Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: August 20, 2021 02:41PM
Mike Richards, the recently selected new host of Jeopardy (to replace the previous long-time host Alex Trebek, who passed away last year) has announced he is quitting after all. Taping of the new season was supposed to start today (I believe). Richards was forced into resigning, it seems, by negative fan reaction to the announcement that he, the Jeopardy producer, was chosen to become the permanent replacement for Alex. He had been the first temporary host in the guest stints we've seen recently. He did a good job, I thought, but I really liked Aaron Rodgers the football guy. He was funny and relaxed and has a nice voice.
In the past Richards has been the subject of discrimination suits (brought by models in another show he was involved with). Now it has come out that in a recent podcast he made offensive comments about women and Jews. He explains they were "jokes".
You'd think people would know better by now? (at least, those in the public eye).
Sometimes things come back to bite you. Deservedly so in many cases.
Fans are quite invested in the choice. That can be good news or bad news for the show depending on which way they choose to proceed with their next choice. For now, they're back to guest hosts.
I'm interested in this because I have watched Jeopardy for a long time and enjoy it. Too, though, I see parallels in the wider world, both with those who suffer consequences for their words and/or behaviour and those who get to keep on keeping on seemingly without having to pay the piper.
There are many parallels but this morning I'm thinking of Franklin Graham, Evangelist (son of Billy Graham) who has expressed the opinion that "liberals can't be Christians". It's the definition of 'liberal' that becomes crucial. Franklin has a lot of influence to impact people's thoughts and actions. It gets scary when it becomes evident that in some quarters the more extreme views are loudly expressed and are being heard by countless people who are easily swayed.
So far, though, what consequences do these people face, those who are leading people down the wrong path? And how much could be done anyway in a society that upholds the ideal of "free speech"?
As for Mike Richards, Producer and now-cancelled new Jeopardy host, it may take a while but ill-advised words, when you're a public figure, especially one aspiring to be the face of a revered institution (like the long-running Jeopardy show), may hop up and bite you right at the most inconvenient time.
He explains his words as being meant as jokes (oh, yes, that old stand-by) but in 2021 the attitudes words reveal matter. Make misogynistic or anti-Semitic "jokes" and you may find that out in the real world they aren't considered humourous nor acceptable any more. Finally. Thank goodness.
Yet the battle isn't over.
Here's an article about Richards stepping down from his new gig before it even started:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/mike-richards-jeopardy-1.6147463All too often people don't end up having to face consequences for their bad behaviour, misleading claims and criminal acts. Joseph Smith did at the jailhouse. Warren Jeffs is, also in jail. Jim Jones did, but not before murdering his followers and other innocent people. Too, often the little guy pays the price but the biggest fish get away. There are abundant examples of dishonest, unjust or unfit politicians who manage to prosper greatly, which is beyond unfair (but we can't discuss them here).
I'd like to see more people experience the karma they deserve.
Such as losing their followers, flock, pulpit, voice, influence, prestige, riches, reputation.
For all too many, that isn't harsh enough.
Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2021 08:11PM by Nightingale.