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.