Posted on March 19, 2006
Remember that bratty girl in elementary school that would throw rocks at all the boys during recess and boss around any of the girls who were too soft-spoken to stand up for themselves? Ever wonder what happened to that irritating-yet-dominating character? I’ve found her for you, and she still towers over men, bosses around anyone she can get her hands on, and gets about as much media attention as America’s late beloved Anna Nicole Smith. She’s a conservative columnist, blogger-slash-poster-child for the extreme right: Ann Coulter. Along with sharing Smith’s first name, signature blond hair, and outlandish comments that would be better left unsaid, these two ladies share one more thing in common — the amount of buzz and attention the mere mention of their names create.
It was one of those bad life decisions for Coulter on March 2 at the Conservative Political Action Conference, when she referred to the Democrat presidential candidate John Edwards as a “faggot,” insulting not only him but virtually every member of the gay community by using that particular slur. In her weak defense, Coulter did issue an apology in her own twisted way after the fact, stating, “C’mon, it was a joke. I would never insult gays by suggesting that they are like John Edwards. That would be mean.” Because of her recent comments, Coulter has been dropped by several media sources such as USA Today, the National Review and a growing number of daily newspapers in each state that feature her column. Although it may seem like her career may be hurting, Coulter seems to be only gleeful, evident from the response she posted on her Web site: “I’m so ashamed, I can’t stop laughing!” However, she seems to be the only one laughing, as Republicans aren’t even touching Coulter with a 10-foot pole for fear of being labeled crazy-psycho by association.
So this must be the end for Ann Coulter, right? Now that Republicans are asking she not be invited back to the CPAC, Fox News correspondent Sean Hannity and conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh appear to be her only friends; her own party is turning on her. Wrong. Just like the media relished every time Anna Nicole Smith made one idiotic comment after another, it cannot ignore the insanely offensive statements Coulter makes. Coulter makes anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 per outlandish publicized speech, so why should she stop?
Whether it’s referring to Muslims as “rag-heads,” calling the American Democrats “brain-damaged,” or daring to defy her own gender and state: “It would be a much better country if women did not vote,” alluding that there would be more Republican victories, this woman is out of control and loving it — oh, and rich.
The public must love her to a certain extent or she would have no one reading her books or watching her on TV. The fact of the matter is that Ann Coulter is now America’s best-worst-car-accident that no one can keep his or her eyes off of. Whether she’s encouraging the America to invade [Muslim] countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity, or praising Bush because she thinks he “hates liberals,” Coulter is one thing for sure — the last person you want to take advice or receive a compliment from.
The problem with writing about Ann Coulter, talking about her, or merely speaking her name, is that ignoring her is the best solution. By writing this article, I am adding fuel to the fire of the Ann Coulter frenzy. So do me a favor, when you’re done reading this, tear it up, burn it — bury it in the Bahamas for all I care — just don’t let it get back to her that I told you so.
Sarah Delia is a sophomore English and art history major.
