Hateful Humor

Carl Paladino says his remarks about the Obamas were meant to be humorous, not hateful. He says he "is certainly not a racist." He says he thought only a few of his friends would see what he wrote.

Boy, was he wrong! In so many ways!

His emailed "wishes" for President Obama and Michelle in 2017 went to a local newspaper instead of his friends. From there they were picked up by the New York Times and other media outlets. He never denied what he wrote, doubling down instead by saying it was appropriate given the way President Obama has weakened America.

His "humor" is vile and disgusting. I prefer not to repeat what he said, but if you insist on knowing exactly what this is all about, google “Carl Paladino racist remarks” and you’ll get the details.

This story was widely circulated because Paladino is a public figure: a successful businessman from Buffalo, New York; the 2010 Republican candidate for governor of New York; an elected member of the Buffalo Board of Education since 2013; honorary co-chair of Donald Trump’s 2016 New York campaign committee.

I’m not suggesting Paladino had no right to say what he said; the 1^st amendment guarantees him the legal right to express any opinion he chooses.

What concerns me is a culture that tolerates such attitudes on the part of those in leadership positions. I’m bothered not only that he thought his hateful and hurtful remarks were funny, but that he intended to share them with friends who would appreciate them as well.

How do we speak truth and show grace in a situation like this?

• We can seek to limit this man’s influence. There is already a petition with over 20,000 signatures seeking his removal as a school board member, and the school board itself voted 6-2 to demand his resignation. An unrepentant man with his attitudes should never be entitled to determine educational policies for children.
• We can seek this man’s redemption. Every person is created in God’s image; nothing can destroy that, but what we do can certainly dim the light within us. I don’t believe people become hurtful and hateful except as the result of mental illness or in reaction to pain and suffering in their own lives. The antidote to hate is never more hate. We can pray for his heart not to be hardened further by this experience, but to be broken by it, and ultimately healed.
• We can reflect on our own capacity to be hurtful and hateful. I would like to claim the moral high ground when I hear about a man like this, and proclaim I would never do such a thing, but I know God has looked into the depths of my own soul and has seen plenty of ugliness there. I don't want to cast the first stone.

I hope you will join me in praying for Carl Paladino and everyone else who succumbs to the temptations of hatred and racism.

Prayer: Forgive us, Lord, for those times we are tempted to respond with anger and hatred toward those whose anger and hatred appalls us. Bring wholeness and healing into Carl Paladino’s life and into our own. Amen.

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