KRXQ Sacramento Radio Hosts Encourage Violence Against Transgender Children
Even by the flexible moral, ethical, and professional standards of American talk radio, the May 28th segment of KRXQ 98.5 FM Sacramento's Rob, Arnie, & Dawn in the Morning radio talk show makes for a sickening half-hour of ugliness and cruelty. For once, the focus was not LGBT adults, but minors. The hosts, Rob Williams and Arnie States, devoted the segment in question to a vicious diatribe against transgender children, some as young as five, focusing in particular on the case of one Omaha family raising a gender dysphoric child, and their decision to support her transition from male to female.
Williams and States took turns referring to gender dysphoric children as "idiots" and "freaks," who were just out "for attention" and had "a mental disorder that just needs to somehow be gotten out of them," either by verbal abuse on the part of the parents, or even shock therapy.
"Allowing transgenders to exist, pretty soon it becomes normal to fall in love with the animals," they said.
For his part, States bragged that if his own son were to ever dare put on a pair of high heels, States would beat his son with one of his own shoes. He urged parents whose own little boys expressed a desire to wear a dress to verbally abuse and degrade them as a viable response. "Because you know what? Boys don't wear high heel shoes. And in my house, they definitely don't wear high heels.
"I'm going to go, 'You know what? You're a little idiot! You little dumbass!'" States sneered, adding later, "I look forward to when [the transgender children] go out into society and society beats them down. And they wind up in therapy."
Or dead.
In light of the well-publicized suicides this year of the two boys who took their own lives because of bullying and harassment for "acting gay" (which, in the argot of modern North American teenagers, often refers to acting in a way considered unmasculine by their peers) the stunning lack of moral sensibility on the part of States and Williams is breathtaking. But it also points to the increasingly degraded landscape of talk radio.
The causal link between Bill O'Reilly's obsessive baiting of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller on FOX and Tiller's murder on Sunday, May 31st as he was ushering in his Kansas City church, is currently being explored, an exploration particularly relevant in the case of Rob, Arnie, and Dawn in the Morning, and the potential violent fallout from their inexplicably rage-filled invective against not only transgender children, but even boys who err on the feminine side of standard adolescent behavior, behavior States and Williams consider unnatural because "men are hunters and women are gatherers."
I shudder to imagine the response of the late Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover's mother if she'd had the misfortune to hear the KRXQ broadcast.
"They were always saying [to Carl] 'You're gay, you must be gay, you act like a girl'," Sideaner L. Walker told the press in April, speaking of the dead son she had to cut down from the support beam he hung himself from after months of taunts from his peers---taunts that likely bore more than a passing resemblance to the invective used by States and Williams on their May 28th broadcast.
"I'm not open-minded once I look into sumpin'" one of the two men grunted at the beginning of the segment, their voices interchangeable. "I have every right to call you a freak and judge you on that. It makes me sick. 'Mommy, I'm a girl trapped in a boy's body,'" he simpered, mimicking an effeminate little boy. "I want to wear a dwess."
They berated co-host Dawn Rossi, who seemed genuinely horrified by the rising crescendo of ugliness towards the children and their parents from States and Williams.
"You're actually defending allowing people to become freaks?" they seethed. "A boy who wants to wear a dress is a freak. A nut." Comparing transgender children to "fat bastard kids on Maury," States and Williams urged advocates of transgender children to "stop hiding behind research and laws," whose authority they wholeheartedly reject. Braying with the certitude of the jubilantly ignorant, States and Williams revealed to listeners that "transgenders [sic] did not exist four decades ago," apparently unaware of the historical fact that transgender individuals have existed in every culture throughout recorded history, including in native American cultures where the "two spirited" were revered as teachers, healers, and shamans.
By no objective standard are dumbed-down, Wal-Mart versions of O'Reilly like States and Williams journalists. Nor are they really experts on anything other than plunging the overflowing toilets of their listeners' psyches and selling the sewage back to them, repackaged as "insight," "common sense" and "plain talk" from fake-macho blowhards hiding behind radio microphones.
One doesn't need a primer on transgender or transsexual history in order to appreciate the awesome brutality of the KRXQ shock-jocks' diatribe. All one needs is to know a child, any child. They're small, they're vulnerable, and their world is populated with gods whose divinity is derived solely from their adulthood and perceived authority.
