Things I Have to Say: Ann Coulter’s Jaw

By now you may have heard that Ann Coulter’s jaw was broken (reportedly in a fall), and as a result the commentator’s jaw has been temporarily wired shut.

Yes, Coulter is loud and abrasive and opinionated, and I tend to disagree with her on just about everything that comes out of her mouth. Yes, it may be the only circumstance under which she doesn’t have *something* vile to say.

But, those of you who have said you’re thankful for her broken jaw and resultant wiring, those of you who have headlined your posts “There is a God!”… No, just no, I cannot go there with you. Especially those who rejoiced in the news before the cause of the break was reported, when it just as easily could have resulted from an act of violence. No. I am not going to join you in relishing, in laughing at, someone else’s pain.

Even in disagreement with a person’s general worldview and commentary, I like to think that being giddy and amused that someone was hurt is not somewhere we’re willing to go. In the words of Rachel Maddow, somebody may need to “talk me down,” because right now I’m not sure that the line between these reactions I’m seeing and “ha ha, bitch deserved it” or “she was asking for it” is a very stark one.

Why this post? This post that seemingly is not women’s health-focused? Because I think it’s important to say, “No, it’s not appropriate to be happy that a woman was hurt and as a result will be silenced.” Even if the hurt was accidental, even if the silence is temporary. Even if she were a man, even if we find her words objectionable. Even if the whole thing smacks of delicious irony in your mind.

No, it’s not appropriate to be happy that a woman was hurt and as a result will be silenced.