Dr. Laura: America's Turning Into a 'Not Offended Zone'

Early last month, syndicated radio host Laura Schlessinger caused a stir by saying the word "nigger" several times on her radio program. At the time, I wrote that what she said, while trite, was not racist. Nevertheless, a hail of criticism in the immediate wake of the incident caused Schlessinger to apologize and resign, saying she desires "to be able to say what's on my mind and … without somebody getting angry, some special interest group deciding this is the time to silence a voice of dissent and attack affiliates, attack sponsors. I'm sort of done with that."

A month later, Schlessinger is ostensibly back on the offensive. Here's a message sent to my personal e-mail just hours ago. A Dr. Laura staffer who spoke on condition of anonymity has confirmed that the tirade, which addresses Quran burning and "murderous tyranny," came directly from Schlessinger herself, and may be used in part on her radio program today.

Whether it's a script or not, Schlessinger's decision to send something like this — "WHO IS THE GRINCH WHO STOLE BIRTHDAY?" — directly to people who have written about her seems interesting, to put it lightly.

Full transcript below, in its original format:

Dr laura program open for Wednesday September 9, 2010Thank you! Those of you who listen regularly to this program know I amBIG on tolerance.  For example, I tell callers who are bemoaning aparent or other relative's ANNOYING behavior…to play "Stepford" humanbeing and just smile and be nice.  If however that relative is EVIL -now THAT is NOT to be tolerated.  But being annoyed or likewiseoffended by stupid comments, quirky behavior, irritating demands, oddhabits is a waste of time and emotion.  Everybody has their quirks.And when you live in a country like the United States of America - asalad of cultures and personalities with the freedom of selfexpression - there's always going to be something to be surprised oroffended by.Unfortunately, America, it seems, is evolving into a "NOT OFFENDEDZONE."  If anyone feels their feathers ruffled…well…many seem to thinkthat the world should stop spinning on its access out of respect fortheir momentary discomfort.  This would be just silly and funny….if itwere not a growing danger.

Next Example:  There is a blog called "love affair with gossip" and itis written by someone who calls herself "buggy Girl."  Let me tell youwhat she wrote: "Last night my family and I went to the Olive Gardenfor my birthday dinner.  Anywho, it came time for them to bring thecake out and sing Happy Birthday.  The server informed us that theOlive Garden staff could no longer participate in the ritual ofsinging Happy Birthday because some patrons had complained thatsinging by the staff was disturbing to their meals."How long does it take to sing Happy Birthday..?…I just timed it: 6or 7 seconds.  Let me understand this…some grouchy people don't liketo hear 6 or 7 seconds of cheer for somebody else and the CHEER HAS TOSTOP.  WHO IS THE GRINCH WHO STOLE BIRTHDAY?  Also…take a vote: willmost people stop going to a restaurant BECAUSE Happy Birthday issung….OR…BECAUSE it is NOT?Yes…I understand these are stupid calls…but they are also dangerousones that unfortunately promise the tyranny of those who PROCLAIMbeing OFFENDED.

Cord Jefferson is a staff writer at The Root. Follow him on Twitter.Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.