States and Williams chose to use that authority to attack a segment of the childhood population who are more vulnerable than almost any other. Transgender children are at a point in their lives when they feel their own bodies are the enemy, and alien to them. Many of them go to bed praying that when they wake up their bodies and their inner gender will be aligned.
"If the kid ever gets to be eighteen," States snarled, "and says 'I still feel like a woman!' you say, 'Get out! Go be a freak! And understand, SON, that society will never accept you because we still have some moral judgment."
As disturbing as it has become to an increasingly enlightened segment of the mainstream American population to hear LGBT adults vilified and degraded in the media as the discussion over gay marriage and Don't Ask, Don't Tell reaches a boiling point, no one with even a passing acquaintanceship with decency could have been prepared for KRXQ's May 28th pageant of brutality towards transgender children.
Who are, after all, children, first and foremost. Trusting, innocent, and vulnerable, they ought to be beyond the reach of the violent, hate-mongering adult rhetoric that is taken for granted in American talk radio. One needs no particular sympathy for transgender people to understand the prodigious boundary transgression of promoting contempt and disgust towards children,anyone's children, on a radio show.
This should give serious pause to adults of every political, economic, and social background, whatever their stand on LGBT issues. It should be of particular concern to KRXQ's advertisers and their customers.
My little godson Michael is the light of my life. His father was a hockey player and his mother is a legendary beauty. He embodies the best of those two people to absolute perfection. It's been educational to watch his awareness of his own masculine gender assert itself in the last few years. His gender identity wasn't "learned," it came to him already hardwired, in the same way studies continue to show that a transgender child's gender is hardwired. And whatever else his struggles may be in later life, I personally doubt that gender identity is going to be one of them.
But his gentleness and his vulnerability brings my protectiveness into hyper-focus. And if he wanted to wear a dress, or told me he was a girl, my instinct as an adult would be to protect him and try to understand him.
I can only imagine the perfect horror of having someone like States as a father. But if anyone ever called my godson a "sick little freak," or a "nut," or a "freak of nature," or beat him with a shoe for being himself, I could not, and would not, be held accountable for my reaction, or my inevitable response.
I know which end of the shoe I would be on if I ever met another adult who took the official Rob, Arnie & Dawn in the Morning child-rearing advice to heart after hearing it on KRXQ 98.5 FM Sacramento.
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As someone who was a transgendered child (and now I'm 35 years old) - I know what it is like to have a father like that. I spent years trying to hide all the feelings I had about my gender, when I was 3 years old - my mother described to me the difference between boys and girls (parts-wise), as being "innies" and "outies" - and I then spent all my time in the bathtub trying to push what I had inward (to be an innie) - because I thought I was a girl.
My father was more than unsympathetic, he was mean, physically and verablly abusive (unless I acted like a boy).
At 18 , my parents put me into an "institutution" (illegally) and held against my will for 2 years while they tried to "cure" me. - by physical and verbal abuse, sexual assault, starvation, sleep deprivation, and brainwashing techniques. ( look up "STRAIGHT Inc." and "KIDs of Bergen County" on google for more stuff, it was horrific).
Anyway - now, years later, I am a 35 year old *woman*, I have a career in computing I am a parent to a 6 year old child (who was conceived of my own genetic material), I am on the PTA and other local service organizations.
These "shock jocks" are a disgrace, but then so are the politicians and such who fund this very behaviour in institutions like STRAIGHT. - this world is not safe yet for GLBT youth
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I think such parental abuse is very widespread. It is perhaps the most important way that we need to see the laws the nation changed IMMEDIATELY to show honor to all citizens. It will take decades for that kind of national change of attitude toward GLBT people to begin to show itself in the privacy of homes so that GLBT children can encounter love, support, and compassion instead of hatred, violence, and cold hearted rejection.
These guys found out that their money train was about to totally jump the tracks, hence the apology and the sense of seeing transgender people in a new light. NOT.
It is not an easy life, being transgender, but neither is it easy to be a single parent Dad, or a veteran of the Iraq war.
For those of us who are transgender, we will NEVER give up the fight to live our lives in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
It's great that the public jumped all over these guys. Now let's get Limbaugh.
