‘The View’ Fans Applaud Hosts For Taking Guest John McWhorter to Task: “Did Not Come to Play Today”

Both the audiences and hosts of The View were having none of the show’s guest today, writer John McWhorter. The Woke Racism author visited the panel today to promote his new title — only to get shut down by Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin in a matter of minutes. It didn’t take long for the hosts to call him out for comparing racism to religion. And before McWhorter was able to escape, Goldberg tossed in one last roast: while announcing the in-studio audience would receive a copy, she made it seem like they wouldn’t even want one. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

Tensions began when Hostin was given the chance to ask her first question. “So, there are systems that need to be changed, and you say there is racism. But in 2008, in a Forbes article, you wrote that we can call ourselves a post-racial country. You said that America is past racism against Black people. But then in this book, you write that anti-racism is a religion,” she began. “Do you believe that racism, then, is also a religion? And that we’re honestly living in a post-racial society? Since you’re against anti-racism training and policies, what is your solve?”

“Well, remember: I’m not against anti-racism. It’s not that I’m in favor of racism,” McWhorter responded. “What I was saying there was that Barack Obama’s election proved that racism isn’t what it used to be. I will openly own that what I meant then — because I mean it now — is that racism, although it’s a bad thing, although we must tamp it down, is not as conclusive an obstacle to Black success as we often say.”

Hostin fired right back ad McWhorter: “You said our proper concern is not whether racism still exists but whether it remains a serious problem. You said the election of Obama proved that it no longer does.”

But before the two could really get into it, Goldberg was forced to send the show to a commercial break. While the hosts were on break, The View fans took to social media to applaud Hostin for taking McWhorter to task.

“I’m not following this conversation,” one user shared. “Check him Sunny! Thank goodness whoopi cut to a commercial.”

But a commercial break can only last so long, and before The View audiences knew it, McWhorter was back for more. This time, it was Goldberg’s turn to put the guest in his place.

“At some point, someone’s going to have to admit there is an issue with race in the country,” she said. “We’re going to have to come to terms with that. I think that’s part of the problem, is that too many pockets say, ‘Well, that’s not really what’s going on,’ when, in fact, it is.”

“But Whoopi, with sincere respect—” McWhorter began.

“Or insincere respect!” Goldberg interrupted.

The pair continued to discuss the prevalence of racism in America, debating how to bring the country to take note of the many imbalances. As they conversed, The View audiences returned to social media to celebrate Goldberg’s persistence.

“Our thanks to John McWhorter. His latest book, Woke Racism, is out right now. Members of the studio audience, you can have these conversations yourselves. You’re going home with a copy.”

Still, viewers at home were not impressed: “Leave that book right there in the damn studio,” one shared.

The View airs weekdays on ABC at 11/10c.

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