Today's episode of "The View" has made me aware that 32 years ago Elisabeth Hasselbeck came screaming into the world to parents Elizabeth and Kenneth. Although I almost exclusively disagree with the opinions she voices on that program, and frankly find all kinds of entertainment punditry to be damaging to the public discourse, I wish to extend birthday wishes to Mrs. Hasselbeck. Because sometimes it takes the appearance of a gluten-free birthday cake on a day-time talk show to remind me of the humanity of those who espouse views opposite my own.
At this point the bulk of you (or the few...let's get that ego under control) have scrolled down to find the "snark" tag on this diary. Believe it or not there is no snark intended. I genuinely hope Mrs. Hasselbeck has a wonderful birthday.
If you told me this would be the topic of my first diary entry here I probably would have given you a curious sidelong glance, Whoopi-style. Regardless, there's something about it that feels right. Let me explain...
You see, recently I've developed the habit of watching "The View" as I search new job listings, write cover letters, and otherwise manage my search for employment. I'm graduating from university in a couple of weeks so I have the time for these sorts of languid activities (though I'm genuinely concerned about finding a job). With my cup of coffee, my laptop, and the bickering ladies on the television my morning comes to a close in a simultaneously relaxing and exciting way.
It bears emphasizing that more often than not I'm infuriated by Mrs. Hasselbeck's opinions. From her stance on abortion to her opposition to gay marriage, I find that Mrs. Hasselbeck's statements come out of ignorance. They're often delivered in a shrill tone too, which adds injury to insult. I probably don't need to prove how misguided and annoying Mrs. Hasselbeck can be, but here's a Youtube video to demonstrate some of her most "annoying moments."
Nevertheless, when her brother came out and sang "Happy Birthday" and the women of "The View" gathered around a gluten-free cake to celebrate Elisabeth's birthday, the sap oozed out of me and I was reminded that Mrs. Hasselbeck isn't merely a talking head but a woman who ages and has genuine health issues. After the devastating, if inevitable, ruling on Tuesday on Proposition 8 and the bitter partisan sniping already commencing over the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor, I somehow felt comforted thinking about Mrs. Hasselbeck not as a Republican icon but simply a human being. To demonize the person holding the opinion almost always seems counterproductive. After all, it's about the purity of the cause and the brilliance of the argument that matters -- and I feel confident truth lies on the side of a woman's right to choose and gay marriage.
Her occupation may be sensationalist, her statements on the wrong side of history, but from one human being to another I wish Elisabeth Hasselbeck a happy birthday.