Yesterday I blogged here about Kathie Lee Gifford’s thoughtless remark yesterday, referring to us as “nasty, bad Pagans”. Here’s that URL, the comments are made about 4:17 in the clip:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25368216#25368216

Here’s Kathie Lee Gifford’s blanket apology today, located between the two and three minute mark on the clip:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25411068#25411068

In the midst of talking about her co-hosts hair, she stops and says to the camera: “I’m just trying to make up…I think every three months we do the show, I’m just going to issue a blanket apology to everybody I’ve offended [co-host laughs]. And you know who you are. So just…I’m sorry, okay? Every one of you. Millions and millions of you, I’m just sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

Then the subject was quickly changed to a remark from the co-host about the crowd outside.

More than 2000 people have signed a petition located here, asking for a Today Show segment devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism. They are also calling for a boycott on the sponsor of that segment, Samsung.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/392567595

I also don’t know if I support the boycott of Samsung. They sponsored a segment about weddings, and Kathie Lee’s ad lib wasn’t part of the deal.

I don’t find this blanket apology acceptable, but I fear that it is the best we will get. I can’t see NBC taking it any further than that, although I’d love to find a way to make them. She apologized. Specifically to us? Nope. To everyone she’s offended. The only thing we can do is continue to make phone calls and email NBC, telling them a blanket apology is not good enough.

To me, Kathie Lee’s remarks run along the lines of Don Imus’ comments calling young female black athletes “nappy-headed”. Prejudice should be addressed and dealt with, and there should be responsibility taken for bigoted comments, whether racially or religiously motivated.

So here’s the information again. Let NBC know that a blanket apology isn’t good enough, and religious slurs will not be tolerated. If we don’t speak up for ourselves, and spread awareness, we can’t expect things to change.

E-mails can be sent to : today@nbc.com

Direct phone contact can be made at 212-644-4249, press 1 and ask to speak with Jim Bell, who is the Producer of the Today Show. You can complain directly to him.
Also, a petition has been started, please forward the link to everyone you know.