The press, led by the Associated Press, are revealing their own attitudes and prejudices yet again, in the reporting of Bill Cosby's remarks to Jesse Jackson's Rainbow/Push group.

Bill Cosby went off on another tirade against the black community

according to Don Babwin of the AP.

A tirade. Oh really?

So, according to Mr. Babwin, a parent who tells a child that his behavior needs correction, that he is capable of something better, is launching a tirade?

Did Bill Cosby scream at his audience? The audio tape I heard on the radio this morning indicated a polished performer communicating with skill and some passion. But no anger.

Underlying Mr. Babwin's turgid account is an assumption that the only decent way to deal with people —— well, black people, at least — is to have low standards and say nothing in the least that would make anyone uncomfortable. President Bush's phrase, 'the soft bigotry of low expectations' comes to mind. Anything else is a tirade.

Posted by Thomas  07 02 04