HuffPost White House Slams Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld Over ‘Horrid, Dangerous’ Holocaust Comment
On Tuesday, a White House spokesperson joined the chorus of criticism directed at Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld, condemning his comment about the Holocaust as a “horrid, dangerous, extreme lie.” The controversy arose during Monday’s episode of “The Five” when Gutfeld’s co-host, Jessica Tarlov, expressed her discomfort with Florida’s new Black history curriculum. In response, Gutfeld made a comparison to the Holocaust, suggesting that there may have been benefits for Jews in concentration camps.
The Twisting of Viktor Frankl’s Message
Critics have accused Gutfeld of distorting the message of Viktor Frankl’s bestselling book, “Man’s Search For Meaning,” which is a personal account of Frankl’s experiences as a Holocaust concentration camp survivor. In the book, Frankl explores how individuals can find a sense of purpose and meaning even in the most challenging circumstances.
Gutfeld argued that Frankl’s book emphasizes the survival skills individuals had to develop in order to endure life in concentration camps. He suggested that utility and usefulness were instrumental in helping Jews stay alive during this horrific period. However, his interpretation has been met with strong backlash for downplaying the immense suffering and tragedy endured by millions during the Holocaust.
A White House Response: An Obscenity and Insult to Millions
The White House spokesperson, Andrew Bates, did not mince words in addressing Gutfeld’s comments. He called what was said on Fox News an “obscenity” that insults the memory of millions who suffered through both enslavement and the Holocaust. Bates emphasized that there was nothing good about either slavery or the Holocaust, unequivocally stating that Americans deserve the truth and the freedom to learn.
Auschwitz Museum and the Complexity of History
In response to Gutfeld’s comments, the Auschwitz Memorial acknowledged that some Jews may have used their skills or usefulness to increase their chances of survival during the Holocaust. However, they stressed the importance of contextualizing this statement within the complex history of the genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany. The museum clarified that Nazi Germany’s goal was the extermination of all individuals considered Jewish, regardless of their utility or contributions to society.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Perspective
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) raised questions about Gutfeld’s intention with his comments. While it is well-documented that Jews with skills had a better chance of survival, it is clear that millions of Jews were still murdered. The ADL noted that Frankl’s argument was more about how having something to live for, such as a loved one or a personal goal, could provide motivation to persevere. They underscored that the idea of Jews simply honing skills in the Holocaust is nonsense.
Editorial: Guarding Against Trivialization and Distortion
Gutfeld’s comments on the Holocaust and his interpretation of Frankl’s book are deeply troubling. Trivializing or distorting the horrors of historical atrocities, like the Holocaust, is not only disrespectful but also perpetuates ignorance and erodes the understanding of the immense human suffering that occurred.
It is essential for media organizations to be vigilant in preventing the spread of misinformation and to prioritize accurate and sensitive reporting, especially when discussing topics as sensitive as the Holocaust. History must not be diluted or manipulated to fit specific narratives or downplay the magnitude of such tragedies.
Advice: Promoting Compassionate Dialogue and Education
Moving forward, it is crucial for individuals to engage in thoughtful and compassionate conversations about such historical events. Educating oneself about the Holocaust, slavery, and other atrocities is a step towards fostering empathy, understanding, and supporting efforts to prevent such horrors from recurring.
By promoting open dialogue, respecting historical facts, and encouraging critical thinking, we can ensure that the memory of those who suffered is honored and that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
<< photo by Tim Samuel >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
