In a recent interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro was questioned about a controversial tweet he posted in 2011, referring to American activist Rachel Corrie as one of the 'Great Idiots of History.' Despite facing backlash for sharing his questionable views, Shapiro expressed no regrets about his choice of words.
Rachel Corrie, who tragically lost her life at the age of 23, was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza while engaging in activism. Shapiro's tweet labeling her as a 'Great Idiot' sparked outrage due to its insensitivity and lack of empathy.
When pressed about any regrets regarding the tweet, Shapiro responded, 'Not particularly. I mean, I think that Rachel Corrie, her death was tragic, but that doesn't mean that she wasn't engaged in deep foolishness, that there are many members of the West who unfortunately do act as useful idiots for terror groups.'
While Shapiro acknowledged the tragedy of Corrie's death, he argued that she was foolishly aligned with dubious interests. He characterized her demise as a 'tragic accident' while also claiming that Corrie had positioned herself in the blind spot of the bulldozer.
Piers Morgan continued the line of questioning, suggesting that Shapiro's views may have evolved over the past 13 years since the tweet was posted. Morgan asked if Shapiro would have phrased it differently today.
Shapiro responded, 'I mean, perhaps I might phrase it differently now. Do I feel that she was a fool and that she was acting on behalf of nefarious interests? Absolutely.'
Shapiro's controversial remarks are not isolated incidents. He has garnered attention for sharing contentious opinions on various subjects, including his objections to non-white actors portraying Disney characters and even expressing disdain for the existence of a Barbie movie.
The discussion surrounding Shapiro's comments on Rachel Corrie serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding free speech, personal responsibility, and the importance of empathy within public discourse. While individuals should be entitled to express their viewpoints, it is crucial to approach sensitive topics with respect and consider the impact of one's words.
