In a recent episode of ABC News' daytime talk show "The View," co-host Whoopi Goldberg sparked controversy with her comparison of life for Black Americans in the United States to that in Iran.
Goldberg, a prominent figure in Hollywood, suggested that the experiences of Black individuals in America are akin to living in the Islamic state.
According to RedState, the discussion unfolded as the panelists debated the perils of life in Iran. Alyssa Farah, one of the participants, asserted, "I think it's very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran in 2025."
Goldberg, however, countered this statement with a shocking retort, "Not if you're black." This sentiment was echoed by co-host Sunny Hostin, who added, "not for everybody."
Goldberg's remarks were met with swift rebuttal from Farah, who urged viewers not to misconstrue Goldberg's comments as an endorsement of travel to Iran. "Guys, don't go to Tehran," Farah warned. "Do not, anyone at this table, go to Tehran."
The conversation took a further contentious turn when Goldberg suggested that being gay or a woman in Iran is no different than being black in America. Despite acknowledging the United States as the greatest country in the world, Goldberg continued to critique the nation. "But every day we are worried," she said. "Do we have to be worried about our kids? Are our kids going to get shot because they are running through somebody's neighborhood?"
Sarah Haines, another panelist, interjected to highlight the plight of women in Iran, stating, "They are not doing well in Iran. They are not educated," only for Hostin to redirect the conversation back to the United States.
As pointed out by Townhall.com, homosexuality is criminalized in Iran, with the maximum penalty being death, a stark contrast to the freedoms enjoyed in the United States. This fact underscores the inaccuracy of Goldberg's comparison.
Goldberg's comments have sparked a wave of backlash online, with many users criticizing her for spreading misinformation. One user pointed out the harsh penalties for dress code violations in Iran, while another highlighted the success of prominent Black women in America, such as Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, and Cardi B.
The heated exchange on "The View" didn't end there. Hostin stirred further controversy by labeling Israel's strike on Iran as "preemptive" and "illegal." In response, Haines defended, "I'm not going to defend the legalness of a terrorist nation that has been funding people killing people for decades"
Farah added, "Iran has launched ballistic missile attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq just 3 years ago, preemptively. They have attacked Israel preemptively. They are a terrorist nation."
The debate on "The View" underscores the complexities of discussing racial and international issues on a public platform. While it is essential to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, it is equally important to ensure that comparisons made are accurate and fair.
The backlash against Goldberg's comments serves as a reminder of the need for informed and balanced discourse, particularly when discussing sensitive topics such as race and international relations.
Login