FOX Continues to Attack Black America

Posted by ZP Heller, Brave New Films at 10:23 AM on February 9, 2009.

We first created FOX Attacks Black America two years ago in an effort to illustrate FOX's penchant for airing bigoted views.  Not only do they bring on racist guests, but some of the most inflammatory remarks come from African Americans guests like Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson--FOX's insidious attempt to lend credence to their racial prejudice.  And despite Barack Obama's historic election, the network continues to smear the President and black America with the same kind of hateful rhetoric we saw throughout the election cycle.

On Sean Hannity's show last week, Peterson said, "I think we all agree that Barack Obama was elected by, mostly by black racists and white guilty people."  Now, Hannity pretended to be shocked by Peterson's words, but as News Hounds noted, Hannity has had Peterson on the show repeatedly over the years to spout similar bigotry.  In December of 2006, for instance, Peterson told Hannity, "Racist blacks have the freedom of expression when it comes to the issue of race and morality... but white folks are made to be quiet and not even mention race."  How did Hannity reply to Peterson during that segment?  He merely said, "Always love having you," and that he was proud to be on the advisory board of Peterson's organization, BOND Action.

Of course, after Hannity feigned offense this past week, he and Peterson quickly segued into a conversation as to whether Hannity will be considered racist simply for being a white critic of Obama.  Then, Hannity gave Peterson the last word, which turned into a racially-loaded rant about socialism and religion.  “[Voting is] based on race, and it's that Democrat 'Take care of me' mentality," Peterson said.  "You've had most of the black preachers voting for him, and I say that there is no way that you could believe in God and vote for a person like Barack Obama... He's going to take away from those willing to work hard and give to those willing to work."

There's no question that Hannity himself is a bigot.  But what FOX does by bringing on guests like Peterson and giving them the last word is to legitimize these racist views because they're coming from a black reverend and not Hannity's mouth.  Since FOX clearly has no intention of curbing or curtailing racially loaded rhetoric, it might be time for a FOX Attacks Black America sequel.

Tagged as: race, black, fox news, sean hannity, jesse lee peterson

ZP Heller is the editorial director of Brave New Films. He has written for The American Prospect, AlterNet, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Huffington Post, covering everything from politics to pop culture.