Soapbox Time

I decided to sit down for a couple of minutes with a cup of coffee yesterday and check in on the TV program "Home and Family" on the Hallmark channel.  I used to catch it from time to time during our time in Florida, so thought it might be fun to catch up.

"Soapbox" - Quick sketch using Faber Castille .5 black ink pen, and Inktense pencils activated with water.

nce again age discrimination has reared it's ugly head and is alive, well and thriving on, of all places, the HALLMARK channel on a show called "HOME AND FAMILY."  I was surprised to see that Christine Ferarra was not hosting and initially thought she might be on vacation.  From the way people were talking however, I decided to google the show to see if I had missed something.  Sure enough, Christine was removed and Debbie moved into her hosting position.......no goodbye, go thank you, no......anything.  Post after post on google expressed outrage and the "firing" of Christine with no explanation or farewell.  Those that posted anger and disgust did not seem to have an issue with Debbie, but were extremely upset that a station that touts family values would throw a 62 young woman off the bus in such an offensive way.

As I continued to watch, it seems people who cast hosts for this show did not take into account the role Christine played within the H & F group.  She is the one who made guest feel welcome and at ease.  She was also the one who tamed down Mark, the co-host, when his ego or apparent competitive characteristics seemed to over-power a guest or colleague.  She was the one who worked to include everyone in the conversation, DIY craft or activity.

Debbie is cute, stylish and perky and clearly has mastered the art of interviewing.  The tone she sets, however, is closer to Savannah Guthrie than Martha Stuart.

I will be emailing the Hallmark channel to express my disgust in the apparent age-discrimination practices.  I will not be tuning in again to see this show - on principle alone!