This guy Washington has personally offended me. Not because he called his colleague the “F” word (although I think that him saying that word is deplorable), but because he sought counseling for using it. Being a jerk is not a psychiatric ailment, and he knows it. You will not find his problem in the DSM IV. He is going to counseling to save his really cool job; it’s just that simple. Now, if he admits to years of outbursts and verbal abuse to friends, family, and co-workers then maybe I’ll consider the “I need help” plea. As it stands, well, F ‘im. Plus it drives me crazy that he, on a night where black folk were getting much deserved artistic praise, he decided to act out. Jerk.
I’m most annoyed by this situation due to the fact that I’ve seen a therapist every week for four years because I truly want to sort through some stuff. (Notice how the amount of time I’ve been in therapy directly correlates with the beginning of my wife’s pregnancy. Coincidence? Doubt it.) I’m not on meds, and I’m not sure if I have much of a diagnosis, but I do bring a truck load of issues to every session. Then and now I figured I needed a little bit of extra help sorting through my past, present, and future. I’m not trying to pass off my seeking therapy as a noble act, yet somehow Washington seems to be doing just that. Therapy is not a bandage, or something you do to look good in the media, it’s a long-term commitment to, well, you. I know this from personal experience, from being married to a psychotherapist, and from being the office administrator of an outpatient mental health clinic for five years. I really hope this jerk is honest to himself and his therapist. It’s the only way for him to get something out of this.
I gotta run, Grey’s Anatomy is on.
Yeah, i’m sure he’s only doing it a)because his publicist thinks it’s a good idea, b)so he doesn’t lose fans and c)so that he doesn’t lose his job. those words came out exactly when he got mad and what he really felt deep down came out.
Jerk therapy- sounds like the perfect topic for a Dr. Phil show. But would Dr. Phil be the therapist or the patient?
No doubt, keeping his really cool (and great paying) job is a key motivating factor in Mr. Washington’s recent decision to seek therapy. But based on what I’ve heard/read, this isn’t the first time his behavior on a set has come into question. Perhaps, in his particular case, therapy is something that is actually long over due. For his sake, I hope he can get it together.
Hmmm… sounds suspiciously like Mel Gibson and Michael Richards after their little “slip” of the tongue! WOW! The J-word, the N-word, and now the F-word… I wonder how many ?-words do I have to make sure that I avoid?!?
I started reading your blog a few weeks ago and just wanted to let you know I am LOVING it!
As a black professional counselor I wouldn’t be so cynical about anyone wanting to seek professional help. Typically, men aren’t as receptive to the concept as women. Being of color historically provides yet another hurdle. I was trained that as a rule things become a problem when it affects your relationships and/or livelihood. By that basic definition Mr. Washington has hit the proverbial bottom. Too many times I have seen brothers resist this classic reality check, only to wind up losing the very resource that would pay for the professional help that cleary need. Perhaps Mr. Washington has put his traditional masculinity aside to embrace a more modern manhood, one which appears both you and I have taken advantage of. Everyone, no matter how accomplish, is not as open to the therapeutic process and self criticism. Perhaps this act of vulnerability, as public as it is, will yield something lasting and good. Not just for Mr. Washington but any other brother in crisis because Isaiah’s crisis is so high profile. After all, we are a culture that worships the lives of celebrity. What a notable example.
Drew, Thanks for giving me something to think about. I’m not 100% convinced that this issue doesn’t require a whole lot of cynicism, but I see your point. Please feel free to stop by anytime to lend your insights.
Sarah, welcome and thanks for stopping by. Hope to hear from you again soon.
Peace to the rest of y’all. You know I’ll be by your side of the blogosphere sooner or later!
I’m not sure why saying the F-word would be cause for therapy but being a butt to his friends and family means he’s like other stars…an idiot. Truthfully, I had to look up who this guy is because I didn’t know. My TV is hardly ever on and in all honesty I’ve never seen that show. But, I’ve seen plenty of stars act out who don’t really need therapy so much as they need a reality check. The laws apply to them the same as me and just because they say, I need therapy, I need rehab doesn’t excuse them from anything the same as it does not excuse me or you or anyone else.
Austin
The difference in Mel Gibson, Michael Richards is they are born of the ethno-centric, euro-centric ideology of “White is Right!” power structure. It doesn’t matter that Gibson got angry with Jews, this was white people having a falling out about white people.
Michael Richards got angry with Black people and we know the words he used to remind of us the hatred that this nation still feels towards Black people.
Isiah Washington is not in the league of these two gentlemen, especially Mel Gibson movie making power, nor even slimy Micheal Richards caricature of white peoples beloved goof-ball Kramer. // Did sales go down with the release of the new Seinfeld DVD release?
It is simply not the same. I do NOT ADVOCATE what Mr. Washington said, but it is still NOT in the realm of the other two individuals.
I know some will say name calling is name calling regardless of who does it, but you must have power, real power, such as economic, political to create social pressure which causes a change in other people to feel belittled.
The other person was stung by the words, but who really has been hurt more? What power does Mr. Washington and Black people have to change the general mindset of American ideology? Black Americans can’t change or make individuals who live alternative lifestyles understand, the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT is not the same as the Rights they fight for thought people want to link it to that.
But then again, maybe Mr. Washington did violate this person’s civil rights?…*Did he really?*
Hey Keith. Thanks for understanding my remarks on Isaiah Washington. I found your blog and wrote the response while in the middle of moving into our new home. With installations and service problems on may fronts I have finally had a chance to speak with you again. I like your style. Keep on doin’ it, man.
Drew