Are you proposing a moral equivalence between Jessee Jackson and Instapundit? Or a functional equivalence? Something else?

AE,

Clearly the consequences of “nappy headed hos” is bigger than “pointy-headed Jew” because the controversy around “nappy” is bigger. My thoughts on “outrage,” though, is why.

I think widespread media directed humor at “powerful” members of society (asians, jews, whites, etc) while the same outlets that do that rarely mock “powerless” members (blacks, etc) supports my thought.

This process may compound itself. By spending resources irrationally responding to outrages, black community leaders cannot invest those same resources as outrage-free groups can.

(I responded at Soob [1] too, btw)

[1] http://soobdujour.blogspot.com/2007/04/kirked-no.html

News stories like the “nappy-head hoes” remark or the Duke scandal are best understood as the cumulative effect of a herd of media outlets all converging on the same point. The incident needs to generate interaction or friction of some kind to attract the attention of media outlets (which don't like to run outside the herd, despite what many reporters like to think).

Because the more activist elements of the Jewish community did not respond to it, there was no conflict and thus no lead for newspapers and news channels.

I agree on the parasitic nature of Sharpton and Jackson. The blogosphere is lucky not to have “leaders” like that.

Steve,

… but outrage costs one political capital, as individuals and groups end of spending goods (respect, attention, energy, concern) they could have saved or traded for something more valuable. It's “irrational,” and that's what makes me think it's a reflex.

“I agree on the parasitic nature of Sharpton and Jackson. The blogosphere is lucky not to have “leaders” like that.”

Err…”AE, will the HuffPost be bloggin the JL Kirk scandal?” [1] (and Daily Kos, Michelle Malkin, and….***INSTAPUNDIT***?)

It does seem as if some of these putative leaders often follow those they would lead; but in truth, sometimes they are actually leading. Certainly, those like Instapundit are given deference, loyalty, etc., and a recognition of being authoritative, in these situations, and even perhaps a bow and acquiescence if not always a bow and tribute.

[1] http://soobdujour.blogspot.com/2007/04/kirked-no.html

“DO BLOGS INFLUENCE SSRN DOWNLOADS? “In fact, yes they do.”

Indeed. My Libel in the Blogosphere paper has moved up over 160 places — from 1069 to 902 — in the SSRN rankings since the Katherine Coble / JL Kirk / King & Ballow affair broke out.” [1]

Nice, unintended consequence, as memetic confluences create emergence; or, Hey, this Kat thing supports and justifies what I've been saying all along! (But who doesn't appreciate such notice/proofing?) Another clue to a 5GW tactic? [2]

[1] http://instapundit.com/archives2/004193.php

[2] http://www.fifthgeneration.phaticcommunion.com/archives/2007/04/is_kirking_a_tool_in_all_gener.php

Fight started; fight finished.