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A Double Standard for White Preachers?

Why do we excoriate Wright but let his right-wing counterparts slide?

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 2:11 PM CDT
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(Newser) – While Jeremiah Wright is hammered from all sides for his left-wing rhetoric, Washington Post writer EJ Dionne Jr. wonders why the same degree of backlash fails to surface over extreme statements from right-wing white preachers. Among many examples: Pat Robertson and the late Jerry Falwell famously linked feminists and gays to the 9/11 attacks, but prominent Republicans such as John McCain still vied for their backing.

"The left black preacher is challenging the social structures that everyone lives in," said one theology professor trying to explain the difference in reactions. "The white preachers on the right don't challenge these structures. Instead, they talk about issues of personal morality and individual behavior." Dionne has little sympathy for the egocentric Wright but wonders whether America will give his white counterparts the same scrutiny now.

After Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson agreed with Jerry Falwell's widely derided extremist comments, major Republicans still sought his endorsement.
After Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson agreed with Jerry Falwell's widely derided extremist comments, major Republicans still sought his endorsement.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ, has been criticized for his extremist views, but where is the outcry against white right-wing preachers.
Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ, has been criticized for his extremist views, but where is the outcry against white right-wing preachers.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The Rev. Jerry Falwell speaks at the SBC Pastors' Conference in this June 20, 2005 file photo in Nashville, Tenn. Falwell died on May 15, 2007.
The Rev. Jerry Falwell speaks at the SBC Pastors' Conference in this June 20, 2005 file photo in Nashville, Tenn. Falwell died on May 15, 2007.   (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
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Pat Robertson • Jerry Falwell • extremism • separation of church and state • Jeremiah Wright • right-wing media

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