I'd like to take the time to talk all of you who took the time to send e-mails and make phone calls. We can do amazing things when we put aside our differences and work together. Back slaps and high fives for all!
See Michael Rowe's Profile
GLAAD has forwarded the details of tomorrow (Thursday)'s broadcast on KRXQ, including call-in details. Information can be found here:
http://gla
er-statements/
Here's some NEW contact information from some smaller advertisers:
Attorney Debt Reset
http://www
1-877-277-7383 - tollfree
1-916-446-1791 - local
1-209-527-2177 - local
Black Bear Outdoor
www.blackb
Call (916) 652-2327
Breathe California - Emigrant Trails
Kori Titus, Deputy Director
sacbreathe
(916) 444-6661. x 217
California Sun Centers
(916) 789-1034
D.R. Horton
Donald J. Tomnitz - CEO
817-390-8200
Excellent--thank you for this information. I live in the Sacramento area, and will make a point of never doing business with any of the places above (and letting my friends know they should also avoid them).
These could still join the boycott before tomorrow - CALL
COST U LESS (ALL locations are acting as drop-off centers for the KRXQ Pays Your Bills promotion)
Rocklin, 916-315-1680
Auburn, 530-823-0143
Yuba City, 530-671-8580•
Sacramento, 916-338-6000
Citrus Heights, 916-721-4201
Sacramento, 916-485-5427
Elk Grove, 916-683-2410
Woodland, 530-661-0697
Carmichael, 916-485-5551
Folsom, 916-817-8140
Rancho Cordova, 916-636-9406
Sacramento, 916-427-1222
CACHE CREEK CASINO RESORT
ask for Dan Russo, Advertising Manager
530-796-3118
ONE BIG BIN (looks like some sort of advertising cooperative for different municipalities)
http://www
Main Phone: 916.625.55
JARED JEWELERS (also owns Kay Jewelers)
David Bouffard, Consumer & Trade Media
jewels.comjewels.com
330-668-5369
PURINA
Keith Schopp, Public Relations
purina.comrina.com
314-982-2577
PEP BOYS
Ray Arthur, Chief Financial Officer
pepboys.co
Alexandra Spooner, Communications Manager
pepboys.co
Phone: 1-800-PEP-BOYS (737-2697)
PRO CITY MORTGAGE:
procitymor
Local 916-PRO-CITY (916-776-2489)
Toll Free 888-PRO-CITY (888-776-2489)
Fax 916-797-8616
Response to me from Wells Fargo:
Thank you for your message. We appreciate your feedback and take such matters seriously.
Given Wells Fargo is a diverse employer, is committed to equality, and does not tolerate discrimination; when we learned about the inappropriate comments made during a KXRQ broadcast on May 28 a decision was made to remove Wells Fargo’s logo from the radio station’s Web site.
Wells Fargo was not an advertiser on the May 28 broadcast, is not currently advertising with KXRQ and has not done so for more than a year.
We’re proud of our commitment of supporting many organizations that serve our diverse communities – which is consistent with our company values.
We very much appreciate your comments.
UC Davis Health System severed ties with KRXQ. This is the organization that the fans and the show were using as a shield. They argued that by raising money for UC Davis Health System, they couldn't possibly be harming children through their hateful speech.
Evidently UC Davis disagreed.
In her letter to station management, Pomeroy stated, “We affirm the right of freedom of expression, within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity and respect. The statements made by Rob Williams and Arnie States were outside those bounds.”
Pomeroy also stated that hosts’ comments and the station’s “lack of a publicly articulated response” to them “are inconsistent with UC Davis’ values and mission.”
Here's coverage on the announcement: http://www
What time is the "apology" tomorrow?
To whoever said that Dawn was in tears by the end of the segment: Dawn does have a big heart, but she's also a self-described hypocrite. Dawn telling them to stop saying something and at times welling up when a topic really affects her IS A REGULAR FORMULAIC OCCURRENCE ON THE SHOW.
Her getting upset at what they say happens ALL THE TIME. So much so that to this regular listener since 2000, the original 30 minute tirade against transgender kids did NOT raise a red flag with me. There was no blip on my screen whatsoever, because that is how often Rob and Arnie rail against anyone and everyone. I know that people who don't listen to the show regularly might listen to that and think "oh my god, how awful... she's crying! This has really gone too far." No... it happens regularly. After commercial, she's back to laughing. If she really had a problem with things they said and did, she wouldn't allow herself to be associated with them professionally, let alone be friends with them.
