Topolánek´s Incorrectness

Former Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek is an author of one of the most memorable cases of political incorrectness in the modern history of Czech politics. His comments for a gay magazine LUI upset homosexuals and Jewish community. On March 20th 2010 Czech tabloid Blesk.cz published video filmed during photo shoot for magazine LUI which led to Topolanek´s demission. Topolánek was asked to describe gays in 5 words; as an example he chose Czech Transport Minister. “I think that Gustav Slamečka gives way when the situation is really, really tough. Fisher, however, is a Jew, he is not a gay and he gives way even earlier. This has nothing to do with him being a gay, it’s his character.”

There can be no discussion on the correctness of Topolánek´s comments since they were clearly politically incorrect and. The question is, were they racist or homophobe? I do not think they were. From the video it is also clear that Topolánek is neither. Even though the comments are offensive, it is only Fisher and Slamečka personally who should feel insulted and not the communities. Topolánek made it clear (even though bit clearer would not hurt) that Slamečka gives away because of his character and not because he is a gay, as well as Fisher does.

This is not an attempt to excuse Topolánek´s comments. I think we can agree that those were at least inappropriate and very unprofessional especially from a politician. But to me, they were just inept comments and not at all so scandalous and hateful as some media reported.

Link to the video:
http://video.novinky.cz/video/doporucujeme/?videoId=9394