Trigger warning for a link containing homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ageism, and disablist language.
“Look around – see any Mexicans? Nope. They’ll be here later for the cleanup.”
Editor, The Daily World and management, D&R Theatre:
Today I was shocked to see the D&R Theater had engaged comedian Gallagher for a performance on October 16th. Whatever you may remember from the 80s of gleeful watermelon-smashing, the man brings much more to the stage. His act is soaked in racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, and inappropriate sexual references to young girls (amongst other offensive content). In one example of many, this summer at the Admiral in Bremerton Gallagher poured a can of fruit cocktail into a tin plate, added a canned Asian-grocery supply vegetable, then yelled “This is the China people and queers!” before smashing the whole business. Other commentary on gays, Muslims, and Mexicans are not fit for print.
I could go on and on but I won’t; you can see more verbatim content in Lindy West’s article in the Theatre section of The Seattle Stranger, June 29th, 2010.
The D&R should have vetted this act but they didn’t.
I would encourage anyone who has purchased tickets to exercise caution, do not take children, and/or seek a refund if possible.
Kelly Hogaboom
Etc.
Do you know why it took a lot out of me to write this (even though the writing only took a few minutes)? To anticipate (if it gets published in the paper at all) those who will respond telling me I should figure out better things to do, or that it’s all just a joke, or that people are too sensitive these days, or that the Thought Police are going to make no one be able to say anything, or twatever completely incorrect and boring and painful responses I’ve heard – so many, many times. For some reason it never gets less depressing to hear it again. It always hurts a little. It always gives me that twinge of Why do I bother?
So if you in any way think this is important enough to warrant action, or if you like my letter, or if you support standing up against vile racism and homophobia, or if you think the world is getting too small to afford things we never should have tolerated in the first place – I could use some support. If you have the time. I know you’re busy! I know.
And you know, normally I’m kinda a balls-out activist in written form but reading that Stranger article, and seeing this act being supported here in my neighborhood, it really, really hurt.
P.S. No Grays Harbor/Aberdeen bashing. Go do that somewheres else.
Not funny. Depressing. Hurtful. Hateful. Unacceptable. Puzzling. Debilitating, in fact. I’ll be disgusted if it doesn’t get printed. Not holding out much hope though. What are they thinking? Thanks for speaking out. How can we not speak out?
Hugs, Wendy
Wowwww. Given that this guy is not actually as big as he thinks he is (I know, shocker), I’d never heard of him. Aren’t you glad your local neighbours will be able to experience his biting social commentary?
Will you write about it if the letter does get published? I have to admit I’m curious to see the reaction, even as you dread it.
I’m all for it, Kelly. I hope your letter does get published. I get that it can be taxing to continually work to be the best and least offensive person that we each can be, though I think it’s definitely worth the work and the daily, shall I say, yoga despite the ‘tax’. Refraining from engaging in horrific nonsense such as the Stranger reports Gallagher to be doing seems to be one of the less taxing things we can do as compassionate humans. His act, as reported by the Stranger, is repulsive and completely unhelpful to humankind. Emphasis on the kind.
The world *is* getting too small to afford things we never should have tolerated in the first place. You’re exactly right. And as Wendy said, thank you for speaking out. Here’s to you!
As a Fat Acceptance activist (among the many other activist hats I wear), I completely understand what you mean when you say you sometimes get that horribly depressing twinge of “Why do I bother?”. All I can say is, for better or for worse, if none of us stand up and say “No”, things can’t get better. And I know that sounds like a platitude and probably doesn’t seem terribly helpful but you have to know that you genuinely aren’t alone in your battle(s), we care too, I promise.
Thank you for the comments and support. Today I learned another local is going to make a similar objection. And then our friend F. was over and told us she had no idea this was part of his act. So yeah… there are definitely reasons to do something.
I’m surprised to hear that his act has fallen to this kind of material. From what I remember of him in his heyday, he seemed a tad edgy, but never offensive. His act made him seem like a clever and observant person. Do you think he’s tweaked his act to appease what he thinks his audiences want? I think this would be even more disappointing that to learn he had become a horrendous bigot.
@Drake
I’m not surprised. I remember his nasty jokes and inferences about women and Mexicans and other racial groups. That’s not “edgy”, that’s gross.
In reading a few articles (which is why I knew immediately to write) I don’t think it’s an “act”, I think he truly believes these things, like many other people, however covertly they know not to say it in mixed company etc.
To me what is “funny” is that I saw Gallagher at the LA Comedy Club near UCLA in 1974 or so… and he is still doing the same stupid thing. I really didn’t think it was that funny to have to wear raincoats and get stuff thrown all over you. If you have a toddler eating, you pretty much get the same thing. Why do folks pay to see this?