BTW, don't waste your time trying to persuade Griffin and Reed Eyecare to stop advertising with Rob Arnie and Dawn. It will NEV.ER. happen. Don't ask me how I know.
Yes it is. Good point.
I'm so happy to hear about all the former sponsors who've pulled advertising/won't advertise in the future. I'll never do business with Griffin and Reed Eyecare, and will encourage everyone I know to also never do business with them.
I know Glaad posted a statement from RedBull, but I was really impressed by their response and wanted to share:
I actually received a PHONE CALL from RedBull a short time ago. Their company's name had been on one of the sponsor lists so I had written to them on a contact form that asked for a phone # as well.
Their rep. called to let me know that they appreciated the email, aren't currently sponsors on the station, they don't condone hate speech, and that they won't be advertising on the station in the future.
To take the time to actually CALL people on the phone was a very impressive response I thought.
Can someone please tell me where I can get a transcript of the "apology" show from June 3rd?
There is a part of that show that really bugged me, but it was so like, OMG! What did he just say?! that I can't remember the whole remark.
It was when Arnie told a transgendered veteran that she "fought for nothing" when she served in our military.
I know he said more than that and I really want to remember what it was, I remember it made me angry, but I was just shocked too.
There are no audio versions of the show anymore, that I can find, and so I am wondering if there is a complete transcript anywhere?
Thanks for your help :)
Why?
Why do you care why?
If you have a transcript please provide a link, otherwise, don't worry about it.
A list of remaining current sponsors:
FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY
(they are WELL AWARE of what was broadcast and are 'ABSOLUTELY FINE' about continuing to advertise.
530-878-7223
COST U LESS (ALL locations are acting as drop-off centers for the KRXQ Pays Your Bills promotion)
Rocklin, 916-315-1680
Auburn, 530-823-0143
Yuba City, 530-671-8580·
Sacramento, 916-338-6000
Citrus Heights, 916-721-4201
Sacramento, 916-485-5427
Elk Grove, 916-683-2410
Woodland, 530-661-0697
Carmichael, 916-485-5551
Folsom, 916-817-8140
Rancho Cordova, 916-636-9406
Sacramento, 916-427-1222
CACHE CREEK CASINO RESORT
ask for Dan Russo, Advertising Manager
530-796-3118
ONE BIG BIN (looks like some sort of advertising cooperative for different municipalities)
http://www
HALF-OFF SACRAMENTO (LOADS of local advertisers!)
http://sho
JARED JEWELERS
David Bouffard, Consumer & Trade Media
jewels.comjewels.com
330-668-5369
PURINA
Keith Schopp, Public Relations
purina.comrina.com
314-982-2577
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES
Keoni Wagner Vice President, Public Affairs
hawaiianai
808-838-6778
PEP BOYS
Ray Arthur, Chief Financial Officer
pepboys.co
Alexandra Spooner, Communications Manager
pepboys.co
GRIFFIN & REED EYECARE:
LASIKworld
PRO CITY MORTGAGE:
procitymor
U.C. Davis has sent out messages that they don't condone the speech and will not willingly sponsor intolerance or abuse of any kind. They haven't decided what to do about their relationship with the station yet. Your thoughts may be helpful to them.
Contact their public affairs office: http://www
Given that the show justifies their actions by saying they raise money for this hospital, effectively using the hospital as a shield from any criticism they receive, losing this sponsor would be a powerful blow. If they are remotely serious about the charities they do support, this may lead to a real wake-up call.
From State Farm this morning -
Thank you for your comments regarding State Farm running advertisements
on station KRXQ in Sacramento. We have read your concerns and those of
others with similar concerns. We take very seriously each comment we
receive.
State Farm has not advertised on KRXQ in 2009. Once this particular
show ran, we discovered that the station had not removed our company
logo from their website and that mistake has been rectified.
Thank you again for your e-mail.
Sincerely,
Jairon L. Wills
State Farm Corporate Customer Service Supervisor
Pass that on to GLAAD for their next press release. That's 2 today.
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