are not the first celebrities to face media scrutiny for their social media actions. Roseanne Barr is one such example. She has a history of making openly racist and bigoted comments, yet some fringe elements insist that her and Messing's actions are equally problematic.
Fringe Right's Rantings
The fringe right believes that anyone who disagrees with them is a "snowflake." They frequently express outrage over perceived provocations, displaying a lack of self-awareness and compassion. They often mock and demoralize those who express opposing views out of ignorance and bias.
This tendency to jump to conclusions about the motivations and intentions of public figures has led to some rather hilarious and dubious outcomes. Some fringe group members can be so uninformed that they might even associate certain tweets or actions with drug use, although this is often unfounded.
The Media Response
When Roseanne Barr made her controversial tweet, the media response was immediate and intense. Liberal media outlets, particularly those on television, except for Fox News, vigorously covered the fallout for days. There was extensive speculation about whether Barr was under the influence and what kind of substance she might have used.
Compared to this intense media scrutiny, Messing and McCormack have faced a more subdued reaction. Mainstream media outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and the 'big 3' networks have given them minimal coverage. The only significant fallout occurred on conservative internet sites, conservative talk radio, Fox News, and social media.
The left-wing talk show, The View, discussed Messing and McCormack’s situation, and Whoopi Goldberg even addressed it. Her concern over the use of McCarthy-like tactics was commendable. However, even with this notable exception, the overall media coverage has been lukewarm in comparison to the case of Roseanne Barr.
The Public's Reaction
Debra Messing and Eric McCormack attempted to walk back their statements, claiming they did not intend to blacklist anyone and were only advocating for transparency. However, the public and others in their circle of Hollywood cronies were not buying it, recognizing the insincerity of their response. Messing, in particular, is known for her severe case of The Donald's Deliverance Syndrome (TDS), making it nearly impossible for her to stop tweeting controversial content.
Messing later 'liked' a post that declared all black supporters of President Trump to be mentally ill. This action was met with even more intense public criticism, but it is noteworthy that this issue has faded into the background more rapidly than her previous incidence.
Conclusion
The reaction to Messing and McCormack's actions reflects a broader pattern of media and public scrutiny. While there is a semblance of similarity with the Roseanne Barr incident, the intensities and reactions are more muted. The future remains uncertain, and it is plausible that Messing and McCormack could face similar scrutiny, especially if they continue to engage in controversial social media posts. However, the current landscape suggests that they may not face the same level of media and public scrutiny as Barr did.
Ultimately, the dynamics of media scrutiny and public outrage are complex and can shift rapidly based on context and perception. The events surrounding Messing and McCormack serve as a cautionary tale for celebrities aware of the potential ramifications of their online actions.