Bond Author Apologizes for Calling Idris Elba “Too Street” to Play 007

I’m really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence [full statement attached] pic.twitter.com/UD6ouA45Uv

— Anthony Horowitz (@AnthonyHorowitz) September 1, 2015

It can be this easy to apologize when you offend people! Shout it from the rooftops! Let everyone know that you don’t have to get defensive!

Often, people with privilege don’t even realize that their words/actions are offensive—such is the very nature of privilege.

When Anthony Horowitz commented that Idris Elba was “too ‘street'” in his opinion to play James Bond, he wasn’t thinking of the implications in his choice of words, but Twitter sure was:

@TheMarySue @TommiCat Too street? Is that supposed to be the less offensive version of too urban, which in turn is supposed to be PC for >

— Meddwynn_Ravencroft (@Meddwynn) September 1, 2015

@TheMarySue @TommiCat < too black? Cause it’s ALL offensive, period. And a load of bull shit.

— Meddwynn_Ravencroft (@Meddwynn) September 1, 2015

Of course, whatever word Horowitz uses to describe how he thinks Elba comes across, there will likely be a bit of an undertone of racism to it. There’s nothing about Elba that intrinsically makes him more “gritty” than anyone else, so it’s hard not to feel like skin color is a factor—yes, despite the fact that he also said he thinks Adrian Lester would be an acceptable choice.

Still, it’s great that Horowitz can admit that his choice of words was what really caused the outrage. There have been plenty of people jumping to Horowitz’s defense and pointing out that he was merely suggesting a different actor if there were to be a black James Bond, but that doesn’t suddenly erase the racial implications of his word choice or seeming gut feeling concerning Idris Elba. We hope that those so quick to defend the statement—and then get angry at those who were offended by it—see how much easier it can be to just say, “Wow, I’m sorry. I can see how using that word was offensive. I didn’t mean any harm and therefore must admit that it was a mistake,” and move on with your life.

(via Mashable)

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